How to Make the Best Sausage Rolls: Recipe, Tips, and FAQ
Chilling the dough and slicing cold portions ensures golden, neat appetizers.
The Best Sausage Rolls Recipe: A Bite-Sized Classic
Sausage rolls blend savory sausage with crisp, buttery puff pastry to create a beloved snack and party appetizer. Whether you know them from British pubs or as an at-home treat, these rolls are quick to assemble, simple to bake, and always a crowd-pleaser. In this guide, you’ll find an in-depth recipe, helpful baking tips, serving suggestions, and expert answers to your common sausage roll questions.
Why Make Sausage Rolls at Home?
- Easy to Prepare: With store-bought puff pastry and readily available sausage, these rolls require minimal fuss.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare and chill in advance for last-minute baking.
- Perfect for Parties: Bite-sized and portable, they’re the ultimate cocktail snack or holiday appetizer.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite sausage, spices, or extras for your ideal flavor profile.
Ingredient Overview
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | 3 slices, finely chopped | Adds smokiness and depth |
| Onion | 1/2, finely chopped | Savory base flavor |
| Celery | 1 stalk, finely chopped | Aromatic, adds crunch |
| Garlic | 1 clove, finely chopped | Boosts aroma |
| Puff Pastry | 1 (14 oz.) package, thawed | Golden, flaky exterior |
| Pork Sausage | 1 lb. | Main savory filling |
| Parsley | 2 Tbsp, chopped | Fresh, herbal lift |
| Panko Bread Crumbs | 1/2 cup | Lightens filling texture |
| Eggs | 2 large, divided | Binds & glazes pastry |
| Salt & Pepper | 1/4 tsp each | Seasoning |
| Mustard | to serve | Classic dipping sauce |
Step-by-Step: How to Make Sausage Rolls
- Cook the Bacon Mixture:
- Heat a medium skillet over medium. Add the bacon, onion, and celery.
- Cook for 4 minutes until softened; add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Transfer to a plate and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Sausage Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix sausage, chopped parsley, panko, 1 egg, salt, pepper, and the cooled bacon mixture until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the pastry.
- Shape the Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold puff pastry sheets (usually two sheets per package, 10 x 10 inches each).
- Cut each sheet in half to make four rectangles (each 5 x 10 inches).
- Assemble Sausage Rolls:
- Divide sausage mixture into four even portions; form each into a 1-inch thick log.
- Place each log down the center of the pastry rectangles.
- Beat the remaining egg with 1 Tbsp water.
- Brush pastry edges with egg wash, then roll up and seal, making sure seam is on the bottom.
- Transfer seam-side down to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill in freezer for 30 minutes (for easier slicing) or refrigerate up to 1 hour.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut each roll into 6 equal pieces (total 24 rolls) with a sharp knife.
- Arrange on baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Brush tops with egg wash.
- Bake until pastry is puffed and golden, 20–22 minutes.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly. Serve warm with whole-grain or spicy mustard.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Sausage: Any bulk pork sausage works (breakfast, Italian, hot or mild). Jimmy Dean original is a reliable choice.
- Puff Pastry: Store-bought is convenient and consistent; always thaw as per package instructions for easy handling.
- Bread Crumbs: Panko creates a lighter filling. Plain or seasoned bread crumbs also work.
- Cheese Optional: For extra richness, mix in 1/2 cup grated cheddar or mozzarella with the sausage filling.
- Bacon Swap: Omit for a lighter roll, or try pancetta or smoked ham for a twist.
- Seasonings: Want a spicy kick? Stir in a pinch of chili flakes, fennel seed, or ground sage.
Expert Baking Tips
- Keep Everything Cold: Chilling the assembled rolls makes slicing cleaner and prevents the pastry from getting sticky or tough.
- Seam on Bottom: Placing the pastry seam-side down prevents the rolls from opening while baking.
- Sharp Knife: Use a sharp, non-serrated knife for even, neat cuts before baking.
- Egg Wash: Brushing the top of each roll gives them a glossy, golden finish.
- Even Spacing: Place rolls at least 1 inch apart on the baking tray to ensure even puffing and browning.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with classic yellow mustard, whole-grain mustard, spicy harissa mayo, or even warm tomato sauce.
- Party Platter: Arrange sausage rolls on a tray with pickles, olives, and cheese for a snack board centerpiece.
- Meal Upgrade: Pair with a crisp green salad or creamy coleslaw for an easy lunch or casual dinner.
Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing
- Make-Ahead: Prepare sausage rolls up to the chilling step; cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
- Freezing (Unbaked): Freeze assembled, uncooked rolls for up to 1 month. Slice, then freeze in a single layer. When ready to bake, add 2–3 minutes to baking time, no need to thaw.
- Freezing (Baked): Cool cooked rolls completely, then freeze. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (180°C) until hot, 10–12 minutes.
- Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Crisp up in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh before serving.
What others are reading
Variations to Try
- Mini Sausage Rolls: Cut pastry in narrower strips and use smaller amounts of filling to yield bite-sized nibbles, perfect for cocktail parties.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap in plant-based sausage or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a meatless take.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix shredded cheddar or mozzarella and a drizzle of maple syrup into the sausage for sweet-salty complexity.
- Everything Bagel Topping: Before baking, sprinkle rolls with everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best sausage for sausage rolls?
The classic filling is made with bulk pork sausage—original, breakfast, or Italian-style all work well. Choose your favorite for a personalized result.
Can I make sausage rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble, chill, and slice the rolls. Refrigerate up to 12 hours in advance, or freeze (unbaked or baked) for easy, fresh-from-the-oven snacking any time.
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely. Chicken, turkey, or plant-based ground ‘sausage’ are all excellent swaps. Adjust seasonings to suit your filling.
Why is puff pastry preferred?
Puff pastry bakes up ultra-flaky and golden, providing a delicious contrast to the sausage filling. It’s also quick to use and consistently reliable for home bakers.
How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Chilling the assembled rolls and starting in a hot oven both help the pastry puff before the moisture from the sausage can seep through.
Nutrition Information (per piece, approximate)
| Calories | 170 |
| Fat | 13g |
| Carbohydrate | 10g |
| Protein | 5g |
Note: Exact nutrition values will vary depending on sausage, pastry, and filling used.
Meet the Expert Behind the Recipe
Erin Merhar is the Food Director at ThePioneerWoman.com, where she oversees the test kitchen, recipes, food photography, and video programs. A professional chef and food stylist, Erin brings years of creative expertise and a love for making approachable, delicious food for home cooks everywhere.
Key Takeaways for Perfect Sausage Rolls
- Keeps pastry cold for easy rolling and flaky results.
- Season sausage generously for full flavor.
- Chill before slicing for neater, more uniform pieces.
- Always bake seam-side down to prevent unwrapping.
- Serve fresh from the oven with a tangy mustard dip!
Other Popular Sausage Roll Recipes to Try
- Sausage Pinwheels: Roll seasoned sausage and cheese in crescent or puff pastry, then slice and bake for a spiral effect.
- Mini Party Sausage Rolls: Downsize your pastry and filling for bite-sized treats, perfect for large gatherings.
- Vegetarian Sausage Rolls: Substitute a plant-based sausage or hearty veggies for a meatless twist.
Summary
Sausage rolls are a timeless appetizer: flaky pastry, packed with seasoned sausage, baked until golden brown and delightfully satisfying. By following this detailed guide, you’ll master each step—from filling to baking, to serving with classic mustard. Whether for a holiday party or just an afternoon treat, these sausage rolls are sure to impress and disappear fast!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a34691212/eddie-jackson-sausage-pinwheels-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a37856795/sausage-rolls-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIRY4C0Kyjw
- https://groups.io/g/DailyRecipes/topic/pioneer_woman_sausage_rolls/88522339
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