Okay, friends, let’s talk about the ultimate comfort food: sausage rolls. But not just any sausage rolls – *these* sausage rolls. I remember my grandma making these every Christmas, and the smell alone was enough to send us kids into a frenzy. They’re flaky, savory, and just downright irresistible. If you’re looking for something easier than making, say, a full shepherd’s pie, but still delivers on that warm, hearty flavor, this sausage rolls recipe is your answer. Trust me, once you try these Homemade Sausage rolls, you’ll never go back to the store-bought kind!
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What is a sausage roll?
Think of a sausage roll as a handheld pie, but instead of being filled with fruit, it’s packed with delicious, seasoned sausage meat. It’s essentially sausage meat wrapped in flaky Puff Pastry, baked until golden brown. The beauty of sausage rolls is their simplicity – they’re easy to eat, portable, and always a crowd-pleaser. They’re a staple in British cuisine, and for good reason! They’re great for a snack, lunch, or even a simple dinner. I remember eating these when I was little and making a mess on my face with the flaky pastry, they always brought a smile to my face.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to adore this recipe, but let’s start with the obvious: the flavor! The combination of savory sausage, perfectly seasoned, encased in buttery, flaky pastry is just heavenly. What I love most about this is how easy it is. Seriously, you don’t need to be a pastry chef to nail this recipe. The ingredients are super cost-effective. Sausage meat is relatively inexpensive, and Puff Pastry is a freezer staple. What’s more, you can enjoy sausage rolls hot or cold! They’re perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or a quick snack. This reminds me of the mini quiches I used to make and bring to work, this is just easier.
How do you make sausage rolls?
Quick Overview
How do you make a Sausage Roll? What are some good seasonings for sausage meat? How do you roll out puff pastry, spread the sausage mixture evenly, roll it up, slice into squares. I like the idea of a roll, and bake it until golden brown and puffy. Is this recipe easy to make? How do you make a perfect sausage roll? They’re great to prepare in bulk too.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Filling:
* 1 pound (450g) sausage meat – I prefer a good quality pork sausage, but you can use any kind you like. If you want to add a little kick, use spicy Italian Sausage!
* 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds a lovely depth of flavor. Don’t skip this!
* 1 clove garlic, minced – For that extra savory punch.
* 1 teaspoon dried sage – A classic sausage roll seasoning.
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Another great herb for adding aroma.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the sausage.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best.
* 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs – Helps bind the mixture and absorb excess moisture.
For the Pastry:
* 2 sheets (14 oz/400g) ready-made puff pastry – This is a lifesaver! I always keep some in my freezer. Make sure it’s all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor.
* 1 egg, beaten – For egg wash, gives the sausage rolls a beautiful golden-brown color.
Optional Glaze:
* Sesame seeds – For sprinkling on top, adds a nice nutty flavor and visual appeal.
What is the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I clean a sausage roll?
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sausage meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried sage and dried basil. Serve immediately. What are the ingredients for breadcrumbs? Thyme, salt, Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Breadcrumbs prevent sausage rolls from exploding in the oven as they help absorb moisture.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface. Gently unfold one sheet of puff pastry. If it’s too cold, let it sit for a few minutes until it’s pliable enough to roll out without cracking. Roll the pastry out slightly to even out any creases and make it a little thinner. I always do this so that the pastry doesn’t overpower the delicious sausage filling.
Step 4: Add the Sausage Filling
Divide the sausage mixture in half. Spread half of the mixture evenly over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a 1-inch (2.25cm) seam. 5cm) border along one of the long edges. Make sure the layer of sausage is even, so the rolls cook uniformly.
Step 5: Roll It Up
Starting from the opposite long edge (the one without the border), tightly roll up the puff pastry. How do you wrap sausage filling? Press the seam firmly to seal. Make sure it’s tight, to keep all that delicious filling from exploding in the oven.
Step 6: Cut into Rolls
With a sharp knife, cut the sausage roll into even slices, about 1-inch (2.5cm) thick. I usually get about 8-10 rolls from each sheet of pastry. These freeze great too, so I make as many as I can.
Step 7: Repeat with Second Sheet
Repeat steps 3-6 with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining sausage mixture.
Step 8: Egg Wash & Sprinkle
Place the sausage rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll. Brush the tops of the sausage rolls with the beaten egg. This gives them a beautiful golden sheen. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. They add a nice nutty flavor and visual appeal.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the sausage filling is cooked through. What are the best ovens to cook in? I always turn the tray around halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 10: Cool & Serve
Remove sausage rolls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature. I prefer them still slightly warm, as the pastry is extra flaky then.
What should I serve it with?
Sausage rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways. They’re perfect as a snack, lunch, or even a simple dinner. When I make these, I like to think about how I am going to present them to the family.
For Brunch:What are the best side dishes for brunch? Serve them with a salad and some fruit. What is a good salad to serve with olive oil? A mimosa or a glass of sparkling wine adds elegance.
As a snack:Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. What are some good homemade chutneys? What are some good pairings with a cold beer?
For Dinner:For a complete meal, serve them with mashed potatoes and some steamed vegetables. Can you make a tomato soup? Add a glass of red wine to complement the savory flavors. I usually end up using leftover roasted veggies from the night before.
For Game Day:What are some of the best game day gifts? Serve with a variety of dips and sauces, such as ranch dressing, or hot sauce. Offer a selection of beers and soft drinks.
How do I make sausage rolls?
What are some tips to take your sausage rolls to the next level?
Pastry Perfection:Make sure your puff pastry is cold when you start working with it. How do you keep a flaky skin from getting too sticky? If it starts to get too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. This step is crucial. If it’s too warm, they might turn out a little greasy.
Sausage Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings in your sausage filling. Try adding a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat, or some grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. I love adding a little bit of fennel seed for an anise flavor.
Even Baking:For evenly baked sausage rolls, make sure your oven is properly preheated and that the heat is evenly distributed. Is it evenly distributed If your oven has hot spots, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking. My oven usually is off balance, so I constantly have to rotate my pastries while cooking.
What are some good alternatives to egg washIf you don’t have an egg on hand, you can use milk or cream instead of egg wash. This will still give the sausage rolls a nice golden color. The milk gives it smoky shine as well.
What is freezing for later? Sausage rolls freeze beautifully. To freeze, place the unbaked sausage rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is my absolute favorite thing to do as you always have an emergency snack.
Knife Skills: Use a sharp knife to cut the sausage rolls into even slices. This will prevent the pastry from tearing and ensure that the rolls bake evenly.
Grease Patrol: Place the cooked sausage rolls on a wire rack to cool. This will allow any excess grease to drain away, resulting in crispier sausage rolls. This helps prevent them from sitting and soaking up any grease.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your sausage rolls fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Sausage rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Make sure to cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: To store sausage rolls in the refrigerator, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always add a paper towel to the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture.
Freezer Instructions: Sausage rolls can also be frozen for longer storage. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped sausage rolls in a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Always make sure to label the date on the packaging.
Reheating: To reheat sausage rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. I like to add a spritz of water on top before reheating as this helps prevent them from drying out. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to sausage rolls recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making these all the time. They’re savory, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious! If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my mini quiches or my savory pie recipes. Happy baking, everyone! I can’t wait to see your versions. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how yours turned out!
How to Make Scrumptious Sausage Rolls in 7 Simple Steps
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds chicken sausage ground
- 34.6 ounces puff pastry thawed
- 2 large eggs divided
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine the chicken sausage, panko breadcrumbs, cilantro, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and one egg in a large bowl. Mix gently to combine.
- Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a 12x12 inch square. Cut into three rectangles.
- Place the sausage mixture in logs along the center of each pastry rectangle and fold the pastry over, sealing the edges.
- Cut each log into 6 pieces and place on the prepared sheets. Make slits on top of each roll.
- Whisk the remaining egg with the milk and brush over the rolls.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Let cool on the tray for a few minutes before serving.
