There’s something undeniably magical about the scent of Christmas Sausage Rolls wafting through the house during the holiday season. That buttery, flaky pastry wrapped around perfectly seasoned sausage meat just screams “festive gathering” like nothing else. As someone who’s made these by the dozen for family celebrations, I can promise you this: few appetizers disappear from the table faster than these savory little bundles.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or contributing to a potluck, these aren’t just any sausage rolls – they’re the elevated, festive version that makes people ask for your recipe.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
What makes Christmas Sausage Rolls special is their versatility and crowd-pleasing power. These are not your standard party snacks – they’re buttery, savory bites of holiday joy that manage to be both elegant and comforting simultaneously. The secret lies in the seasonal additions – cranberries, herbs, and warm spices that transform an everyday appetizer into something distinctly festive.
I particularly love how these rolls bridge generations at any gathering; children adore their hand-held simplicity while adults appreciate the sophisticated flavor profile. Plus, you can prepare them ahead and freeze them unbaked, making your holiday hosting infinitely less stressful. When unexpected guests arrive, you’ll have homemade treats ready to pop into the oven.
Equipment needed: Baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, knife, bowl, fork
Christmas Sausage Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 sheets of ready-rolled puff pastry
- 1 pound 450g high-quality sausage meat (or sausages with casings removed)
- 1 small onion very finely diced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk to mix with egg wash
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your work area. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove puff pastry from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before using to slightly soften.
- Make the festive sausage filling. In a large bowl, combine the sausage meat, finely diced onion, chopped cranberries, sage, thyme, nutmeg, cloves, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Roll out the pastry. Unroll your puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. If using block pastry, roll it into rectangles approximately 12 x 14 inches.
- Form sausage logs. Divide your sausage mixture into four equal portions. Form each portion into a long cylindrical shape and place along the long edge of each pastry sheet, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Prepare the egg wash. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl.
- Seal the rolls. Brush the pastry edge with egg wash, then fold the pastry over the sausage mixture and seal by pressing with a fork. The seal should be on the bottom.
- Cut into portions. Use a sharp knife to cut each long roll into 6 equal pieces, making 24 individual sausage rolls.
- Apply final touches. Transfer the rolls to your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with remaining egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if using. Make a small slit in the top of each roll for steam to escape.
- Bake to golden perfection. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the meat is thoroughly cooked.
- Rest before serving. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving, as the filling will be extremely hot.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use high-quality sausage meat from your butcher rather than pre-packaged varieties.
- You can prepare these rolls up to the baking stage and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- For an extra festive touch, serve with cranberry sauce or a cranberry and port dipping sauce.
- The filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to save time and allow flavors to develop.
- If you prefer a more rustic appearance, use scissors to snip the top of each roll rather than a knife.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 180 calories per sausage roll
- Protein: 5g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 12g per serving
- Fat: 13g per serving
- Contains: Gluten (in pastry), potential allergens from sausage meat (check packaging)
- Not suitable for: Vegetarians, vegans, those with celiac disease
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the pastry. This causes the rolls to burst during baking and can leave the meat undercooked. Stick to the recommended amounts.
- Using cold pastry. Always let puff pastry warm slightly before working with it to prevent cracking and ensure proper rising.
- Skipping the egg wash. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden color and helping any toppings stick.
- Forgetting the steam vents. Without small cuts on top, the rolls may burst from steam pressure during baking.
- Serving immediately. These rolls contain extremely hot filling – allow cooling time to prevent burned mouths!
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Vegetarian option: Replace sausage meat with a mixture of mushrooms, chestnuts, and lentils for a festive vegetarian alternative.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free puff pastry and ensure your sausage meat doesn’t contain gluten fillers.
- Alternative fruits: Substitute dried apricots or figs for cranberries for a different sweet note.
- Herb variations: Rosemary or parsley can replace sage if preferred.
- Spice adjustments: Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice for additional warming notes, or some orange zest for a citrus undertone.
- Meat options: Turkey mince can be used for a lighter alternative, though you may need to add a little more fat for moisture.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Sausage Rolls in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare them up to the point of baking and refrigerate for 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. If cooking from frozen, add 10 minutes to the baking time and check they’re piping hot throughout before serving.
How do I know when the sausage rolls are properly cooked?
The pastry should be risen and golden brown, and if you insert a food thermometer into the center of the meat, it should read at least 160°F (71°C). There should be no pinkness in the meat when you cut into one.
Why did my puff pastry not rise properly?
This usually happens when the pastry gets too warm before baking. Keep it chilled until ready to use, and ensure your oven is fully preheated. Also, avoid pressing down too hard when sealing the edges.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Christmas Sausage Rolls?
For the best texture, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Microwaving is quicker but will make the pastry soggy rather than crisp.
Can I add cheese to my Christmas Sausage Rolls?
Absolutely! A small amount of crumbled Stilton or mature cheddar adds a wonderful flavor dimension. Add it to the sausage mixture before wrapping in pastry.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Sausage Rolls aren’t just food; they’re part of creating those special holiday memories. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing everyone’s faces light up when you bring out a tray of these festive treats. Don’t be surprised if they become your signature holiday contribution – sometimes the simplest traditions become the most treasured. Happy baking, and even happier holidays!
