If you’re craving a comforting snack that hits all the right notes of flaky, savory, and utterly satisfying, look no further than this Homemade Sausage Rolls Recipe. These sausage rolls boast a perfect balance of tender pork mince, fragrant herbs, and crispy puff pastry wrapped around a deliciously seasoned filling. Whether you’re planning a casual gathering or a cozy evening treat, this recipe brings that homemade warmth that store-bought versions just can’t match. Trust me, once you try making your own, you’ll never want to skip the homemade touch again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create both luscious flavor and delightful texture. Each component plays an important role, from the crisp puff pastry to the flavorful filling packed with juicy pork and aromatic seasonings.
- Olive oil: Adds just enough richness to gently sauté the veggies without overpowering the flavors.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses a subtle pungency that deepens the overall taste profile.
- Brown onion (small, finely chopped): Brings sweetness and moisture to the filling.
- Celery stalk (finely chopped): Adds a fresh crunch and a mild herbal note to balance the meat.
- Bacon (5 oz / 150g, finely minced): The streaky, fatty kind gives smoky intensity and juiciness to the pork mince.
- Fennel seeds (2 tsp, toasted, optional): Offers a delightful aniseed aroma for that extra gourmet touch.
- Pork mince (1 lb / 500g): The heart of the sausage roll, packed with tender, juicy flavor—avoid lean varieties to maintain moistness.
- Panko breadcrumbs (3/4 cup / 40g): Keeps the filling light and binds everything together without heaviness.
- Egg (1, plus 1 whisked for brushing): Acts as both a binder inside and a glaze outside to yield a golden crust.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Black pepper: Brings a gentle kick of heat.
- Puff pastry (2 1/2 sheets, thawed and cut in half): The flaky, buttery casing that makes these sausage rolls irresistible.
- Ketchup / tomato sauce: Perfect for serving alongside for a tangy dipping option.
How to Make Homemade Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Bacon
Begin by heating the olive oil in a non-stick fry pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, and celery stalk. Cook for about 2 minutes to soften those flavors, then add the finely minced streaky bacon. Cook for another 2 minutes, making sure not to brown the bacon too much. This gentle cooking helps release the smoky fat that will enhance the filling’s depth.
Step 2: Cool the Filling Base
Once sautéed, transfer the mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Cooling prevents the egg and breadcrumbs from cooking prematurely in the next step and helps everything bind better.
Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients
Now add the pork mince, toasted fennel seeds if you’re using them, panko breadcrumbs, the whole egg, salt, and cracked black pepper to the bowl with the cooled aromatics and bacon. Using clean hands, mix everything thoroughly until completely combined. This hands-on mixing ensures even seasoning and a well-distributed filling texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lay out one rectangular piece of puff pastry with the longer edge closest to you. Lightly brush one long edge with the whisked egg; this acts as the glue for sealing your rolls later on.
Step 5: Shape the Filling
Divide your filling into five equal portions. Take one portion and form it into a tight, long log shape, placing it down the middle of your pastry rectangle. Packing it firmly without gaps is key to keeping the sausage roll neat and well-structured during baking.
Step 6: Roll and Seal
Brush the opposite long edge of the pastry with more egg, then carefully roll the pastry over the filling, finishing with the seam side down. Press the edges together firmly to seal, ensuring the rolls won’t come apart in the oven.
Step 7: Chill for Neatness
If you have a bit of patience, pop the assembled rolls in the fridge for an hour. Chilling tightens the filling and leads to cleaner cuts when slicing, plus the pastry firms up for a flakier bake.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining egg wash for a beautiful golden sheen. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until the sausage rolls are puffed, crispy, and deeply golden brown all over. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
How to Serve Homemade Sausage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a lovely burst of color and freshness. For a little zing, a dusting of smoked paprika gives these rolls an appealing smoky edge that really wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
These sausage rolls pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or coleslaw to balance richness with freshness. For a heartier option, try serving alongside some creamy mashed potatoes or baked beans, classic companions that embrace the cozy vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering smaller bite-sized sausage roll pieces for a party platter, making them easy finger food for guests. You can also slice the full rolls and serve with little bowls of mustard, ketchup, or aioli to create a fun dipping station everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making for convenient, tasty snacks or quick additions to lunches.
Freezing
Homemade sausage rolls freeze beautifully before baking. Simply assemble the rolls, wrap them tightly, and freeze on a tray. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat sausage rolls, warm them in a moderate oven (about 350°F / 175°C) for 10–15 minutes to regain crispness. Microwaving can make the pastry soggy, so an oven or toaster oven is best for preserving that flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use lean pork mince for this recipe?
While lean mince might seem like a healthier option, it often results in dryer sausage rolls. Using pork with some fat content—or adding minced bacon like in this recipe—keeps the filling juicy and flavorful.
Are fennel seeds necessary?
Fennel seeds are optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a subtle aniseed flavor. Toasting them lightly before adding amplifies their aroma and adds a lovely twist to the classic filling.
Can I make sausage rolls vegan or vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the pork mince with a plant-based alternative or a mixture of mushrooms, lentils, and walnuts for texture. Use vegan puff pastry and a plant-based egg wash substitute to keep that golden finish.
How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensuring the filling isn’t too wet is key—panko breadcrumbs absorb moisture well. Also, giving the assembled rolls a quick chill before baking helps the pastry stay firm and flaky.
What’s the best way to cut sausage rolls without squashing them?
Use a sharp serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion. Chilling the rolls beforehand makes slicing much easier and prevents the filling from bursting out.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like biting into a warm, golden sausage roll that you’ve made yourself. This Homemade Sausage Rolls Recipe is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that’s sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Give it a go—you’ll impress your family and friends with this timeless treat that tastes far better than any store-bought version. Happy baking!
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Homemade Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 sausage rolls
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These homemade sausage rolls are a delicious savory snack made with a flavorful pork and bacon filling, wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Enhanced with garlic, onion, celery, and optional toasted fennel seeds, they deliver a satisfying blend of textures and tastes perfect for parties or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small brown onion, 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, to taste
Pastry
- 2 1/2 sheets puff pastry, thawed then each cut in half
- 1 egg, lightly whisked, for egg wash
To Serve
- Ketchup or tomato sauce
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and celery and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Add finely minced bacon and cook for another 2 minutes, taking care not to brown the bacon. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare Filling: Once cooled, add pork mince, panko breadcrumbs, 1 egg, salt, black pepper, and optional fennel seeds to the bowl. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble Sausage Rolls: Lay one piece of pastry on a flat surface with the long edge closest to you. Brush a line of the whisked egg along one long edge. Take about one-fifth of the filling and shape it into a tight, long log along the center of the pastry sheet, ensuring it is compact without gaps.
- Roll Pastry: Brush the opposite long edge of the pastry with egg wash. Carefully roll the pastry over the meat log, sealing the edge with the egg wash so that the seam ends up on the bottom side. Repeat this process with all pastry sheets and filling portions.
- Chill Rolls (Optional): For neater cutting and better shaping, refrigerate the sausage rolls for 1 hour before baking if time allows.
- Bake Sausage Rolls: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the sausage rolls on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Brush the tops generously with the remaining egg wash. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden, puffed up, and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the sausage rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with ketchup or tomato sauce as a dipping accompaniment.
Notes
- Note 1: Toasting fennel seeds enhances their flavor, but they are optional if you prefer a more traditional taste.
- Note 2: Panko breadcrumbs help bind the filling and keep it moist and tender.
- Note 3: Make sure the puff pastry is properly thawed for easier handling and rolling.
- Chilling the rolls before baking makes cutting cleaner and helps them hold their shape.
- Bacon should be streaky and fatty to provide enough moisture and flavor in the filling.
