Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe
I’m so excited to share my Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe with you—it’s become a real holiday favorite in my family. These little parcels of joy are packed with savory sausage meat, fragrant herbs, and wrapped in buttery puff pastry. They’re the perfect finger food for festive gatherings or a cozy snack by the fireplace.
What I love most about this Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe is how simple it is but still feels so special. You can whip them up ahead of time, customize the seasoning, and they always disappear fast! If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that balances comforting flavors with that irresistible golden crunch, this recipe is your go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a key role in getting that ultimate Christmas sausage roll flavor. I like to pick fresh herbs and good-quality sausage meat for the tastiest results. Using puff pastry means you get that flaky, buttery texture everyone loves.
- Sausage meat: I prefer fresh pork sausage meat for juiciness, but you could use any ground sausage.
- Puff pastry sheet: Thawed and ready to roll—look for butter-based pastry for best flavor.
- Egg: Beaten for a glossy egg wash; it helps those rolls brown with a beautiful shine.
- Onion: Finely diced to blend smoothly into the sausage filling.
- Garlic clove: Minced fresh garlic adds a lovely depth to the meat.
- Dried sage: Classic herb that pairs perfectly with pork meat.
- Dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible for a little kick.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil: For gently cooking the onion and garlic before mixing in.
Variations
I’ve had fun putting my own spin on this Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe over the years—you can definitely make it your own! Whether you want it gluten-free, spicier, or even vegetarian, there’s room to personalize these rolls.
- Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of chili flakes to the sausage mix gave my family an exciting twist—they loved the little heat balancing out the herbs.
- Herb swap: Sometimes I swap dried sage for fresh rosemary for a piney aroma that feels very festive.
- Vegetarian option: I’ve tried a similar version with seasoned lentils and mushrooms—while different, it’s still packed with cozy flavors.
- Gluten-free pastry: For friends with gluten intolerances, a good quality gluten-free puff pastry works surprisingly well here.
How to Make Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Onion and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in your finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking gently until soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this—soft onions add sweetness and moisture to your sausage filling that you don’t want to miss.
Step 2: Mix the Sausage Filling
Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to a mixing bowl. Add your sausage meat along with dried sage, thyme, ground black pepper, and salt. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until everything’s evenly combined. I usually go with hands here—it just feels more intuitive to get the seasoning spread all through the meat.
Step 3: Prepare and Fill the Puff Pastry
Lay your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into strips roughly 3 inches wide. Place a line of your sausage mixture down the center of each strip. Don’t overfill—otherwise, the pastry may burst while baking. I find gently pressing the mixture helps it stick without squishing too much.
Step 4: Roll and Egg Wash
Roll each strip over the filling, sealing the edge with a little beaten egg to keep it closed. Place them seam side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops generously with the egg wash—it gives those sausage rolls a gorgeous golden finish once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown. You want crispy pastry and fully cooked sausage meat—if unsure, cutting one open can give you peace of mind. If you notice they’re browning too fast, just cover loosely with foil.
How to Serve Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a touch of fresh chopped parsley over warm sausage rolls—it adds a burst of color and freshness. Another favorite is a small dab of grainy mustard or cranberry sauce on the side for dipping. Trust me, these little touches really elevate the flavor!
Side Dishes
For a casual brunch or party platter, serve your Christmas Sausage Rolls alongside a simple green salad or roasted winter vegetables. I often pair mine with roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp apple slaw to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
At holiday parties, I’ve arranged sausage rolls on a festive wooden board shaped like a Christmas tree and added sprigs of rosemary as “branches.” Little bowls of homemade dips around it just make the spread extra inviting and fun to dive into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, I usually store leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge. They hold up well for 2-3 days if you want to snack the next day—just bring them back to room temperature before reheating.
Freezing
I find this Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe really freezes beautifully. I freeze them pre-baked on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to eat, just bake straight from frozen—add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, and you’re all set.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the pastry soggy. I’ve had the best luck with the oven, and it brings back that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic.
FAQs
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Can I make this Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe uses pork sausage meat, you can substitute the meat with a mix of finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, and your favorite vegetarian seasoning. This gives a satisfying texture and delicious flavor. Just keep the herbs and puff pastry the same for a festive twist.
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How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
A key tip is to cook the onion and garlic before mixing with the sausage meat to reduce moisture. Also, avoid overfilling the pastry and ensure you seal the edges tightly with egg wash. Baking at a high temperature helps the pastry puff and stay crisp rather than soggy.
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Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! You can assemble the sausage rolls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them with cling film and keep chilled. When ready, bake straight from the fridge—this is a great time saver for busy holiday days.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftover sausage rolls?
Reheating in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) is the best way to keep the pastry crisp. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the pastry soft and chewy. If you’re in a hurry, a quick toaster oven reheat works well too.
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Can I use frozen sausage meat?
If using frozen sausage meat, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained well before mixing. Excess moisture from freezing can make the filling soggy or affect the pastry texture, so pat it dry if needed before preparing.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe has been a staple in my holiday kitchen for years, and I truly believe you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it. It’s approachable, flexible, and delivers that comforting, festive feeling in every bite. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just craving a hearty snack, these sausage rolls are a winner—warm, flaky, and full of herbaceous joy. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own little Christmas tradition!
Print
Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 sausage rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These Christmas Sausage Rolls are a festive and savory snack perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring seasoned sausage meat wrapped in flaky puff pastry, this recipe blends classic herbs like sage and thyme to deliver a deliciously aromatic bite that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Sausage Filling
- 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 & Finishing
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage Mixture: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sausage meat to the cooled onion and garlic mixture. Stir in the dried sage, dried thyme, ground black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat while you assemble the sausage rolls.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth any folds. Cut the pastry into two equal rectangles.
- Form Sausage Rolls: Spread the sausage mixture evenly along the length of each pastry rectangle, forming a log shape. Be careful to leave a small border around edges to seal properly.
- Seal and Cut: Roll the pastry over the sausage filling to encase it entirely. Press edges to seal well. Cut each roll into smaller bite-sized pieces, about 2 inches long.
- Apply Egg Wash: Place the sausage rolls on a parchment-lined baking tray. Brush the tops generously with beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the sausage filling is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy as a festive appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled but pliable for easier rolling and cutting.
- Use good-quality sausage meat for the best flavor and texture.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper to the sausage mixture for a subtle warm or spicy kick.
- If preferred, substitute dried herbs with fresh sage and thyme minced finely.
- These sausage rolls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Keywords: Christmas sausage rolls, holiday appetizer, savory puff pastry, sausage pastry, festive snacks, easy sausage rolls
