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- 1 pound (450g) sausage meat - 1 sheet of puff pastry - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried sage - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce - 1 egg, beaten - Salt and pepper to taste - Flour, for dusting These main ingredients create a tasty filling for your sausage rolls. The mix of pork and apple adds a nice sweetness. The onion and garlic give it a warm flavor. The dried herbs, sage, and thyme, add depth. The cranberry sauce brings a festive hint that pairs well with the meat. - Chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or rosemary) - A dash of Worcestershire sauce - Grated cheese (like cheddar) - Chopped nuts (like walnuts or chestnuts) You can customize your sausage rolls with these add-ins. Fresh herbs brighten the flavor. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory note. Grated cheese gives richness, and nuts add crunch. These options let you make the recipe your own. - Mixing bowl - Sharp knife or pastry cutter - Rolling pin - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Pastry brush Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A mixing bowl helps combine the filling well. A sharp knife or pastry cutter cuts the puff pastry neatly. A rolling pin helps you roll the pastry to the right thickness. The baking sheet lined with parchment ensures easy cleanup. A pastry brush is great for applying the egg wash for a shiny finish. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need sausage meat, onion, garlic, sage, thyme, cranberry sauce, salt, and pepper. In a big bowl, mix the sausage meat with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Add the dried sage, dried thyme, and cranberry sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix it well. Make sure everything is combined evenly. This mixture gives the rolls a tasty flavor. Next, take your thawed puff pastry. Dust your work surface lightly with flour. Roll out the pastry until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Make sure it is even. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into rectangles. Aim for pieces that are about 4 inches by 6 inches. This size will help hold the sausage mixture well. Now, it’s time to fill the pastry. Spoon the sausage mixture along one long edge of each rectangle. Spread it out evenly. Carefully roll the pastry over the filling to form a log shape. Press the edges to seal them. Place the rolls seam-side down on a lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a nice shine. Cut small slits in the tops to let steam escape. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on the pastry. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the festive flavors! To get that perfectly crispy puff pastry, follow these steps: - Thaw properly: Always let your puff pastry thaw in the fridge, not on the counter. - Keep it cold: Work quickly to keep the pastry cold. Warm dough won’t puff well. - Dust lightly: Use just enough flour on your surface to prevent sticking. Too much flour can make the pastry dense. Rolling your pastry right is key. Here’s how: - Use a gentle touch: Don’t press too hard. Roll it out evenly. - Roll to the right thickness: Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. This thickness gives you great puff. - Cut evenly: Slice your pastry into equal rectangles for even baking. To get that beautiful golden color, do the following: - Egg wash: Brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg. This gives them a nice shine. - Vent the rolls: Cut small slits on top. This allows steam to escape and helps browning. - Watch the oven: Keep an eye on them as they bake. They should be golden brown in about 20-25 minutes. These tips will help you create Christmas sausage rolls that are not just tasty but also look amazing on your festive table! Pro Tips Chill the Pastry: Before rolling out, chill the puff pastry in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This helps it maintain its shape and puff up beautifully while baking. Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the sausage mixture for a more complex taste profile. Perfect Sealing: Ensure the edges of the pastry are well-sealed by using a fork to crimp them after rolling. This prevents any filling from escaping during baking. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like diced apples, cranberries, or even cheese to personalize your sausage rolls and make them uniquely yours. {{image_4}} Cranberries add a sweet and tart flavor to sausage rolls. This bright touch makes them festive. To make this variation, mix a tablespoon of cranberry sauce into the sausage meat. This adds moisture and a burst of flavor. You can also sprinkle dried cranberries into the mix for extra texture. The result is a rich blend, perfect for holiday parties. Nuts can give your sausage rolls an extra crunch. Chestnuts or walnuts work well in this recipe. Chop the nuts finely and blend them into the sausage mixture. About half a cup of chopped nuts balances the flavors nicely. They add a unique taste and a lovely texture, making each bite special. You can still enjoy sausage rolls without meat. Use plant-based sausage or lentils for a hearty filling. Combine lentils with spices like sage and thyme for flavor. You can also add mushrooms for an earthy taste. Wrap the mixture in puff pastry as you would with meat. This way, everyone can enjoy delicious rolls at your holiday feast. You can store unbaked sausage rolls in the fridge. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep them fresh for up to 24 hours. If you need to keep them longer, freezing is the best option. To freeze unbaked sausage rolls, lay them on a tray. Make sure they are not touching each other. Freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months. When ready to bake, you don’t need to thaw them. Just bake them straight from the freezer. If you have leftover sausage rolls, store them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the fridge for about three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage rolls on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes or until warm. This keeps the pastry crisp and delicious. Yes, you can make sausage rolls ahead of time. Prepare the rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just brush them with egg wash and pop them in the oven. You can also freeze unbaked rolls. Wrap them tightly and store them for up to three months. Bake them straight from the freezer, but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can serve sausage rolls with a variety of tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - A small bowl of cranberry sauce for dipping - Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish - A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy dressing - Cheese platters with crackers and fruits - Warm, spiced apple cider or festive cocktails These sides will enhance the flavors and make your party feel special. To check if your sausage rolls are done, look for a few key signs: - The pastry should be golden brown and puffed up. - When you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. - If you use a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). Let them cool slightly before serving, as they will be hot inside. This way, you'll have perfect sausage rolls ready for your festive gathering! You’ve learned how to make festive sausage rolls, from the key ingredients to tasty variations. Remember to keep your puff pastry crispy and golden for the best results. Explore different add-ins like cranberries or nuts to match your taste. If you prepare ahead, you can store and reheat with ease. Enjoy creating these delicious treats for your holiday gatherings. Happy cooking!

Festive Christmas Sausage Rolls

Delicious sausage rolls with a hint of sweetness from pork and apple, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine British
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound sausage meat (a delightful mix of pork and apple for a hint of sweetness)
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (ensure it is thawed if frozen)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce
  • 1 egg beaten (for the egg wash)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed for dusting flour

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the sausage meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, cranberry sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  • On a lightly floured surface, carefully roll out the puff pastry sheet to achieve a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
  • Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, slice the pastry into rectangles measuring approximately 4 inches by 6 inches.
  • Spoon a generous portion of the sausage mixture along one of the long edges of each pastry rectangle, ensuring it's well-distributed.
  • Gently roll the pastry over the filling, forming a log shape while sealing the edges. Press down slightly to secure the filling within.
  • Position the rolled sausage rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to keep them sealed during baking.
  • Brush the tops of each roll with the beaten egg for a beautiful, glossy finish that enhances their appeal.
  • Using a sharp knife, cut a few small slits on the tops of each sausage roll to allow steam to escape as they bake.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry has turned golden brown and puffed up to perfection.
  • Once baked, remove the sausage rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.

Notes

Arrange the sausage rolls artfully on a festive platter. Include a garnish of fresh herbs and a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce for dipping.
Keyword Christmas, holiday appetizers, sausage rolls