Christmas Sausage Rolls are a festive twist on the classic party snack, perfect for holiday gatherings. These golden, flaky pastries are filled with a deliciously seasoned sausage mixture featuring holiday flavors like cranberries, sage, and a hint of spice. Whether served as an appetizer or part of a Christmas buffet, these sausage rolls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and herby flavors
- Easy to make with store-bought puff pastry
- A great make-ahead appetizer for holiday parties
- Delicious warm or at room temperature
- Can be customized with different meats and fillings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- Ground pork sausage
- Dried or fresh cranberries, chopped
- Fresh sage and thyme, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional for topping)
Directions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a bowl, mix the sausage, chopped cranberries, sage, thyme, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble the sausage rolls:
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into long strips.
- Place a portion of the sausage mixture along one side of each strip.
- Roll the pastry over the filling and seal the edges.
- Cut and glaze:
- Slice into bite-sized pieces or larger rolls.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- Bake until golden:
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–16 sausage rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Version: Add shredded cheddar or crumbled feta to the sausage mixture.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a meat-free sausage alternative or a mix of mushrooms and lentils.
- Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped chestnuts for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls and bake straight from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I make these sausage rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them and store in the fridge or freezer before baking.
What’s the best way to seal the pastry?
Use a bit of egg wash along the edge to help seal the pastry securely.
Can I use store-bought sausage meat?
Absolutely! Just mix it with the cranberries and herbs for extra flavor.
What can I serve these with?
They pair well with cranberry sauce, mustard, or a spiced chutney.
Can I use shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry?
Yes, but puff pastry gives a flakier, lighter texture.
How do I prevent soggy pastry?
Make sure your filling isn’t too wet and bake at a high temperature.
Can I use turkey instead of pork?
Yes! Ground turkey works well for a leaner option.
How do I know when they’re done?
The pastry should be golden brown, and the sausage should be fully cooked (internal temp 160°F/70°C).
Can I make these bite-sized for parties?
Yes! Cut them into smaller pieces for easy serving.
Are these good for breakfast too?
Definitely! They make a delicious savory breakfast or brunch item.
Conclusion
Christmas Sausage Rolls are a delicious, festive treat that combines flaky pastry with flavorful, herby sausage. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a holiday spread, these savory bites are sure to impress. Make a batch for your next Christmas gathering and enjoy a warm, comforting holiday classic!
PrintChristmas Sausage Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 mini sausage rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These Christmas Sausage Rolls are a holiday twist on a classic favorite! Juicy sausage is mixed with dried cranberries, fresh sage, and warming spices, then wrapped in flaky golden puff pastry. Serve them with a side of cranberry sauce or honey mustard dip for a perfect holiday appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) pork sausage (or ground pork)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for texture)
- 1 egg, beaten (for binding)
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon milk (optional, for shinier egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (for garnish, optional)
For Serving:
- Cranberry sauce
- Honey mustard dip
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the sausage, chopped cranberries, sage, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, nutmeg, garlic powder, cinnamon, breadcrumbs, and 1 beaten egg until well combined.
2. Assemble the Sausage Rolls:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle (if not pre-rolled). Cut in half lengthwise to create two long strips.
Divide the sausage mixture in half and shape each portion into a long log, placing it down the center of each pastry strip.
Brush one edge of each pastry strip with a little beaten egg, then fold the pastry over the filling, pressing to seal.
Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2 inches each) or keep as longer rolls if preferred.
3. Bake the Sausage Rolls:
Place the rolls seam-side down on the lined baking sheet.
Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if using.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
Let the sausage rolls cool slightly before serving.
Serve with cranberry sauce or honey mustard dip for a festive touch!
Notes
Make-Ahead: Assemble and freeze unbaked sausage rolls for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Puff Pastry Alternative: Use phyllo dough or crescent roll dough for a different texture.
Meat Options: Swap pork for chicken, turkey, or a plant-based sausage alternative.
Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sausage mix.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *