admin1 These Homemade Sausage Rolls are a classic savoury treat featuring juicy, seasoned sausage meat wrapped in buttery, golden puff pastry. With their crisp, flaky exterior and deliciously tender filling, they are perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, parties, picnics, or a comforting afternoon snack.
Made with simple ingredients and ready in less than an hour, this easy sausage roll recipe is ideal for beginners and delivers bakery-style results right from your own kitchen.
Recipe Details
Prep time
20 minutes
Cook time
25–30 minutes
Total time
50 minutes
Servings
12 sausage rolls
Oven temperature
400°F (200°C)
Ingredients
For the sausage filling
- 500 g pork sausage meat
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
For the pastry
- 2 sheets ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a large baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the sausage rolls from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the sausage filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, sage, thyme, black pepper, salt, and Dijon mustard.
Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until everything is evenly combined.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make the filling dense rather than tender.
Step 3: Prepare the puff pastry
Lightly dust your work surface with flour if needed.
Unroll the puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet lengthwise into two long rectangles.
You should have four pastry strips.
Step 4: Shape the sausage rolls
Divide the sausage mixture into four equal portions.
Shape each portion into a long sausage and place it down the centre of each pastry strip.
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk.
Brush one long edge of each pastry strip with the egg wash.
Fold the pastry over the sausage filling and press the edges together firmly to seal.
Step 5: Cut and arrange
Turn each long pastry roll seam-side down.
Cut each roll into three equal pieces to make 12 sausage rolls.
Place them on the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each one.
Use a sharp knife to make two or three small slashes on top of each roll to allow steam to escape.
Step 6: Brush with egg wash
Brush the tops and sides of the pastry with the remaining egg wash.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if desired.
Step 7: Bake until golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and golden brown.
The sausage filling should be fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground pork.
If the pastry browns too quickly, loosely cover the tray with foil for the remaining cooking time.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Remove the sausage rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes.
Serve warm with your favourite dipping sauce, or allow them to cool completely before packing for lunchboxes and picnics.
Tips for Perfect Sausage Rolls
- Keep the pastry cold: Cold pastry puffs up better and creates a flakier texture.
- Use quality sausage meat: Choose sausage meat with good seasoning and enough fat to keep the filling juicy.
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the pastry to split during baking.
- Seal the edges properly: Egg wash helps the pastry stick together.
- Bake until golden: Pale pastry may be undercooked and less crisp.
- Allow them to rest: A few minutes of cooling helps the filling settle before serving.
Delicious Sausage Roll Variations
1. Cheesy Sausage Rolls
Add ½ cup grated cheddar cheese to the sausage mixture for a rich, cheesy filling.
2. Spicy Sausage Rolls
Add ½ teaspoon chilli flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a little hot sauce to the filling.
3. Apple and Sage Sausage Rolls
Add ½ small grated apple to the sausage mixture for a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with sage.
4. Chicken Sausage Rolls
Replace pork sausage meat with seasoned chicken mince. Ensure the filling reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Vegetarian Sausage Rolls
Use a plant-based sausage filling or a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, and herbs.
What to Serve with Sausage Rolls
Sausage rolls are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:
- Tomato ketchup
- English mustard
- Sweet chilli sauce
- Pickled onions
- Fresh green salad
- Coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables
For a party platter, serve them with a selection of dipping sauces and fresh vegetable sticks.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store cooked sausage rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked sausage rolls for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Place refrigerated sausage rolls in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
For frozen unbaked sausage rolls, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 35–40 minutes, checking that the filling is fully cooked.
Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crisp, flaky pastry.
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition per sausage roll, based on 12 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on the sausage meat and puff pastry brand used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sausage rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sausage rolls up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate them covered until ready to bake.
Why are my sausage rolls soggy underneath?
Soggy pastry can result from excess moisture in the filling or an oven that isn’t hot enough. Use a preheated oven and avoid placing the sausage rolls too close together on the baking tray.
Can I make sausage rolls without puff pastry?
Yes. Shortcrust pastry can be used for a firmer, less flaky texture. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the pastry.
Can I use store-bought sausage meat?
Absolutely. Store-bought sausage meat is convenient and works perfectly in this recipe. Adjust the additional salt according to its seasoning.
How do I keep sausage rolls crispy?
Cool them on a wire rack rather than leaving them on the baking tray. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispness.
