Name: British Sausage Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 lb pork sausage meat (or ground pork seasoned with 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper); 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 tablespoon milk; sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping

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If you’ve never had the pleasure of biting into freshly baked British Sausage Rolls, you’re in for an absolutely irresistible treat. Wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry and filled with savory, gently spiced sausage meat, these hand-held delights are legendary at parties, comforting on chilly afternoons, and always a huge crowd-pleaser. Whether enjoyed piping hot from the oven or served at room temperature for a gathering, British Sausage Rolls are a classic fare that captures the irresistible charm of British baking with delicious simplicity.

British Sausage Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

British Sausage Rolls are gloriously simple to make, and each ingredient pulls its weight in delivering flavor, texture, or visual appeal. From buttery puff pastry to perfectly seasoned sausage, every component matters—here’s what you’ll need and why it counts.

Pork sausage meat: This is the heart of the rolls; you can use plain sausage meat or season ground pork yourself for even more flavor customization.
Puff pastry: The shortcut to incredible crispiness, puff pastry bakes up golden and flaky, creating that iconic British Sausage Rolls crunch.
Egg: Provides shine and rich color when brushed over the pastry, elevating the finished look.
Milk: Mixing a little milk with the egg creates a smoother egg wash for even browning.
Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional): These tiny seeds add a nutty flavor and extra crunch on top, making your sausage rolls look bakery-worthy.
Dried sage and thyme (if seasoning your own pork): These classic herbs infuse the sausage filling with aromatic warmth, echoing traditional British tastes.
Salt and pepper: Just a touch brings out the savory depth of the meat, balancing the richness of the pastry.

How to Make British Sausage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks. Roll out that luscious sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until you have a rectangle about 10×12 inches. With a sharp knife or pizza wheel, slice the pastry in half lengthwise so you have two long strips that are ready to be wrapped around the sausage filling.

Step 2: Make the Sausage Filling

If you’re starting with plain pork, mix in the dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper until the seasonings are nicely distributed—your kitchen will already start to smell amazing! Divide the sausage meat into two portions and roll each into a long log that matches the length of your pastry strips. Lay the sausage logs neatly down the center of each strip, ensuring an even distribution for the perfect bite every time.

Step 3: Shape the British Sausage Rolls

In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of milk to create your egg wash. Brush it along one long edge of each pastry strip; this will act as edible glue to seal the rolls. Lift the unbrushed pastry edge over the sausage log, wrap it all the way around, and press gently to seal, creating a tidy seam. Flip each roll over so the seam is on the bottom for a flawless finish.

Step 4: Cut and Top

Now it’s time for a bit of fun—slice each filled pastry log into 4 or 5 even pieces, depending on your preferred size. Arrange these beauties, seam-side down, on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with more egg wash for that stunning golden sheen, and if you like a little extra flair, sprinkle on sesame seeds or poppy seeds.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into your oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the pastry is gloriously puffed and golden, and the aroma draws everyone into the kitchen. Let them cool for a few minutes—if you can resist—then enjoy your homemade British Sausage Rolls warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve British Sausage Rolls

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, I love a scattering of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives on the platter. A little mustard or tangy HP sauce on the side also transforms every dip into something special. Don’t forget that poppy or sesame seed sprinkle for visual appeal and a pop of crunch.

Side Dishes

British Sausage Rolls shine as an appetizer, but they also make a speedy lunch with a crisp green salad, a handful of salty potato crisps, or a scoop of old-fashioned coleslaw. Kids adore them with baked beans on the side, while grownups might like a simple ploughman’s salad or a pint of ale to go with.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your British Sausage Rolls high on a rustic wooden board for a party buffet, or arrange them in a circle for a showstopping centerpiece. Want a picnic vibe? Wrap them in parchment and tie with twine for a grab-and-go lunch. You can even bake mini rolls for bite-sized party snacks—guaranteed to disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any uneaten British Sausage Rolls to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and are just as delicious cold as they are warm. For the best texture, store them with a layer of parchment between to stop the pastry from getting soggy.

Freezing

Sausage rolls are a freezer-friendly dream. Assemble them right up until baking, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid before transferring to a bag or container. To bake from frozen, simply pop them straight in the oven and add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time—no need to thaw. Already baked leftovers can also be frozen and reheated for future snacking.

Reheating

To reheat British Sausage Rolls and keep that all-important crisp, bake in a hot oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it turns the pastry chewy. If you want them extra fresh, use the oven or a toaster oven for best results.

FAQs

Can I use vegetarian sausage instead of pork?

Absolutely! There are terrific plant-based sausages out there—just crumble and season your favorite vegetarian sausage in exactly the same way. The taste and experience will still be delicious and everyone can enjoy British Sausage Rolls, no matter their diet.

How do I keep pastry from getting soggy underneath?

For super-crisp bottoms, make sure to thoroughly preheat your oven before baking and don’t pile your rolls too close together on the tray. Also, letting them cool a few minutes on a wire rack helps steam escape and keeps the pastry flakey.

Can I make British Sausage Rolls in advance for a party?

Definitely! You can assemble the rolls up to a day ahead and chill them, covered, in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes party prep a breeze—and guests will love them fresh from the oven.

What dips work best with British Sausage Rolls?

Classic options include tangy English mustard, ketchup, or HP sauce for a real British vibe. For a fresher twist, try garlic aioli or a pickle relish—a little dip takes every bite to a new level.

Can I use shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry?

You can, though the texture will be a bit different—shortcrust pastry stays more crumbly while puff pastry gives that classic, airy crunch. Both make for wonderful British Sausage Rolls, so use whichever you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

If there’s ever a time to try your hand at a British classic, these British Sausage Rolls surely deserve a spot on your table. They’re quick, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to win hearts at any gathering. Give them a go and let the comforting flavors speak for themselves!

British Sausage Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8–10 sausage rolls 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These British Sausage Rolls are a classic appetizer or snack featuring seasoned pork sausage meat wrapped in puff pastry. Perfect for parties or gatherings, these savory treats are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Pork Sausage Rolls:

1 lb pork sausage meat (or ground pork seasoned with 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper)

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Egg Wash:

1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk

Optional Topping:

sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Egg Wash: Mix egg and milk in a small bowl to create an egg wash.
Prepare Pastry: Roll puff pastry into a rectangle about 10×12 inches, then cut in half lengthwise.
Fill and Seal: Divide sausage meat into two portions and shape each into a log down the center of each pastry strip. Brush one edge with egg wash, fold over sausage, and press to seal. Cut each roll into pieces.
Bake: Place on baking sheet, brush tops with egg wash, sprinkle with seeds if desired, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed.
Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.