Simple Homemade Sausage Rolls with a Golden, Flaky Crust

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your home. And when it comes to comforting savory treats, few things can compare to the simple perfection of homemade Sausage Rolls. Golden, flaky, and bursting with savory flavor, they’re a timeless classic that brings smiles to every face.

I remember countless childhood afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her skillfully roll out pastry, her hands dusted with flour. The anticipation of biting into one of her warm creations was pure joy. That feeling, that connection to tradition and homemade goodness, is what I strive to recreate in every recipe I share.

These Sausage Rolls are wonderfully easy to prepare, making them a perfect family-friendly snack or appetizer. My top tip? Don’t skip the egg wash – it’s the secret to that irresistible golden, flaky crust!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting these delightful bites starts with succulent pork sausage meat, fragrant fresh sage, and that glorious ready-made puff pastry. These essentials come together to create the savory heart of our perfect Sausage Rolls. You’ll find the full list with precise measurements in the recipe card just below.

How to Make Sausage Rolls

Whipping up these incredible Sausage Rolls is a joy! It all begins with mixing our seasoned pork filling, then gently shaping it onto crisp puff pastry. A quick brush of egg wash, a sprinkle of seeds, and into the oven they go. Soon, your kitchen will be filled with the most comforting aroma, signaling that golden, flaky perfection is ready to be devoured.

Classic Homemade Sausage Rolls

These classic homemade sausage rolls feature a richly seasoned pork filling encased in flaky, golden puff pastry, perfect for parties, picnics, or a satisfying snack. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, they’re a true crowd-pleaser.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: British, European

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Sausage Filling

• 500 g Pork sausage meat good quality, or sausages with casings removed
• 1 small Onion very finely minced
• 1 tbsp Fresh sage finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
• 1 tsp English mustard or Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• Pinch Ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp Breadcrumbs optional, for binding

For the Pastry & Glaze

• 375 g Ready-made puff pastry 1 sheet, chilled
• 1 large Egg beaten, for egg wash
• 1 tbsp Milk optional, for egg wash
• Sesame seeds or poppy seeds optional, for topping

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Rolling Pin
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Pastry Brush

Method

 

Prepare the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork sausage meat, finely minced onion, chopped fresh sage, English mustard, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. If using, add breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.

Assemble the Sausage Rolls

1. Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface or directly onto a piece of parchment paper. If using a block of pastry, roll it out into a rectangle approximately 30cm x 25cm (12 inches x 10 inches).
2. Divide the sausage meat mixture in half. Form each half into a long, even log, approximately the length of the pastry sheet. Place one log along one long edge of the pastry, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge.
3. Fold the pastry over the sausage meat log, ensuring it’s snugly wrapped. Press down gently along the seam to seal it completely. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut along the sealed edge to separate the first sausage roll. Repeat this process with the second sausage log and the remaining pastry.
4. Cut each long sausage roll into 6 equal pieces (or desired size, e.g., 3 larger rolls or 12 mini ones). Place the rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
5. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with the milk (if using) to create an egg wash. Brush the tops and sides of the sausage rolls generously with the egg wash. If desired, sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds for extra flavour and texture.

Bake the Sausage Rolls

1. For flakier pastry, chill the assembled sausage rolls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This helps the pastry hold its shape and puff up beautifully during baking. (Optional but recommended)
2. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) / 180°C Fan / Gas Mark 6.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the sausage meat is cooked through (internal temperature of 71°C/160°F).
4. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. They are delicious warm or cold.

Notes

For a vegetarian alternative, replace pork sausage meat with a plant-based sausage mixture. Sausage rolls can be prepared ahead: assemble them, then wrap tightly and freeze unbaked. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake from frozen at the same temperature for an extra 10-15 minutes. Store any leftover baked sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently in the oven or air fryer if desired.

Pro Tips for Making This Sausage Rolls

Here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up over the years to ensure your Sausage Rolls turn out absolutely perfect every time:

• My Secret Trick: I always make sure my puff pastry is properly chilled before working with it. This keeps it beautifully flaky and prevents it from shrinking too much in the oven, ensuring those perfectly golden Sausage Rolls.
• Don’t be shy with the seasoning for your sausage meat. A well-seasoned filling, incorporating fresh sage and English mustard, is the key to truly irresistible savory treats. Taste a tiny cooked bit if you’re unsure!
• When sealing the pastry, use a fork to press down firmly along the edges. This creates a lovely crimped pattern and, more importantly, keeps all that delicious filling securely inside your sausage rolls during baking.
• For an extra golden finish and a touch of professional flair, give your sausage rolls a generous second egg wash just before they go into the oven. It makes all the difference!

Fun Variations for Sausage Rolls

Baking is all about creativity, and these Sausage Rolls are wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ways to add your own personal touch:

• Spice It Up: For a little warmth, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sausage mix. My friend, who loves a bit of a kick, always asks me to do this when I make Sausage Rolls for her.
• Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle some grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the sausage meat before rolling. The cheese melts into the filling, adding another layer of savory deliciousness.
• Herbaceous Twists: While fresh sage is classic, experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary. A blend of finely chopped herbs can really elevate the flavor profile of your homemade treats.
• Apple and Onion: For a touch of sweetness and depth, sauté finely diced apple and onion until soft before adding them to your sausage meat. It’s a delightful combination that works wonderfully with these savory pastries.

What to Serve With Sausage Rolls

These versatile Sausage Rolls are perfect on their own, but a little accompaniment can truly elevate the experience! I love serving them with a vibrant homemade tomato relish or a simple, crisp green salad for a touch of freshness. My mom always pares them with a spoonful of tangy coleslaw, especially for a picnic or light lunch. For a quick serving idea, a simple mustard dip made with English mustard and a touch of honey works wonders, bringing out all those beautiful savory flavors.

How to Store Sausage Rolls

Storing in the Fridge

Once completely cooled, store your leftover Sausage Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This keeps the pastry from getting soggy and the filling fresh. I always make sure they’re completely cool before covering them, to avoid condensation.

Freezing for Later

To freeze, arrange cooled sausage rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. My top tip: label with the date so you always know when they were made!

Reheating Instructions

For best results, reheat frozen sausage rolls directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until piping hot and crisp. If they were in the fridge, a shorter time of 10-15 minutes will suffice. A light dusting of paprika after reheating can also bring them back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

Our homemade approach ensures wholesome ingredients. The pork sausage meat provides protein, and the onion and fresh sage contribute some vitamins. It’s a satisfying indulgence, combining comforting flavors with simple, nourishing ingredients. Enjoying these Sausage Rolls is a lovely way to nourish both body and soul.

FAQs

Can I prepare the sausage meat filling in advance?

Yes, absolutely! You can mix the sausage meat filling up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your delicious Sausage Rolls. This makes prep day a breeze!

What kind of puff pastry is best to use?

For convenience and consistent flakiness, I always recommend using ready-made, all-butter puff pastry. It bakes up beautifully golden and provides that perfect crisp crust for your homemade Sausage Rolls, saving you time without compromising on quality.

How do I prevent the bottom of my sausage rolls from getting soggy?

To achieve a perfectly crisp bottom on your Sausage Rolls, always bake them on a preheated baking tray. Placing them directly onto a hot surface helps to cook the pastry quickly and evenly from underneath, preventing any sogginess.

Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Certainly! While pork is traditional, you can absolutely substitute it with chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. Just ensure the consistency of the filling is similar for best results in your personalized Sausage Rolls.

Conclusion

There’s truly nothing quite like the joy of bringing warm, homemade treats to your table, and these Classic Homemade Sausage Rolls are a prime example. They embody everything I love about baking: simple ingredients, a little bit of love, and the magic of creating something delicious that brings people together. So go on, embrace the delightful aroma and the satisfying crunch. Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and create your own sweet, savory memories!