Introduction

Christmas Sausage Rolls are a must-have during the holiday season, adding a festive and savory touch to any gathering. These little pastry pockets are filled with a perfectly seasoned sausage mixture, including seasonal herbs like sage and thyme, and a hint of cranberry or apple for that cozy, holiday flavor. Wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, these rolls are as delicious as they are comforting. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends alike!

I love making these sausage rolls around Christmas because they’re so simple to prepare yet always feel special. The combination of savory sausage with the sweetness of cranberry or apple gives them a perfect balance of flavors. I remember the first time I made them for a holiday party—my guests couldn’t stop talking about how delicious they were! Since then, they’ve become a holiday tradition in my home. The best part? You can prepare them ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready, making them a stress-free option for busy holiday schedules.

What I particularly enjoy about these Christmas Sausage Rolls is how versatile they are. You can easily customize the filling with different herbs or even add a bit of cheese for extra richness. They’re perfect for serving alongside a hot bowl of soup, as a part of a festive buffet, or simply as a snack while you’re enjoying a holiday movie marathon. With their crispy exterior and flavorful filling, they’re sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday table!

Perfect for:

Christmas parties
Holiday appetizers
New Year’s Eve gatherings
Family dinners
Buffet-style meals

Why You’ll Love This for Christmas Sausage Rolls

Here’s why Christmas Sausage Rolls are the perfect addition to your holiday menu:

Festive Flavors: The addition of herbs like sage and thyme, combined with cranberries or apples, infuses these sausage rolls with delicious seasonal flavors that will remind everyone of Christmas.
Crispy and Flaky Pastry: The golden, flaky puff pastry creates a satisfying crunch with each bite, contrasting perfectly with the savory sausage filling.
Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients, like cheese or vegetables, to personalize the recipe and make it your own.
Easy to Make: These sausage rolls come together quickly with minimal prep. They’re simple enough for even beginners to prepare and impressive enough to serve at any holiday celebration.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble these rolls in advance and freeze them, making them a perfect option for holiday prep. Just bake them off when you’re ready to serve!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12-15 rolls
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

For these delightful Christmas Sausage Rolls, gather the following ingredients:

1 lb (450g) sausage meat (use a savory sausage like turkey sausage or pork sausage)
1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed (or two smaller sheets)
1/4 cup fresh cranberries or diced apple (optional)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Optional: 1/2 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar or parmesan) for extra flavor

Ingredient Highlights

Sausage Meat: Choose high-quality sausage meat, preferably with a blend of herbs like sage, for the most flavorful filling. You can also opt for a leaner option like turkey sausage.
Puff Pastry: The buttery, flaky texture of puff pastry is key to achieving the perfect golden exterior for these rolls.
Fresh Cranberries or Apple: Adding cranberries or apples to the filling gives a sweet, tart contrast that complements the savory sausage.
Herbs: Fresh sage and thyme add that quintessential holiday aroma and flavor to the sausage rolls, making them extra festive.
Egg Wash: Brushing the puff pastry with egg wash helps it turn golden and crisp in the oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Christmas Sausage Rolls:

Prepare the Sausage Filling:

Cook the Onion: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Combine Sausage and Herbs: In a large bowl, combine the sausage meat, cooked onions, chopped sage, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in cranberries or diced apple for added sweetness.
Add Cheese (Optional): For an extra rich flavor, stir in some grated cheese to the sausage mixture. This will melt into the filling during baking, making the rolls even more delicious.

Assemble the Sausage Rolls:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a rectangle large enough to fit the sausage filling. If using two smaller sheets, roll them out separately.
Shape the Sausage Rolls: Place the sausage mixture in a long strip along the center of the pastry. Roll the pastry over the filling to encase it, pinching the edges to seal. Cut into individual rolls, about 2 inches wide.
Prepare for Baking: Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the rolls with a beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.

Bake and Serve:

Bake the Rolls: Place the sausage rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
Serve Warm: Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve them warm with a side of cranberry sauce or a tangy mustard dip.

How to Serve for Christmas Sausage Rolls

Christmas Sausage Rolls are perfect for various occasions and can be served in many creative ways:

With Cranberry Sauce: Serve alongside homemade cranberry sauce for a traditional holiday touch.
As Party Appetizers: Serve them on a festive platter with other finger foods for a well-rounded appetizer spread.
With a Side of Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or a light coleslaw for a well-balanced meal.
For a Brunch: Serve these sausage rolls as part of a holiday brunch buffet with other savory pastries and fruit.
As Finger Food for Kids: These sausage rolls are perfect for little hands to grab and enjoy, making them a hit at family gatherings.

Additional Tips for Christmas Sausage Rolls

Here are some tips to ensure your Christmas Sausage Rolls are a hit:

Make Ahead: You can prepare and freeze these sausage rolls before baking. Just freeze the assembled rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen for 35-40 minutes.
Keep the Pastry Chilled: Puff pastry works best when it’s cold, so make sure to keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the rolls.
Don’t Overfill: Be sure not to overfill the pastry, as this can cause it to burst during baking.
Use Quality Sausage: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality sausage meat with a good blend of herbs, or make your own filling using ground meat and spices.
Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or marjoram for a unique flavor twist.

Recipe Variations for Christmas Sausage Rolls

Here are 10 variations you can try for Christmas Sausage Rolls:

Spicy Sausage Rolls: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sausage mixture for a spicy kick.
Apple and Sage Sausage Rolls: Combine grated apple with sage for a sweet and savory twist.
Cheddar Sausage Rolls: Stir in grated cheddar cheese for an extra rich and creamy filling.
Vegetarian Sausage Rolls: Replace sausage with a plant-based sausage or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Bacon Sausage Rolls: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the sausage mixture for an extra smoky flavor.
Maple Sausage Rolls: Stir in a small amount of maple syrup to the filling for a sweet, savory combo.
Mushroom Sausage Rolls: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms and add them to the sausage mixture for a rich umami flavor.
Cranberry and Walnut Sausage Rolls: Mix in chopped walnuts and fresh cranberries for a festive crunch.
Herbed Sausage Rolls: Add a variety of fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, and thyme for a fragrant, herbaceous filling.
Garlic and Parmesan Sausage Rolls: Mix in minced garlic and grated parmesan for an Italian-inspired variation.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Assemble the sausage rolls, but don’t bake them. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. Bake directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes.
Storage: Leftover sausage rolls can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp up the pastry again.

Special Equipment for Christmas Sausage Rolls

Here are some special equipment items to help you prepare Christmas Sausage Rolls:

Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is essential for applying the egg wash, giving the rolls a golden, shiny finish.
Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the rolls into neat, even portions.
Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is necessary for even cooking and a perfectly crisp result.
Rolling Pin: To roll out the puff pastry evenly, a rolling pin is essential.
Mixing Bowl: A mixing bowl for combining the sausage filling ingredients.
Sauté Pan: A pan for sautéing the onions and any additional ingredients like mushrooms or bacon.
Egg Separator (optional): If you prefer not to use the egg yolk in the wash, an egg separator can help.
Cooling Rack: After baking, place the rolls on a cooling rack to keep the pastry crisp.

FAQ Section for Christmas Sausage Rolls

Can I use shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry?
While puff pastry creates a lighter, crispier texture, you can substitute with shortcrust pastry for a more dense and crumbly version.
Can I freeze these sausage rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra few minutes of cooking time.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Use a plant-based sausage or lentil filling for a vegetarian option that’s just as delicious.
Can I make these sausage rolls without cranberries or apples?
Absolutely! The sausage filling can stand on its own without these additions, but they do add a nice festive touch.
Can I add cheese to the filling?
Yes, adding cheese to the filling will make these rolls even more indulgent. Choose a cheese that melts well, like cheddar or mozzarella.

Conclusion

Christmas Sausage Rolls are the perfect savory treat to enjoy during the holiday season. With their flaky puff pastry, savory sausage filling, and seasonal flavors, they make an irresistible appetizer for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or looking for a snack to share with family, these sausage rolls are sure to steal the show.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can easily customize the filling to suit your tastes, add herbs or spices, or even make them ahead of time for a stress-free holiday season.

Serve them with a festive dip or simply as finger food, and watch them disappear in no time. I can’t wait to see how your Christmas Sausage Rolls turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your delicious creations! Feel free to leave a comment about your experience or share your thoughts. Happy cooking and happy holidays!