Sausage Rolls
Classic British comfort food at its finest. These homemade sausage rolls feature a savory, herb-infused pork filling wrapped in a flaky, golden-brown puff pastry. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a satisfying snack, they are surprisingly simple to make and infinitely better than store-bought.
For 8 servings
10 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C / 180°C Fan)
- a.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large bowl, combine the pork sausage meat, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, parsley, sage, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add one of the eggs. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the filling tough.
- 3
Lightly flour your work surface
- a.Unroll one sheet of puff pastry. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheet in half lengthwise to create two long rectangles.
- 4
Divide the sausage mixture into four equal portions
- a.Shape one portion into a long log down the center of one pastry rectangle. Repeat with a second portion on the other rectangle.
- 5
Step 5
- a.In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg with the tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Brush one long edge of each pastry rectangle with the egg wash. Fold the un-brushed edge over the sausage filling to meet the egg-washed edge. Press firmly to seal, then use the tines of a fork to crimp the seam securely.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Repeat steps 3-5 with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining two portions of sausage filling. You will now have four long sausage rolls.
- 7
Cut each long roll into 6 equal pieces, creating 24 individual sausage rolls
- a.Arrange them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Brush the tops and sides of all the rolls generously with the remaining egg wash. Using a sharp knife, make two or three small diagonal slashes on the top of each roll to allow steam to escape.
- 9
Step 9
- a.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, deeply golden-brown, and the sausage filling is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- 10
Step 10
- a.Let the sausage rolls cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use high-quality pork sausage meat with a good fat content (around 20%) for the most flavorful and juicy filling.
- 2Work with cold puff pastry straight from the fridge. If it becomes too soft, place it back in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- 3Be careful not to overstuff the pastry, as the filling can burst through the seams during baking.
- 4A proper seal is crucial. The egg wash acts as glue, and crimping with a fork adds extra security.
- 5You can assemble the rolls, place them on the baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- 6For extra crunch and visual appeal, sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds or poppy seeds after applying the egg wash.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Chorizo Rolls
Replace half the pork sausage meat with fresh chorizo and add a pinch of smoked paprika to the filling.
Pork and Apple RollsPork and Apple Rolls
Add one small, finely grated apple (like a Granny Smith) to the pork mixture for a touch of sweetness and moisture.
Vegetarian RollsVegetarian Rolls
Substitute the pork with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, walnuts, and herbs for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Festive RollsFestive Rolls
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped dried cranberries and a pinch of allspice to the filling for a holiday twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Complete Protein
The pork filling provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Provides B Vitamins
Pork is a rich source of B vitamins, particularly B12, B6, niacin, and thiamine. These vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
Sausage rolls are generally considered an indulgent treat rather than a health food. They are high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium due to the puff pastry and sausage meat. They can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.