These homemade Sausage Rolls are the perfect blend of flaky, buttery pastry and savory, herb-infused sausage filling. Ready in just 45 minutes, they’re ideal for everything from party appetizers to quick weeknight dinners. The golden-brown exterior gives way to a juicy, flavorful center that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, these aren’t your average sausage rolls – they’re a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Versatile: These sausage rolls work brilliantly as party appetizers, lunch box fillers, or paired with a salad for a quick dinner.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and bake when needed – perfect for busy hosts or meal preppers.
Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic as is, but you can easily adjust the seasonings or meat to suit your taste preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve never met anyone who could resist these – the combination of flaky pastry and savory filling is universally appealing.
Beginner-Friendly: Don’t let the impressive results fool you – this recipe is straightforward enough for even novice bakers to master.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Puff Pastry: The star of the show that creates that irresistible flaky exterior. Store-bought saves time without compromising quality.
Pork Sausage: Provides the rich, savory base for the filling. The fat content helps keep everything moist and flavorful.
Eggs: Serve double duty – one binds the filling mixture while the other creates that beautiful golden exterior when used as a wash.
Italian Breadcrumbs: Add texture and help absorb excess moisture, ensuring your filling isn’t soggy.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and thyme bring brightness and depth to the filling. Fresh really makes a difference here!
Garlic: Adds that essential aromatic punch that complements the pork perfectly.
Onion Powder: Provides onion flavor without the texture issues of fresh onions, which can make the filling soggy.
Water: Just a splash for the egg wash to make it easier to brush on the pastry.

Variations

Cheese and Bacon Sausage Rolls

Add 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese and 4 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon to the sausage mixture for an indulgent twist. The melty cheese and smoky bacon take these rolls to a whole new level.

Spicy Sausage Rolls

Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or 1 tablespoon of sriracha to the filling for a kick of heat. You could also use a spicy sausage as your base instead of regular pork sausage.

Vegetarian Option

Replace the meat with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms (about 8 oz), 1 grated carrot, 1/2 cup cooked lentils, and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for texture. Keep all the same seasonings for familiar flavors.

Apple and Sage Variation

Add 1/2 cup finely diced apple and swap the thyme for 1 tablespoon fresh sage. This sweet-savory combination is especially wonderful for fall gatherings.

How to Make Sausage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Having everything ready before you start assembly makes the process much smoother.

Step 2: Create the Filling

In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the sausage, 1 egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, garlic, and onion powder. Mix until everything is evenly distributed, but don’t overwork the mixture or your sausage rolls might become tough.

Step 3: Prepare the Pastry

Roll out your puff pastry sheets on a clean, non-stick surface to thin them slightly. Cut each sheet into 3 long rectangles – you’ll have 6 rectangles total. If your pastry came folded, simply cut along the fold lines for convenience.

Step 4: Fill and Seal

Spoon the sausage mixture down the center of each pastry rectangle, forming a continuous line with about an inch of pastry visible on either side. Bring the edges of the pastry together and seal them firmly using a fork to crimp the edges.

Step 5: Slice and Arrange

Cut each filled pastry tube into 2-inch pieces. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving an inch between each for expansion. This spacing ensures they’ll bake evenly and become perfectly crisp all around.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash

Whisk together the remaining egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the sausage rolls. This creates that beautiful golden color and adds a subtle sheen to the finished product.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15 minutes, or until the pastry has puffed up beautifully and the tops are a rich golden brown. The filling should be completely cooked through.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cold Pastry Works Best: Keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. If it gets too warm, the layers won’t puff properly.
Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack in the filling, but too much can cause the pastry to split during baking.
Secure the Seams: Make sure to firmly press the edges with a fork – any gaps will allow the juices to leak out during baking.
Cut Slits for Steam: If you’re making larger sausage rolls, cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Rest Before Serving: Let the sausage rolls cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to handle.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve these sausage rolls with a side of tangy HP sauce, grainy mustard, or homemade tomato relish for dipping. For a more substantial meal, pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette.

Party Presentation

For entertaining, arrange on a wooden board with small ramekins of various dipping sauces. Add some pickled vegetables or olives on the side for a complete appetizer spread.

Complete Meal Ideas

Make it a meal by serving with roasted vegetables or a warm soup. A tomato-based soup makes a particularly nice contrast to the rich, buttery pastry.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They actually maintain their texture surprisingly well compared to many pastry items.

Freezing

These sausage rolls freeze beautifully both before or after baking. For unbaked rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

For baked rolls, cool completely before freezing in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed sausage rolls in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. If reheating from frozen, add about 5 minutes to the cooking time. Avoid using the microwave as it will make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Beef, chicken, or turkey sausage all work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be aware that leaner meats like chicken or turkey might produce a slightly drier filling, so you could add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to maintain moisture.

Why did my puff pastry not rise properly?
The most common reason is that the pastry got too warm before baking. Puff pastry needs to be cold when it goes into the oven so the butter creates steam pockets. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F before baking.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free puff pastry (now available in many supermarkets) and substitute the Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when the sausage filling is completely cooked?
After the recommended baking time, the pastry should be golden brown. If you’re concerned, you can use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll – it should read 160°F for pork sausage. You can also cut one open to check that there’s no pink remaining in the center.

Final Thoughts

These Sausage Rolls transform simple ingredients into something truly special. The contrast between the buttery, flaky exterior and the savory, herb-infused filling creates a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re making them for a casual family dinner or an elegant cocktail party, they’re sure to impress. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – make them as written or use it as a starting point for your own creative variations. Either way, I guarantee they’ll disappear quickly!

Sausage Rolls Recipe