Sausage Rolls | Golden, Flaky, and Flavor-Packed
1. Introduction
There’s something irresistibly comforting about Sausage Rolls — a flaky, golden pastry wrapped around juicy, flavorful sausage meat. They’re simple, satisfying, and a true classic in British and Australian kitchens. Whether you serve them as a snack, party finger food, or an easy lunch, sausage rolls never fail to please a crowd.
What makes this recipe special is the balance of textures and flavors — buttery puff pastry that shatters at first bite, paired with tender, perfectly seasoned sausage filling inside. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make perfect homemade sausage rolls with tips for getting a crisp pastry, flavorful filling, and that golden finish every time.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
1. Puff Pastry (2 sheets, thawed)
Store-bought puff pastry works great. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before use. For the best results, use all-butter puff pastry for a richer flavor.
2. Sausage Meat (1 lb / 450g)
You can use plain ground sausage or remove the casing from your favorite sausages. Pork is traditional, but chicken, beef, or even plant-based sausage works too.
3. Onion (½, finely chopped)
Adds moisture and sweetness to the filling. Finely diced onion blends best with the meat.
4. Garlic (1 clove, minced)
Enhances the flavor with a subtle savory kick.
5. Breadcrumbs (¼ cup)
Helps bind the sausage mixture and soak up excess moisture for a better texture.
6. Egg (1, lightly beaten)
Used for both binding the filling and brushing over the pastry to give it a glossy, golden crust.
7. Fresh Herbs (1 tbsp, chopped parsley or thyme)
Adds freshness and a fragrant note to the rich filling.
8. Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Season to bring out the full flavor of the sausage meat.
Optional Additions:
- A pinch of nutmeg or sage for classic British flavor.
- A spoonful of mustard or Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Dietary Options:
- Use gluten-free pastry and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Swap in plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, combine sausage meat, finely chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is evenly combined.
Tip: Don’t overmix — it can make the filling dense.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Lay a sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut it in half lengthwise.
- Spoon the sausage mixture in a log shape down the center of each strip.
- Brush one edge of the pastry with beaten egg, then fold over to seal, pressing lightly with a fork.
Step 4: Slice and Glaze
- Cut the long rolls into smaller pieces (about 2–3 inches each).
- Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a glossy golden finish.
- Optional: sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds for texture.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown and the sausage is cooked through.
Tip: If you’re unsure, check that the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 160°F (70°C).
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the sausage rolls cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature, perfect for parties, picnics, or quick lunches.
4. Tips and Variations
Expert Tips:
- Chill the assembled rolls for 10–15 minutes before baking to prevent the pastry from shrinking.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the rolls cleanly.
- For extra crispiness, bake on the middle rack with good airflow.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven for best texture — never the microwave.
Delicious Variations:
- Cheesy Sausage Rolls: Add shredded cheddar to the filling.
- Spicy Version: Mix in chili flakes or spicy sausage.
- Breakfast Rolls: Use breakfast sausage and add a bit of maple syrup or caramelized onion.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage meat with mashed lentils, mushrooms, and herbs.
5. Serving Suggestions
Perfect For:
- Brunch buffets
- Holiday parties
- Game-day snacks
- School lunches
Serve With:
- Ketchup or tomato chutney
- Mustard or spicy aioli
- Barbecue sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
Pair With:
- A simple green salad or slaw
- Potato wedges
- A cold beer or sparkling cider
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigeration:
Store leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze uncooked rolls on a tray until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes.
Reheating:
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until hot and crisp.
- Air Fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes.
- Microwave: Avoid if possible; pastry will become soggy.
7. Recipe Notes
- Can be prepped ahead and frozen raw or baked.
- Brush with egg wash for that perfect golden shine.
- Use high-quality sausage meat for best flavor.
- Puff pastry expands, so don’t overfill your rolls.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Roll, based on 12 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Calcium | 15 mg |
| Iron | 0.6 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Appetizer / Snack / Main
Cuisine: British / Australian
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 lb (450g) sausage meat
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Mix sausage meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Place mixture along pastry strips and roll to seal.
- Cut into small rolls, brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces.
🏷️ Diet Tags
- Can be made Gluten-Free
- Contains Protein
- Freezer-Friendly
- Easy Party Food
🌿 Health Benefits
- Good source of protein from sausage meat.
- Herbs and garlic add antioxidants and flavor without extra calories.
- Can be adapted for lower fat versions with lean meats or air-frying.
10. FAQs
1. Can I make sausage rolls ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze them?
Definitely. Freeze before or after baking — just reheat in the oven until crispy.
3. Can I use different meats?
Yes, chicken, turkey, or beef sausage all work well.
4. Why is my pastry soggy on the bottom?
Make sure the filling isn’t too wet, and bake on parchment to help airflow.
5. What dips go best with sausage rolls?
Ketchup, mustard, sweet chili sauce, or spicy aioli are all excellent choices.
11. Final Thoughts
Sausage Rolls are one of those timeless recipes that everyone loves — flaky, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to elegant entertaining.
Once you try making them at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. The aroma of buttery pastry and sizzling sausage filling will fill your kitchen and have everyone waiting by the oven.
Whether you’re serving them for brunch, parties, or quick lunches, these Sausage Rolls are sure to become a favorite. Let me know how yours turn out in the comments below!