British Sausage Rolls Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort snack for your next gathering, look no further than British Sausage Rolls. These golden, flaky pastries are packed with savory pork sausage, fragrant herbs, and a hint of onion, all wrapped in buttery puff pastry. Whether enjoyed hot from the oven or at room temperature, British Sausage Rolls are irresistibly moreish and sure to disappear fast—trust me, they’re a staple at any party for good reason!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of British Sausage Rolls is in their simplicity: a handful of quality ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component plays its part, from the flaky pastry to the herby sausage filling, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
- Puff pastry sheet: Using store-bought puff pastry keeps things easy and guarantees a crisp, golden shell every time.
- Ground pork sausage: Opt for well-seasoned sausage if possible, but plain works perfectly if you want to add your own favorite herbs and spices.
- Onion (finely grated or minced): Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the sausage mixture—don’t skip it!
- Dried thyme: Gives the filling a gentle earthiness that pairs beautifully with pork.
- Dried sage: Classic with sausage, sage adds a distinctly British flavor that rounds out the herbs.
- Ground black pepper: Just a pinch for a bit of warmth and depth.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the savory flavors in the filling.
- Worcestershire sauce: A splash adds tang and complexity—your secret umami weapon!
- Egg (beaten): For that all-important golden, glossy finish.
- Milk: Mixed with the egg to create the perfect egg wash for browning.
- Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and a pretty finish.
How to Make British Sausage Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork sausage, finely grated onion, thyme, sage, black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything thoroughly until the seasonings are evenly distributed and the mixture feels cohesive. Don’t worry if it seems a little sticky—that’s perfect for shaping!
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle about 10 by 12 inches. This gives the pastry its signature thin, crisp layers without overwhelming the filling. Once rolled, cut the pastry in half lengthwise to create two long strips—these will soon become your British Sausage Rolls.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Rolls
Divide the sausage mixture in half and shape each piece into a long log the length of your pastry strips. Place each sausage log down the center of a pastry strip. Fold the pastry over the sausage and pinch the seam firmly to seal—no one wants a leaky roll! Put each roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Cut and Egg Wash
Using a sharp knife, slice each long roll into six equal pieces, giving you twelve British Sausage Rolls in total. Lightly score the tops for that irresistible bakery look. Whisk the egg with the milk, then brush the tops of each roll generously. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on a few poppy or sesame seeds for a little extra crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tray into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the pastry is gorgeously puffed and golden and the sausage is cooked through. Let them cool for a few minutes before digging in—they’ll be hot and fragrant!
How to Serve British Sausage Rolls
Garnishes
For a classic British touch, serve with a side of English mustard or tangy brown sauce. If you’d like to add a pop of color, a sprinkle of fresh herbs—think parsley or chives—looks lovely atop your rolls just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your British Sausage Rolls with a crisp green salad for a lighter touch, or set out a platter with pickles and crunchy crudités for the ultimate party spread. They’re also terrific alongside a bowl of hearty soup for a cozy lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your sausage rolls on a rustic wooden board with ramekins of different dipping sauces, or pile them high on a cake stand for a show-stopping centerpiece. If you’re making mini versions, stack them in a pyramid for a playful, snackable display—perfect for parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store your British Sausage Rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They stay wonderfully tasty and make a great grab-and-go snack!
Freezing
British Sausage Rolls freeze beautifully. Freeze them unbaked or baked: just arrange on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For unbaked rolls, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time straight from the freezer; for baked, reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked crispness, reheat sausage rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the pastry will be softer rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer, Snack
Absolutely! While traditional British Sausage Rolls use seasoned pork sausage, feel free to experiment with chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausage for a twist. Just make sure the filling is flavorful and not too dry.
Can I make them ahead for a party?
Yes, these are a host’s dream! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate them, unbaked and covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. You can even freeze them and bake straight from the freezer when you’re ready.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Ensure that your sausage mixture isn’t too wet and that the onion is finely grated or blotted dry if it’s very juicy. Baking on parchment paper helps keep the bottoms crisp, too.
Can I make mini British Sausage Rolls?
Definitely! Cut the pastry and sausage logs into smaller pieces before baking. You may need to reduce the baking time slightly, so keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden color.
What are the best dipping sauces?
English mustard and brown sauce are classic choices, but ketchup, honey mustard, or even a spicy chutney are all fantastic with British Sausage Rolls. Don’t be afraid to mix and match based on your guests’ preferences!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making British Sausage Rolls at home, now’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and get baking. They’re fun, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress—so whip up a batch and let the snacking begin!
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British Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sausage rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Classic British Sausage Rolls feature seasoned ground pork encased in flaky puff pastry, baked to golden perfection. These savory pastries make a perfect appetizer or snack, ideal for parties, picnics, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Sausage Filling
- 1 pound ground pork sausage (seasoned or plain)
- 1/2 small onion (finely grated or minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pastry & Topping
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (to mix with egg)
- Optional: poppy seeds or sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Mix Sausage Filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the ground pork sausage, finely grated onion, dried thyme, dried sage, black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet into a roughly 10 by 12 inch rectangle, ensuring even thickness for consistent baking.
- Cut Pastry into Strips: Cut the rolled-out pastry sheet lengthwise in half to form two long strips, preparing them to encase the sausage filling.
- Shape Sausage Logs: Divide the sausage mixture into two equal parts and shape each half into long logs matching the length of the pastry strips.
- Assemble Sausage Rolls: Place each sausage log down the center of a puff pastry strip, fold the pastry over it, and pinch the seam firmly to seal. Position seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Portion Rolls: Cut each long roll into 6 equal pieces to yield a total of 12 sausage rolls, ensuring each piece is even for uniform cooking.
- Score and Apply Egg Wash: Lightly score the tops of each roll with a sharp knife for aesthetic appeal and better rising. Mix the beaten egg with milk and brush this egg wash generously over the tops. Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown, puffed, and the sausage is fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow sausage rolls to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning and let flavors settle. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can make mini sausage rolls by cutting smaller pieces and baking for slightly less time.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with English mustard, brown sauce, or ketchup for added flavor.
- These sausage rolls freeze well, either before or after baking, for convenient make-ahead options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
