Sausage Rolls – Recipe

Sausage Rolls are a delicious and popular snack, especially in British and Australian cuisine. They feature seasoned sausage meat wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked until golden and crisp. Perfect for parties, picnics, or as a savory snack, they are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Here’s a simple recipe to make homemade Sausage Rolls:

Sausage Rolls Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound (450g) sausage meat (or 4-5 large sausages, casing removed)
1/4 cup (60g) finely chopped onion (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground sage (or other seasoning like thyme or rosemary)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sausage Filling:

If you’re using sausages, remove the sausage meat from the casings and place it in a mixing bowl. If you’re using ready-made sausage meat, simply place it in the bowl. Add the chopped onion (if using), ground sage, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard (if using). Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon for this.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using a store-bought sheet, it should already be the right size. If not, roll it into a rectangle that is about 12×9 inches (30×23 cm).

3. Form the Sausage Rolls:

Divide the sausage mixture in half. Place one half of the sausage mixture in a long line down the center of the pastry. Use your hands to shape it into a log-like shape, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Repeat with the other half of the sausage mixture.
Once the sausage is in place, fold the pastry over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing them together. If you want to make individual sausage rolls, use a sharp knife to cut the long roll into 2-3 inch pieces. Alternatively, you can leave it whole and cut it after baking.

4. Egg Wash:

Whisk together the egg and milk to make the egg wash. Brush this mixture over the top of the sausage rolls to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.

5. Bake the Sausage Rolls:

Place the sausage rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you like, sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for a little extra crunch and decoration.
Bake in the preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the sausage is cooked through. If you’re unsure if they’re done, you can insert a thermometer into the center of a roll — the temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for fully cooked sausage.

6. Cool and Serve:

Once baked, let the sausage rolls cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They are delicious warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

Freezing: Sausage rolls can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. To freeze, assemble the sausage rolls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag or container. To bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or seasonings in the sausage mixture. For a spicier version, you can add some chili flakes or use spicy sausage. Adding grated cheese to the filling is also a great variation.
Pastry alternatives: While puff pastry gives the best flaky texture, you can also use shortcrust pastry for a denser option, though the result will be less flaky.

Sausage Rolls are perfect for any event, whether you’re serving them at a casual family gathering, a holiday party, or just as a tasty snack. They’re easy to prepare, delicious, and loved by many!