Christmas Sausage Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic snack, combining flaky puff pastry with a flavorful filling that’s perfect for the holiday season. These savory treats are enhanced with festive flavors like cranberries, herbs, and perhaps a touch of spice, making them a crowd-pleasing addition to any Christmas party or gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavors: Traditional sausage rolls get a holiday makeover with cranberries and seasonal spices.
- Simple and Quick: Easy to prepare and bake, ideal for busy holiday schedules.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great as an appetizer, party snack, or side dish.
- Customizable: Tailor the filling to suit your taste preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and bake when needed.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets, thawed
- Sausage meat (or ground pork)
- Dried cranberries, chopped
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- Onion, finely diced
- Garlic, minced
- Ground nutmeg or allspice
- Salt and black pepper
- Egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Optional: Dijon mustard for extra flavor
Directions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine sausage meat, chopped cranberries, fresh herbs, diced onion, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Roll the Pastry:
- On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets into rectangles. Cut each sheet into long strips about 4–5 inches wide.
- Assemble the Sausage Rolls:
- Spread the sausage filling in a log shape along the center of each pastry strip.
- Fold the pastry over the filling, overlapping slightly, and press to seal the edges. Use a fork to crimp the seam.
- Cut and Glaze:
- Cut the rolled pastry into smaller pieces (2–3 inches each) and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the sausage rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces or chutneys.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12–16 rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based sausage substitute or a filling made with lentils, mushrooms, and cheese.
- Cheese Upgrade: Add grated cheddar or Parmesan to the filling for extra richness.
- Spicy Twist: Include chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sausage mixture.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of cranberry sauce inside the roll for sweetness.
- Mini Rolls: Cut the pastry into smaller sections for bite-sized sausage rolls.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispness.
- Freezing: Unbaked sausage rolls can be frozen. Simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought sausage meat?
Yes, pre-seasoned sausage meat works well, but you can enhance it with cranberries and herbs for a festive touch.
2. What type of pastry is best?
Puff pastry is ideal for its light and flaky texture, but shortcrust pastry can also be used.
3. Can I make these sausage rolls in advance?
Yes, assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake.
4. How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Ensure the filling is not too wet and pat the sausage meat dry if needed. Bake immediately after assembly for the best results.
5. Can I add cheese to the filling?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère work beautifully in the filling.
6. What dipping sauces pair well with these rolls?
Try cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or a spiced chutney for dipping.
7. How do I know when the sausage rolls are done?
The pastry should be golden brown, and the filling should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free puff pastry and check the sausage meat for any gluten-containing fillers.
9. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or grated carrots can be added to the sausage mixture.
10. What’s the best way to seal the pastry?
Use a little water or beaten egg along the edges to help seal the pastry. Crimping with a fork adds extra security.
Conclusion
Christmas Sausage Rolls are a festive and flavorful addition to any holiday spread. Their flaky, golden crust and savory filling make them an irresistible treat for guests of all ages. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or part of your main meal, these sausage rolls are sure to become a holiday favorite. Enjoy the warmth and joy they bring to your celebrations!
Print
Christmas Sausage Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 sausage rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These Christmas sausage rolls are a delicious twist on the classic. Packed with flavorful sausage filling, enhanced with holiday spices, cranberries, and fresh herbs, they’re wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfect as an appetizer or a party snack, they’re sure to be a hit at any festive gathering.
Ingredients
- For the filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground sausage meat (pork or a mix of pork and turkey)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried sage or thyme
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For assembly:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the sausage meat, chopped cranberries, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, sage, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Prepare the pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. Cut into 2 long strips.
- Assemble the rolls:
- Divide the sausage filling in half and shape each portion into a long log. Place each log along the edge of a pastry strip.
- Roll the pastry around the filling, sealing the edges with a little beaten egg. Trim any excess pastry.
- Cut and garnish:
- Slice each log into 2-inch pieces and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
- Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds, if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the sausage filling is cooked through.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the sausage rolls to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with a side of cranberry sauce or mustard for dipping.
Notes
- For extra festive flavor, add a tablespoon of orange zest to the filling.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and frozen unbaked. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time.