Laura Mariano
A Festive Twist on a Classic
Inspired by Hungry Healthy Happy, Recipes by Juliette, and Recipes by Lynda, Christmas Sausage Rolls are a seasonal upgrade to a beloved classic. Sausage rolls have long been a staple of holiday gatherings, prized for their balance of flaky pastry and savory filling. This festive version takes the traditional recipe and infuses it with Christmas flavors like cranberry sauce, stuffing, and aromatic herbs. The result is a bite-sized treat that’s indulgent yet celebratory, perfect for buffets, parties, or cozy family evenings. Their versatility makes them ideal for serving alongside mulled wine, cider, or sparkling drinks, and they’re just as welcome at a casual Boxing Day snack table as they are at a Christmas Eve spread. Combining comfort with creativity, these sausage rolls embody the spirit of the season—warm, flavorful, and impossible to resist.
What Are Christmas Sausage Rolls?
Christmas Sausage Rolls are a festive twist on the traditional British snack. At their core, they feature puff pastry wrapped around seasoned sausage meat, baked until golden and crisp. What sets them apart is the addition of holiday-inspired flavors: tangy cranberry sauce, savory stuffing, and fresh herbs like sage and thyme. These ingredients elevate the rolls, adding depth and seasonal flair. The pastry provides buttery flakiness, while the filling delivers hearty richness with bursts of sweetness and spice. Perfect for buffets, parties, or family gatherings, they’re easy to prepare in batches and serve warm straight from the oven. Whether enjoyed as finger food or paired with chutney and mustard, Christmas Sausage Rolls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that captures the essence of festive comfort.
Ingredient Overview
The magic of Christmas Sausage Rolls lies in the combination of simple ingredients with festive add-ins:
- Pastry: Ready-made puff pastry ensures convenience and consistent flakiness.
- Filling: Sausage meat forms the base, enriched with onion, garlic, and breadcrumbs for texture.
- Festive add-ins: Cranberry sauce adds tangy sweetness, while stuffing mix, sage, and thyme bring holiday depth.
- Optional extras: Chestnuts add nuttiness, bacon introduces smokiness, and cheese (like Stilton or cheddar) provides indulgence.
Tip: Always use high-quality sausage meat for the best flavor and texture.
Together, these ingredients create a filling that’s savory, aromatic, and balanced, wrapped in buttery pastry for a festive bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Prepare filling: In a bowl, mix sausage meat with finely chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, stuffing mix, sage, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roll pastry: Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce down the center.
- Add filling: Spoon sausage mixture over the cranberry layer, shaping into a log.
- Seal rolls: Fold pastry over filling, sealing edges with a fork. Cut into smaller rolls.
- Egg wash: Brush tops with beaten egg for a glossy finish.
- Bake: Place rolls on tray and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool slightly: Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tip: Chill assembled rolls for 10 minutes before baking to maximize pastry flakiness.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ons
- Stilton sausage rolls: Add crumbled Stilton cheese for a rich, tangy twist.
- Spicy rolls: Mix chili flakes into the filling for heat.
- Vegetarian rolls: Replace sausage with mushrooms, lentils, and breadcrumbs for a hearty meat-free option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Christmas Sausage Rolls warm with mustard, chutney, or cranberry relish. Pair with mulled wine, cider, or sparkling drinks for a festive touch. They’re perfect for Christmas Eve buffets, Boxing Day snacks, or as appetizers at holiday parties. Garnish with fresh herbs for presentation and enjoy them as part of a celebratory spread.
Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe | Festive Holiday Appetizer
Equipment
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Knife + cutting board
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 sheet ready‑made puff pastry
- 1 lb (450 g) sausage meat (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- ½ cup stuffing mix (prepared or dry)
- 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional extras: chopped chestnuts, crumbled bacon, or Stilton cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sausage meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, stuffing mix, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce down the center.
- Spoon sausage mixture over the cranberry layer, shaping into a log.
- Fold pastry over filling, pressing edges to seal. Cut into smaller rolls.
- Place rolls seam‑side down on the tray. Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool slightly before serving.
- Tip: Chill assembled rolls for 10 minutes before baking to maximize flakiness.
Notes
- Make‑ahead: Assemble rolls and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen.
- Storage: Store baked rolls in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 180°C (350°F) for crispness; avoid microwaving.
- Common mistakes: Overfilling pastry (leaks), not sealing edges, or baking at too low a temperature.
- Variations: Add Stilton cheese for richness, chili flakes for spice, or mushrooms/lentils for vegetarian rolls.
- Pairings: Serve with mustard, chutney, or cranberry relish; pair with mulled wine or cider.
