The smell of sausage rolls fresh from the oven is a memory that takes me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Every family gathering, every special occasion had these golden, flaky parcels of pure comfort. What started as a traditional British teatime treat has become a beloved recipe that bridges generations – a simple yet magical combination of crisp pastry and savory sausage that never fails to bring smiles to faces young and old.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make from scratch
- Perfect for parties and gatherings
- Freezer-friendly
- Kid-approved
- Makes a great snack or appetizer
- Can be made ahead of time
- Endlessly customizable
Recipe Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 16-18 sausage rolls
- Calories: Approximately 180 calories per roll
Ingredients & Equipment
For the Sausage Filling
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
For the Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 extra egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Optional: Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Pastry brush
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, diced onion, minced garlic, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix thoroughly but gently to avoid tough meat. - Prepare the Pastry
Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Shape the Rolls
Roll out puff pastry sheets. Divide each sheet into two long rectangles. Form sausage mixture into long, even logs down the center of each pastry strip. - Roll and Seal
Fold pastry over the sausage mixture, creating a long roll. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork or your fingers. - Prepare for Baking
Cut each long roll into 4-5 smaller sausage rolls. Place on prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. - Add Egg Wash
Whisk egg with milk. Brush the top of each sausage roll with egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning if desired. - Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes until pastry is puffed and golden brown, and sausage is cooked through.
Expert Tips
- Meat Mixing: Mix sausage filling gently to keep it tender. Overmixing can make the meat tough.
- Pastry Handling: Keep puff pastry cold. Work quickly to prevent it from warming up and becoming difficult to handle.
- Even Cooking: Make sure sausage rolls are similar in size for consistent cooking.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat Alternatives:
- Ground chicken
- Ground turkey
- Vegetarian sausage mixture
- Plant-based ground meat
- Seasoning Variations:
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Use different herb combinations
- Incorporate cheese into the filling
- Pastry Options:
- Shortcrust pastry
- Homemade pastry
- Gluten-free puff pastry
Troubleshooting Guide
- Soggy Bottom:
- Ensure puff pastry is cold
- Don’t overload with filling
- Bake on lower oven rack
- Dry Filling:
- Don’t overmix meat
- Add a little milk or egg
- Avoid overcooking
Storage and Meal Prep
- Refrigeration: Store cooked rolls 3-4 days
- Freezing:
- Freeze unbaked rolls for up to 3 months
- Freeze baked rolls for 1 month
- Reheating:
- Oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes
- Air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare and freeze unbaked rolls.
Q: Are these kid-friendly?
A: Great for kids – easy to eat and customize.
Q: How do I keep pastry crisp?
A: Avoid covering when storing, reheat in oven.
Q: Can I make mini sausage rolls?
A: Cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized appetizers.
Final Thoughts
Sausage rolls are more than just a snack – they’re a culinary hug, a bite of comfort that connects us to tradition and home.
Enjoy every flaky, savory bite!