Description
Festive Christmas Sausage Rolls bring British holiday cheer to your table with golden, flaky pastry and savory seasoned meat. Crisp, hearty bites promise to delight guests and spark joyful celebration during seasonal gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground sausage meat (pork or a mix of pork and turkey)
Herbs, Spices, and Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage or thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Filling Ingredients:
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh breadcrumbs
Assembly Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft a festive sausage meat mixture by blending sausage, cranberries, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and aromatic herbs into a cohesive filling. Incorporate sage, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Heat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently unfurl the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, rolling it into a thin, even rectangle approximately 1/8-inch thick.
- Carefully divide the seasoned filling into two equal portions, shaping each into elongated logs. Position each log precisely along the pastry’s edge, ensuring even distribution.
- Meticulously wrap the pastry around the meat, using beaten egg as a delicate adhesive to seal the edges. Trim any excessive pastry with precision, creating clean lines.
- Slice the wrapped logs into bite-sized segments, approximately 2 inches in length. Arrange the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing.
- Generously brush the pastry tops with additional egg wash, creating a golden sheen. Optionally, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastry transforms into a rich, golden-brown color and the internal temperature of the sausage reaches a safe cooking point.
- Transfer the freshly baked rolls to a wire rack, allowing them to cool slightly. Serve accompanied by tangy cranberry sauce or zesty mustard for an elegant dipping experience.
Notes
- Optimize meat mixture by chilling ingredients beforehand, ensuring firmer texture and easier handling during roll preparation.
- Use lean sausage meat to reduce excess grease and create lighter, more delicate sausage rolls.
- Consider vegetarian alternatives by substituting sausage meat with plant-based ground alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or commercial meat replacements.
- Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with different herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, or fresh sage instead of dried herbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg