If you love the comforting taste of savory snacks with a little kick, you’re going to adore this Spicy Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry Recipe. Imagine perfectly seasoned ground pork wrapped in buttery, flaky layers—pure snack-time magic.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Spicy Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Spicy Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I have such fond memories of baking these spicy sausage rolls with puff pastry on a lazy weekend—it’s one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas while being surprisingly easy to make.
- Flavor-packed & balanced: The herbs and spices add depth without overwhelming the juicy pork filling.
- Golden flaky crust: Puff pastry gives that irresistible crisp texture that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Simple prep: With straightforward steps and household ingredients, it’s a great recipe for cooks of any skill level.
- Perfect for sharing: Makes 16 rolls, ideal for snacks, appetizers, or party platters.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When you get your ingredients right, your sausage rolls turn out perfectly every time. Pick fresh ground pork with good fat content to keep the filling moist, and working with chilled puff pastry ensures a flaky finish.
- Ground pork: The star protein that’s tender and juicy, perfect for absorbing herbs and spices.
- Eggs: We use one to bind the filling and the other to give the pastry that beautiful golden glaze.
- Onion: Finely minced for a subtle sweetness and texture without overpowering.
- Garlic: Adds that punch of savory warmth that pairs beautifully with pork.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a slight tang and depth to the meat mixture.
- Dried thyme, rosemary, and sage: Classic herbs that introduce earthy, fragrant notes to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings subtle warmth and complexity.
- All-purpose flour: Helps firm up the filling to pipe neatly without making it dense.
- Cold water and ice cubes: Key to keeping the sausage mixture moist and cool for smooth piping.
- Puff pastry sheets: The buttery, flaky crust that wraps everything up in true British snack style.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Spicy Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry Recipe is how flexible it is—there’s plenty of room to adjust the flavors and textures so it’s truly your own creation. Whether you want to dial up the heat or make it a bit milder, these rolls adapt beautifully.
- Spice it Up: For a lively kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped fresh chili to the sausage mix. I love the way this variation adds a subtle warmth that lingers beautifully in every bite.
- Herb Swap: Feel free to swap out the dried herbs for fresh versions if you have them on hand—fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage give a brighter, more aromatic edge.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a spiced plant-based sausage filling or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, walnuts, and herbs. This swap still delivers the flaky, buttery crust with a savory bite.
- Cheesy Surprise: Try sprinkling some grated sharp cheddar or crumbled feta into the sausage filling for a melty, flavorful surprise inside.
- Seasonal Twist: Incorporate seasonal veggies like finely diced roasted red pepper or sautéed spinach to add moisture and color.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Workspace
Start by heating your oven to 375°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper—this little step makes baking and cleanup so much easier. Make sure your puff pastry sheets are fully thawed but still cold; handling them chilled keeps them flaky and prevents tearing while rolling.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Sausage Filling
In a roomy bowl, toss together the ground pork with one egg, finely minced onion and garlic, Dijon mustard, dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, and sage), salt, pepper, and a subtle hint of nutmeg. Stir well until everything is combined evenly—the mix should smell fragrant and inviting. This is where the magic happens!
Step 3: Add Ice and Water for Moisture and Smooth Piping
Drop in 1 to 2 ice cubes along with 2-3 tablespoons of cold water. Let the ice melt just a bit—this chills the mixture further and loosens it so you can pipe it perfectly later. Give it another good stir until the filling is just moist enough to flow smoothly without being runny.
Step 4: Get Your Piping Bag Ready
Spoon the sausage mixture into a large piping bag and cut a ½ inch opening at the tip. This handy trick helps you pipe a neat, consistent-sized sausage line along your pastry sheets. It’s quick, less messy, and gives professional-looking results!
Step 5: Make and Set Aside Your Egg Wash
Whisk together the remaining egg with a splash of water until nice and smooth. This egg wash will seal the pastry edges and give your sausage rolls that irresistible golden shine once baked.
Step 6: Prepare the Puff Pastry Sheets
Lightly dust your work surface with flour to keep things from sticking. Unfold one puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out to even out the seams—this helps avoid uneven rising during baking. Then cut each sheet lengthwise into two equal strips. Repeat with the second sheet so you end up with four strips total, ready for filling.
Step 7: Pipe Filling and Roll Up
Pipe a 1-inch thick line of the sausage mixture along one long edge of each strip. Then brush the opposite edge with your egg wash and roll the pastry tightly over the filling. Press the egg-washed edge firmly to seal. Repeat until all four logs are shaped and sealed with a satisfying closeness.
Step 8: Chill the Rolls for Best Results
Pop the assembled rolls into the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This chill time firms up both the filling and pastry, making slicing much cleaner and baking more even. It’s a small wait that makes a huge difference!
Step 9: Slice, Score, and Glaze
Slice each chilled roll into 4 or 5 even pieces. Place them seam side down on your prepared sheets, spacing them to allow puff pastry expansion. Lightly score the tops with a knife to help steam escape during baking, then brush generously with the egg wash for that gorgeous color and shine.
Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your sausage rolls for about 25 minutes in the preheated oven. You’ll know they’re ready when the puff pastry is a beautiful golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the sausage filling reads 160°F. The aroma of baked herbs, spices, and rich pork filling will fill your kitchen—try not to sneak a taste before they cool!
Step 11: Cool and Serve Warm
Let the rolls rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes—this helps settle the juices inside so they don’t spill out when you bite in. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool just slightly. Serve warm alongside ketchup, mustard, or a sprinkle of freshly minced parsley for a vibrant contrast and that final touch of freshness.
Top Tip
These tips will make your Spicy Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry Recipe turn out perfectly every time — flaky, flavorful, and easy to slice and serve.
- Keep It Cold: I always make sure both the sausage mixture and puff pastry stay chilled throughout prep. This keeps the filling firm enough to pipe easily and helps that flaky crust hold its shape rather than getting soggy or tearing.
- Pipe the Filling: Using a piping bag really changed the game for me. It gives a uniform, neat sausage log that fits perfectly inside the pastry without overfilling or gaps.
- Score the Tops: Lightly scoring the pastry before baking allows steam to vent, preventing soggy or burst rolls and giving that nice golden, crisp finish.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating the rolled logs for 30 minutes to an hour before slicing and baking makes slicing cleaner and helps the pastry bake evenly without shrinking or splitting.
How to Serve Spicy Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
These sausage rolls are delicious on their own, but a sprinkle of freshly minced parsley brightens them up visually and adds a subtle herbaceous note. For extra flair, consider serving with a dash of flaky sea salt on top right out of the oven or a light dusting of smoked paprika to emphasize their spicy kick.
Side Dishes
They pair wonderfully with tangy ketchup or grainy mustard for dipping. For a heartier snack or casual meal, serve alongside a fresh crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or coleslaw to cut through the richness. If you want a bit of extra indulgence, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies also complement these sausage rolls beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Spicy Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry are baked and cooled completely, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days — perfect for easy snacks or lunchbox treats.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead even further, slice the unbaked sausage rolls and freeze them on a sheet tray until solid. Then transfer to freezer bags and freeze for 2 to 3 months. Bake them straight from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked and cooled rolls for quick reheating later.
Reheating
To reheat, place rolls on a baking sheet in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 8 to 10 minutes until warm and crisp again. An air fryer at 350 degrees also works excellently, giving you that fresh-baked flakiness in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or chicken can be used as alternatives. Just keep in mind that cooking times and moisture levels may vary, so adjusting seasoning and ensuring the filling remains firm enough to pipe is key.
The ice cubes and cold water keep the mixture chilled and add just enough moisture to make it smooth and easy to pipe. This helps achieve uniform sausage logs without overworking the meat, which could toughen the filling.
The pastry should be golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the sausage filling must reach 160℉. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure doneness and food safety.
Definitely! Assemble and slice the rolls, then cover and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking. This makes party prep a breeze and means you can bake them fresh right before serving.
Final Thoughts
Making these Spicy Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry Recipe is such a rewarding experience — from mixing fragrant herbs into the pork to seeing those golden, flaky rolls come out of the oven. They’re perfect for sharing at family gatherings or indulging in a cozy snack. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to enjoy these little bites of comfort and spice time and time again. Happy baking!
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Spicy Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Easy Sausage Roll recipe features flavorful ground pork seasoned with herbs and spices, wrapped in buttery puff pastry for a perfect golden, flaky crust. Ideal as a savory snack or appetizer, these sausage rolls are simple to assemble, bake, and enjoy warm with your favorite condiments.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 egg (divided)
- ¼ cup onion - finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1-2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
- 1-2 ice cubes
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry - thawed
Egg Wash
- 1 egg (remaining)
- A splash of water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Sausage Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground pork, 1 egg, finely minced onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all seasonings.
- Add Moisture: Add 1-2 ice cubes and 2-3 tablespoons of cold water to the sausage mixture. Allow the ice to melt slightly, then stir again to loosen the mixture so it can be piped smoothly.
- Prepare Piping Bag: Spoon the sausage mixture into a large piping bag and snip a ½ inch opening at the tip. This will help form even sausage lines on the pastry.
- Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk remaining egg with a splash of water until smooth. Set aside as the egg wash for sealing and glazing the pastry.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your surface. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and gently roll it out to smooth seam lines. Cut the sheet lengthwise into two equal strips. Repeat with second sheet.
- Pipe Sausage Mixture: Pipe a 1-inch thick line of sausage mixture along the long edge of each pastry strip, forming a consistent log.
- Seal Rolls: Brush the opposite long edge of each strip with egg wash, then roll the pastry tightly around the filling to enclose it. Press the egg-washed edge to seal. Repeat until you have four long sausage rolls.
- Chill Rolls: Refrigerate the assembled rolls for 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up the pastry and filling, which helps with clean slicing and better baking results.
- Slice Rolls: Slice each chilled roll into 4-5 equal pieces. Arrange them seam side down on prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
- Score and Glaze: Lightly score the tops of each roll with a knife to allow steam venting during baking, then brush generously with egg wash for a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and the internal sausage temperature reaches 160℉ indicating fully cooked pork.
- Cool and Serve: Let baked sausage rolls cool on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with ketchup, mustard, and optionally freshly minced parsley.
Notes
- Ground pork is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 160℉.
- Keep sausage mixture and puff pastry cold to maintain texture and ease of handling; refrigerate if pastry softens.
- Adding ice and water to sausage mixture ensures smooth piping and moist filling.
- Avoid overfilling pastry to prevent splitting during baking; maintain about a 1-inch thickness of sausage line.
- You can prepare rolls ahead by assembling, slicing, and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking.
- Store leftover rolls in airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350 for crispy results.
- Freeze unbaked sliced rolls on a tray until solid, then store in freezer bags for 2 to 3 months; bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
- Freeze baked rolls after cooling completely, then reheat in oven until warm and flaky.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
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