Crispy Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe

Jolly Holiday Sausage Rolls Recipe: Festive Bites for Christmas

Flaky pastry and savory sausage come together in these delectable christmas sausage rolls that promise to be the star of any holiday gathering.

Packed with rich, hearty flavors, these rolls blend traditional British comfort with festive cheer.

The crisp, golden exterior gives way to a juicy, well-seasoned filling that speaks to comfort and celebration.

Homemade pastry wraps around premium meat, creating a perfect bite-sized treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, these sausage rolls transform simple ingredients into something magical.

Impress your guests and add a touch of warmth to your holiday spread with this irresistible recipe that brings joy to the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything You Need For Christmas Sausage Rolls

For Filling Base:
  • Sausage Meat: Delivers rich, meaty foundation with a hearty texture that anchors the entire roll.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and provides light, airy consistency to the filling.
  • Onion, Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic complexity to the sausage mixture.
For Aromatic Herbs and Spices:
  • Parsley, Sage: Brings fresh, earthy undertones that complement the rich sausage meat.
  • Nutmeg, Cinnamon: Introduces warm, subtle winter spices that elevate the festive profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Balances and enhances overall seasoning of the filling.
For Festive Accents and Pastry Components:
  • Cranberries: Offers bright, tangy bursts that cut through the meat's richness and add holiday spirit.
  • Puff Pastry: Creates golden, flaky exterior that provides delightful crunch and elegant presentation.
  • Egg: Functions as a binding agent and creates beautiful golden sheen when brushed on pastry.
  • Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds: Optional garnish that adds textural contrast and visual interest.

Tools To Wrap Christmas Sausage Rolls Quickly

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all filling ingredients.
  • Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out puff pastry to the right thickness.
  • Baking sheet: Needed to cook the sausage rolls evenly.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Sharp knife: For cutting pastry and slicing rolls into bite-sized pieces.
  • Pastry brush: Used to apply egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Wire rack: Helps sausage rolls cool without getting soggy.

How To Bake Christmas Sausage Rolls Golden

  • Flavor Blend

A delightful mixture of ground meat, festive berries, herbs, and warming spices creates a mouthwatering filling that captures the essence of winter celebrations.

  • Pastry Preparation

Gently unfold the flaky pastry on a lightly dusted surface, transforming it into a delicate canvas for your culinary creation.

  • Roll Crafting

Shape the seasoned meat mixture into elegant logs, nestling them carefully along the pastry’s edge. Lovingly wrap the filling, sealing the edges with a gentle egg wash to create perfect golden parcels.

  • Decorative Touches

Slice the rolls into bite-sized delights, arranging them on a baking sheet. A light brush of egg gives a beautiful golden sheen, with optional seed sprinkles for extra texture and visual appeal.

  • Oven Magic

Bake until the pastry transforms into a crispy, golden-brown masterpiece and the filling reaches perfect doneness, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

  • Serving Celebration

Let the rolls rest briefly, then serve while warm. Pair with tangy sauce for an extra burst of holiday cheer, creating a memorable treat that brings everyone together.

Flavor Tweaks For Christmas Sausage Rolls

  • Perfect Pastry Technique: Chill your puff pastry for 10-15 minutes before rolling to ensure crisp, flaky layers that won't shrink during baking.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sausage rolls up to the point of slicing and brushing with egg wash, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Swap traditional puff pastry for gluten-free puff pastry and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these rolls suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Replace sausage meat with a mixture of roasted vegetables like mushrooms, chestnuts, and caramelized onions. Add extra herbs and a touch of vegetarian sausage seasoning to create a rich, meaty flavor profile without actual meat.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme and rosemary, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat that complements the sweet cranberries and warm spices.

Holiday Serving Ideas For Christmas Sausage Rolls

  • Festive Party Platter: Arrange the sausage rolls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of cranberry sauce and spicy mustard for an eye-catching holiday appetizer spread.
  • Cocktail Companion: Serve these bite-sized rolls alongside champagne or mulled wine during Christmas gatherings, creating a perfect finger food for sophisticated celebrations.
  • Picnic Perfect: Pack these sausage rolls in a festive container for winter outdoor events, providing a warm and delicious snack that travels well and keeps guests satisfied.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Pair the rolls with a light winter salad and scrambled eggs for a delightful Christmas morning breakfast that feels both elegant and comforting.

How To Keep Christmas Sausage Rolls Crisp

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked sausage rolls in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them arranged in single layers with parchment paper between each row to prevent sticking.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap individual sausage rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze uncooked rolls for maximum 2 months or already baked rolls for 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Method: Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in a preheated oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave heating to maintain pastry's flaky texture. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for best results.
  • Serving Temperature Tips: Enjoy sausage rolls slightly warm or at room temperature. Remove from refrigeration 15-20 minutes before serving to allow natural warming. Pair with fresh cranberry sauce or grainy mustard for enhanced flavor experience.
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Crispy Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe

Crispy Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Savory Christmas sausage rolls delight festive gatherings with British charm. Flaky pastry and herb-infused meat create a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave at holiday celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground sausage meat (pork or mix of pork and turkey)
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried sage or thyme
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Mixture Preparation: Blend sausage meat, cranberries, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, sage, nutmeg, cinnamon, and seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  2. Pastry Setup: Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface into a thin rectangular sheet. Cut pastry into two long strips, ensuring even width and smooth edges.
  3. Filling and Wrapping: Form sausage mixture into two uniform logs, positioning each along the edge of pastry strips. Carefully roll pastry around filling, sealing edges with egg wash. Trim excess pastry for clean, precise edges.
  4. Shaping and Prepping: Slice logs into bite-sized rolls, approximately 2 inches wide. Position rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with seam facing downward. Brush pastry surface with egg wash and optionally sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.
  5. Baking and Finishing: Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until pastry turns golden brown and sausage filling is completely cooked. Transfer to a wire rack and allow brief cooling. Serve warm with cranberry sauce or mustard for enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Meat Mixing Technique: Thoroughly combine ingredients by hand to ensure even distribution of spices and prevent dry spots in the sausage mixture.
  • Pastry Rolling Pro Tip: Roll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and achieve an even 1/8-inch thickness for perfect crispy texture.
  • Sealing Secrets: Use beaten egg as a natural glue to seal pastry edges securely, preventing filling from leaking during baking.
  • Temperature Check: Verify internal sausage temperature reaches 160F to ensure complete cooking and food safety, especially important for meat-based appetizers.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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