Description of this recipe
These sausage rolls are a savory delight, perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal. Crispy, flaky puff pastry encases a flavorful pork and bacon filling seasoned with aromatic fennel seeds and savory herbs. Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures and tastes, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore these sausage rolls for their irresistible flavor and satisfying crunch. The combination of pork and bacon creates a rich, savory filling that’s perfectly balanced by the flaky puff pastry. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a lunch, or simply craving a delicious snack, these sausage rolls are sure to hit the spot. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover ground pork or bacon, making them a budget-friendly option.
Ingredients:
Filling
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 brown onion, small, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 5 oz / 150g bacon, finely minced (streaky and fatty, not the lean stuff!)
- 2 tsp fennel seeds, toasted (optional)
- 1 lb / 500g pork mince (ground pork) (not lean)
- 3/4 cup / 40g panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper
Baking & Serving
- 2 1/2 sheets puff pastry, thawed then each cut into half
- 1 egg, lightly whisked
- Ketchup / tomato sauce
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, and finely chopped celery stalk for about 2 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the finely minced bacon to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes, until slightly rendered but not yet crispy. The bacon should still be soft. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the pastry from becoming soggy later on.
Step 3: In the bowl with the cooled bacon mixture, add the pork mince, toasted fennel seeds (if using), panko breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until evenly distributed. Ensure that the mixture is well-mixed to achieve a consistent flavor throughout the sausage rolls.
Step 4: Lay out a rectangle of puff pastry on a clean surface with the long edge closest to you. Brush the edge of the puff pastry with a beaten egg, which will act as a glue to seal the roll. This ensures that the pastry adheres properly and prevents the filling from escaping during baking.
Step 5: Take approximately one-fifth of the filling and shape it into a long log down the middle of the pastry. Make sure that the meat is tight and compact, without any gaps. This will help maintain the shape of the sausage rolls during baking and prevent them from falling apart.
Step 6: Brush the opposite edge of the pastry with egg wash. Then, carefully roll up the pastry, finishing with the seam side down. Ensure that the pastry is tightly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
Step 7: If you have the time and patience, refrigerate the sausage rolls for about 1 hour. This step is optional but highly recommended as it makes the rolls easier to cut and neater to handle. Chilling the pastry allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier and more tender final product.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. Prepare two baking trays by lining them with baking paper or spraying them with oil to prevent the sausage rolls from sticking.
Step 9: Cut each log into four equal lengths for mini sausage rolls or just two if you prefer full-sized ones. Brush the top of each sausage roll with beaten egg to give them a golden-brown color during baking.
Step 10: Place the sausage rolls on the prepared baking trays, leaving some space between each roll to allow for even baking. Bake for a total of 30–35 minutes, swapping the tray shelves at 20 minutes to ensure that the sausage rolls are evenly cooked. The pastry should be deep golden brown.
Step 11: Cool the sausage rolls slightly on the trays before serving. Serve them hot or warm with ketchup or tomato sauce for dipping.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as appetizers at parties or gatherings
- Pack in lunchboxes for a savory treat
- Enjoy as a snack with ketchup or tomato sauce
- Serve alongside a salad for a light meal
- Offer as part of a brunch spread
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of pork and beef mince.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the filling, such as thyme, sage, or chili flakes.
- Add some grated cheese to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience or make your own for a more authentic taste.
- Brush the sausage rolls with milk instead of egg for a slightly different finish.
- Freeze unbaked sausage rolls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30-35 minutes
Total Time:
50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per sausage roll, based on 10 servings)
Calories:
250-300
Protein:
10-15g
Sodium:
300-400mg
Conclusion
These homemade sausage rolls are a delicious and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flaky pastry and savory filling, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible sausage rolls! They’re incredibly satisfying and flavorful, making them an excellent choice for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a light meal. The combination of pork, bacon, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Plus, they are so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping up a batch in no time. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for pork mince, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, lamb, chicken, or even a combination of different meats. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the flavor of the meat you choose.
Q2: Can I make these sausage rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! In fact, making them ahead of time can save you a lot of stress, especially if you’re preparing for a party or gathering. Simply assemble the sausage rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A: Of course! Adding vegetables to the filling is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the sausage rolls. Some popular choices include grated carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Just make sure to chop the vegetables finely and sauté them before adding them to the filling to ensure they’re cooked through.
Q4: Can I make these sausage rolls gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can! Simply substitute the regular puff pastry with a gluten-free version. You can find gluten-free puff pastry in most supermarkets or health food stores. Also, ensure that the panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free or replace them with an alternative like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Q5: What can I serve with these sausage rolls?
A: These sausage rolls are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of accompaniments. Some popular choices include ketchup, tomato sauce, mustard, chutney, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a more substantial meal.
