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.