Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe
There’s something incredibly festive and comforting about these Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe that makes them a standout at any holiday gathering. Flaky golden pastry wrapped around juicy, seasoned sausage meat, infused with aromatic herbs like sage and thyme—it’s like a cozy Christmas hug in every bite. I always find these rolls work perfectly as appetizers for Christmas parties or even a casual family snack while everyone’s catching up.
This Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe is worth trying because it balances simple, hearty ingredients with a touch of holiday magic. Plus, it’s super forgiving and easy enough to whip up even if you’re not a pro baker. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be a regular on your festive menu!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to give you that perfect festive flavor without any fuss. I usually pick plain puff pastry and a good-quality sausage meat to keep things straightforward yet tasty.
- Sausage meat or ground sausage: Go for a good-quality pork sausage for best flavor—the kind with some seasoning is fine but add your own spices for a Christmas twist.
- Puff pastry: Thawed but still cold is key here; it helps get that classic flaky texture without it getting soggy while assembling.
- Egg: Beaten egg for that glossy, golden finish—don’t skip it, your rolls will thank you.
- Onion: Finely diced to blend seamlessly into the sausage, adding moisture and a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic clove: Just one, minced finely so it doesn’t overpower but boosts the savory notes.
- Dried sage: This herb screams Christmas to me and pairs beautifully with pork.
- Dried thyme: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy undertone that complements the sausage.
- Ground black pepper: Just a little kick, freshly ground gives the best punch.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors—be mindful since sausage meat can sometimes be salty already.
- Olive oil: Helps to soften the onion and garlic without adding heaviness.
Variations
I love making this Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe my own by swapping out spices or adding extras like cranberries or chestnuts. Feel free to tweak it based on your pantry or dietary needs—it’s pretty flexible!
- Herb swaps: Tried rosemary instead of thyme once and it gave such a piney, festive aroma that instantly reminded me of Christmas trees.
- Sweet additions: Adding dried cranberries or a handful of chopped chestnuts gives a nice texture contrast and a touch of holiday sweetness.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute sausage meat with seasoned mashed lentils or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free but still satisfying version.
- Spicy kick: A dash of chili flakes or smoked paprika can bring warmth if you like a little heat in your Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe.
How to Make Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then gently sauté your finely diced onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step really lifts the flavors and prevents any raw onion bite in the sausage rolls. Let the mixture cool slightly. Then mix it into the sausage meat along with sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the seasoning is even throughout—don’t rush this part!
Step 2: Roll Out and Assemble
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth any crease marks but keep it roughly the original size. Spread the seasoned sausage mixture evenly along one edge, then carefully roll the pastry over to encase the filling, forming a neat log. Use a little beaten egg along the seam to seal it well. I usually cut each log into smaller rolls before baking so you get those perfect bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Brush and Bake
Place your sausage rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush each roll generously with the beaten egg—this gives you that beautiful golden color and slight shine. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye towards the end—pastry can go from perfect to too dark quickly. And don’t poke them; you want to keep all those juices locked inside!
How to Serve Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the sausage rolls just before serving for a burst of color and freshness. Sometimes, I toss on a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right after they come out of the oven—it’s such a subtle but delightful upgrade.
Side Dishes
These Christmas Sausage Rolls go wonderfully with a simple cranberry sauce or a sharp mustard dip to cut through the richness. For a fuller platter, I’d serve them alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp winter salad—think kale, pomegranate seeds, and toasted almonds.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun way I like to serve these at parties is arranging them in a circular wreath shape on a festive platter. Sometimes I add sprigs of rosemary to mimic pine branches around the edge for that extra holiday cheer. It always gets compliments and makes the platter feel truly special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I find sausage rolls taste great even the next day. Just wrap leftovers tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 2-3 days, and if anything, the flavors deepen—though you lose some of that fresh crispness.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver! You can freeze the uncooked sausage roll logs, wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to a month. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. This way, you can prep ahead for busy holiday days without stress.
Reheating
To reheat and keep the pastry flaky instead of soggy, I pop leftover rolls back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it makes the pastry chewy and less appetizing. If you’re in a real hurry, a toaster oven works well too!
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought sausage meat for this Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Using good-quality store-bought sausage meat saves time and works perfectly in this recipe. Just taste it first, since some sausage meats are heavily seasoned; you might want to adjust the herbs and salt accordingly to avoid it becoming too salty or overpowering.
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Can I prepare the sausage rolls in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the sausage rolls and keep them unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give them a brush with egg wash right before popping them in the oven for that perfect golden finish. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked rolls for longer storage.
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What can I serve with Christmas sausage rolls for a party?
A simple mustard or cranberry sauce makes a great dipping option. You could also pair them with cheeses, roasted nuts, and a fresh winter salad to round out your spread for a festive get-together.
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Can I make these sausage rolls gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the regular puff pastry for a gluten-free variety (there are some excellent store-bought options now). Just make sure you check the sausage meat ingredients too. The cooking time stays about the same, but keep an eye on the pastry as some gluten-free ones brown faster.
Final Thoughts
Making this Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe has become one of my holiday traditions because it’s easy, shows thoughtful flavor, and gets everyone reaching for seconds. It’s truly one of those recipes that feels special without the fuss, and I know you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do. So next time you’re planning festive bites or looking to impress guests effortlessly, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new holiday favorite!
Print
Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sausage rolls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These Christmas Sausage Rolls are a festive and delicious appetizer featuring seasoned sausage meat wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these sausage rolls pair wonderfully with mustard or cranberry sauce for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 lb (450g) sausage meat or ground sausage
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pastry and Topping
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, finely diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat while you prepare the rolls.
- Assemble the Sausage Rolls: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle if it’s not already flat. Place the cooled sausage mixture along one long edge of the pastry, forming a log shape. Carefully roll the pastry over the filling to enclose it fully, sealing the edges by pressing them together.
- Egg Wash and Cut: Brush the top of the pastry roll with the beaten egg to ensure a golden, shiny finish during baking. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into even pieces, about 2 inches (5 cm) long.
- Bake the Rolls: Arrange the sausage rolls cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, transfer the sausage rolls to a cooling rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm as a flavorful holiday appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of mustard or some grated cheese inside the rolls before baking.
- These sausage rolls can be made ahead and frozen uncooked; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Serve with dipping sauces such as mustard, cranberry sauce, or ketchup for added taste.
- If puff pastry is not available, frozen filo pastry can be used as a lighter alternative.
Keywords: Christmas sausage rolls, holiday appetizer, puff pastry sausage rolls, festive snacks, baked sausage rolls
