English Sausage Roll - The Perfect Make-Ahead Appetizer (2024)

These sausage rolls are the perfect make-ahead appetizer. They are quick, easy, and delicious served hot or cold. Flaky puff pastry wrapped around savory pork sausage and baked to golden brown perfection? Yes, please!

Ah sausage rolls. These savory little bites remind me of growing up in England. We always had them around Christmas but that's not to say they didn't appear at other times of the year too. Served hot or cold, they are the perfect finger food fit for a crowd or just you and your household.

Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, fluffy, buttery puff pastry before encountering a deeply savory bite of perfectly seasoned sausage. The whole kit-and-kaboodle almost melts in your mouth and causes your taste buds to beg for more. These English sausage rolls are so quick and easy to make. What are you waiting for?

What Are English Sausage Rolls?

English sausage rolls are delightful appetizer bites made from puff pastry (or shortcrust pastry) wrapped around seasoned pork sausage meat. The roll is sliced into bite-sized pieces and baked until the puff pastry is golden brown.

Another English starter I love is a Scotch Egg.

Recipe Ingredients

Just four ingredients (plus a splash of water) and you're on your way! Here is a list of what you will need to make these puff pastry sausage rolls. Scroll to the recipe below for precise measurements and amounts.

• Puff pastry sheet - If you're feeling adventurous, make your own. Otherwise, store-bought will do the trick. I prefer Pepperidge Farms' version. Just make sure to thaw the sheets before using.
• Mild pork sausage meat - I have been loving Jimmy Dean and Farmer John Ground Mild Pork Sausage.
• Egg
• Water
• Seasoning (optional) - Sausage meat is often seasoned already but, if it isn't, feel free to add your own. I like using ground black pepper, ground sage, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Easy Variations

There is ample opportunity for experimentation here. Take this simple sausage roll recipe and make it your own with these fun variations.

• Add some spice. You can either choose a spicy sausage or add a touch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a little kick.
• Use a different protein. While ground pork sausage is the traditional way to go here, you can easily use turkey or chicken sausage, seasoned ground beef, or even cubes of beef instead. For an American twist, if you're a hot dog fan, that's a great option too!
• Make your own shortcrust pastry - Traditionally, English sausage rolls are made with either puff pastry or shortcrust pastry. This recipe calls for puff pastry (I like it better) but I encourage you to experiment with shortcrust pastry as well. Let me know which one you prefer.

How to Make Sausage Rolls

This is a beautifully simple recipe. Just a few ingredients, a little rolling, a bit of egg wash, and some time in the oven. It's perfect for any skill level.

• Prep. Preheat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with aSilpatliner or parchment paper.
• Make the egg wash. Whisk together the egg and water.

• Season the sausage (optional). Place the sausage and the seasoning/s of your choosing in a bowl and mix to combine. Divide the sausage into 3 portions.

• Cut the pastry sheet into thirds and roll it out a bit.

• Fill the pastry. Roll the sausage portions into a snake shape and place it on one side of the pastry, leaving a border.
• Roll it up. Use a pastry brushto brush a bit of egg wash on the bottom of the pastry next to the sausage before folding the pastry over the sausage. Press the edges together with a fork.
• Score the pastry with a knife.

• Prepare to bake. Cut the sausage rolls into 1 ½-2" pieces. Place them on a baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
• Bake for 13 minutes. Rotate the pan and bake for an additional 6-9 minutes.

Tips & FAQs

Want to get these puff pastry sausage rolls right on the first try? Here are a few tips and tricks I want to share with you that will help you achieve the best results possible.

• Think ahead. Make sure to take your pastry sheets out of the freezer and allow them to thaw before using. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. If you choose to thaw at room temperature, don't let the pastry sit out for longer than 40 minutes. It will become sticky and hard to work with.
• Leave a border. When you place the sausage on the puff pastry, don't place it directly on the edge. Leave a border of pastry dough and brush it with egg wash (see why next) before rolling.
• Use the egg wash as glue. The egg wash serves as glue to help the puff pastry stay sealed around the sausage. Before folding the dough over the sausage, brush some egg wash on the bottom edge of the sausage roll. This will keep the sausage inside the puff pastry.
• Start with a cold baking sheet. Placing un-baked sausage rolls on a warm/hot baking sheet will soften the dough before they make it to the oven. This will result in soggy-bottomed bites. No good.

At what temperature do you cook sausage rolls?

Bake these homemade sausage rolls at 400 degrees F. The high temperature is necessary to get the puff pastry to brown up just right. Any higher will burn the pastry before the sausage is cooked through and any lower will leave you with a less-than-puffy, undercooked puff pastry.

How long do puff pastry sausage rolls take to cook?

Bake these little rolls for about 20 minutes. After 13 minutes, rotate the baking tray. This will ensure even cooking. If your sausage rolls haven't reached golden brown after 20 minutes, go ahead and let them bake for 3-5 more minutes. Keep in mind that, if you are making longer rolls (instead of slicing them into little bites), they will need a bit more time in the oven.

Feeling cautious about food safety? To ensure the sausage has cooked through, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into one of the rolls. If the internal temperature has come to 165 degrees F, you are good to go! If not, allow them to bake for a bit longer.

Can These Be Prepared In Advance?

Yes, they can! Just before brushing the sausage rolls with egg wash, seal them in an airtight container (separate any layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking) and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you are ready to enjoy, brush them with egg wash and pop them in the oven.

You can also freeze the pre-made sausage rolls (again, before brushing on the egg wash). Arrange the rolls on a sheet pan and put them in the freezer for about 4 hours to firm up (this is called flash freezing) before sealing them in a Ziploc bag. Store the sausage rolls in the freezer for up to 4 months. When you are ready to enjoy, brush them with egg wash and bake for 30 minutes, rotating the baking tray halfway through the cook time.

What to Serve With Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

These English sausage rolls are the perfect finger food for your next gathering. They are wonderful on their own, but there is nothing wrong with serving them with your favorite dip or complementing them with a delicious side dish. Here are some ideas for you.

• Dip. Take these sausage rolls to the next level by dipping them in your favorite dip. I love brown sauce, HP or Daddies, ketchup, and even ranch but, if you are feeling adventurous, go ahead and whip up some of my French Onion Dip or this Feta Pesto Sundried Tomato Dip.
• Baked beans. Another English classic that goes beautifully with these little sausage bites.
• Veggies. Add a little brightness to the picture with my Corn Tomato Cucumber Salad or these Caprese Skewers.
• co*cktails. I love making these sausage rolls for co*cktail parties. They are the perfect thing for your guests to nibble while they sip and mingle. Try serving them with my Eyeball Rum Punch or a classic gin and tonic.

How to Store Leftovers

These homemade sausage rolls are just as delicious cold as they are fresh out of the oven. So feel free to tuck them away in the refrigerator to be enjoyed later. Allow the bites to cool to room temperature before sealing them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you decide you want to reheat the leftovers, arrange them on a wire rack over a baking tray and bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F or until heated through.

Can You Freeze Homemade Sausage Rolls?

Yes! While I prefer to freeze sausage rolls before baking (see the section above titled "Can These Be Prepared In Advance?"), you can freeze them after baking as well. Allow them to cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container. Be sure to place a sheet of parchment paper between layers, if applicable. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to reheat, pop them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Don't miss these British Pork Pies.

More Easy Appetizer Recipes

I love a good, pop-in-your-mouth finger food. These sausage rolls are one of my favorite appetizer bites but I certainly have some other suggestions for you. Make one (or several) of these for your next gathering.

• Caprese Skewers
• Yorkshire Pudding
• Seven Layer Dip
• Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
• Cheese Straws
• Pizza Puffs
• Tomato Tart
• Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

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English Sausage Rolls

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Flaky puff pastry wrapped around savory pork sausage and baked to golden brown perfection? Yes, please! These sausage rolls are the perfect make-ahead appetizer. They are quick, easy, and delicious served hot or cold.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 Mini Sausage Rolls 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

• 1 Puff Pastry Sheet- Homemade or Store-bought- I prefer Pepperidge Farms, thawed
• 12oz Mild Pork Sausage Meat
• 1 Egg & splash of water
• Optional add: thyme, sage, or onion spices to the sausage meat

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400F/205C and line a baking sheet with a Silpatliner or parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl whisk together the egg and water, set aside. https://vimeo.com/496313051
3. Place the sausage and the seasoning/s of your choosing in a bowl and mix to combine. Divide the sausage into 3 portions.
4. On a floured work surface place puff pastry sheet, (if using Pepperidge Farms it should already be scored into 3.) Cut pastry sheet into thirds then roll the pastry out just a bit (see the picture above). https://vimeo.com/496313034
5. Take a chunk of the pork sausage meat and roll it into a snake shape-just under ½" thick. Place the sausage on one side of the pastry, not super close to the edge- you are going to fold the other side of the pastry over the sausage meat and enclose it with the bit of pastry next to the sausage. https://vimeo.com/496313012
6. Before closing the pastry brush a bit of egg wash on the bottom of the pastry next to the sausage, then fold the pastry over the sausage. Using a fork to press down into the pastry to seal the pastry together.https://vimeo.com/496312990
7. Using a knife score the pastry with lots of little lines on top. Cut the sausage rolls about 1 ½-2" thick. Place them on a baking sheet, making sure to space the sausage rolls evenly on the sheet. Brush with remaining egg wash.https://vimeo.com/496312955
8. Bake for 13 minutes then rotate the pan. Bake for another 6-9 minutes- or until the sausage rolls are golden brown. Transfer the sausage rolls to a wire rack right after you take them out of the oven.https://vimeo.com/496633526

Equipment

Pastry Brush

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Half Sheet Pan

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Silpat

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OXO Kitchen Scale

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Notes

• Making Sausage Rolls Ahead of Time- Prepare sausage rolls up to the egg wash before baking. Store covered in the fridge for up to one day. Preheat the oven make a new egg wash, brush it on and bake sausage rolls according to the recipe.
• Freezing Baked Sausage Rolls- Make sure after they are baked you let them cool completely. Then in an airtight container place a layer of parchment paper between the layers of sausage rolls. To reheat the sausage rolls place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400F/205C for about 20 minutes or until they are warmed through.
• Freezing Unbaked Sausage Rolls- Prepare the sausage rolls up to just before the egg wash step, then freeze them on a baking sheet for 4 hours then place them in a Ziploc bag and use when you want! Just add extra 10-ish minutes on to the baking time- but make sure to check frequently as everyone's oven is different!

• Author: Elizabeth Waterson I Confessions of a Baking Queen
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: English

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This post was originally published on October 31, 2018, and as of March 1, 2023, it has been updated.