Christmas sausage rolls are a festive favorite, combining flaky pastry with deliciously seasoned sausage meat. These savory treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family dinners, or as an on-the-go snack during the busy festive season. Easy to prepare and absolutely crowd-pleasing, Christmas sausage rolls are a must-have addition to your holiday menu.
Ingredients
- 500g sausage meat (or high-quality sausages with skins removed)
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, sage, thyme, nutmeg, breadcrumbs (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Roll Out the Pastry: Roll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, if not pre-rolled.
- Add the Filling: Place the sausage mixture in a log shape along one edge of the pastry. Roll the pastry over the sausage meat, ensuring it is tightly sealed. Use a fork to crimp the edges or press gently to close.
- Cut into Portions: Cut the roll into bite-sized pieces (typically 4-5 cm each) and place them on the prepared baking tray.
- Apply the Egg Wash: Brush each roll with beaten egg for a golden finish. Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. Ensure the sausage meat is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the sausage rolls to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Christmas sausage rolls with a side of cranberry sauce or mustard dip for a festive touch. These rolls are perfect for holiday brunches or as part of a grazing board.
- Storage: Store any leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Uncooked sausage rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply bake from frozen, adding an additional 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use vegetarian sausage for this recipe?
Yes, vegetarian sausages or meat substitutes work well in this recipe. Ensure the filling is seasoned appropriately to enhance flavor.
2. How can I prevent soggy pastry?
To avoid soggy pastry, make sure the sausage filling is not overly moist, and use a baking tray that allows even airflow during baking.
3. Can I prepare these in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls a day before, store them in the refrigerator, and bake them fresh on the day.
4. What other seasonings can I add?
Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a unique festive twist.
Enjoy the flaky, savory goodness of Christmas sausage rolls this holiday season!
PrintChristmas Sausage Rolls
These festive sausage rolls are perfect for holiday gatherings! Flaky puff pastry encases a flavorful filling of seasoned sausage, with a touch of cranberry sauce and sage to bring a festive twist. They’re easy to make and always a hit on the Christmas table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sausage rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
- 500g sausage meat or high-quality pork sausages (casings removed)
- 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine sausage meat, cranberry sauce, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into two long rectangles.
- Place the sausage mixture down the center of each rectangle, shaping it into a log.
- Seal the Rolls:
- Brush one edge of the pastry with beaten egg, then fold the other edge over to encase the filling.
- Press the edges firmly to seal and use a fork to crimp the edges for decoration.
- Slice and Top:
- Slice each log into bite-sized rolls (about 4–5 cm pieces).
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds, if using.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Let the sausage rolls cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a sweeter twist, add a little extra cranberry sauce inside the rolls before sealing.
- These can be made ahead and frozen before baking; just bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.