Save These golden sausage rolls combine flaky puff pastry with a rich, savory ground beef filling seasoned with garlic, thyme, and oregano. Brushed with an egg wash and optionally topped with sesame seeds, they bake to a perfect golden brown. Ideal as a snack or appetizer, these rolls are simple to prepare and can be customized with ingredients like chili flakes or alternative fillings. Serve warm and enjoy a classic British-inspired treat.
The smell of puff pastry baking triggers something primal in me. I first made sausage rolls for a rainy Sunday afternoon gathering, not realizing they would disappear before I could even sit down. Now they are my emergency crowd pleaser.
My aunt taught me to brush the pastry twice, once before rolling and once before baking, for that deep golden color that makes people think you spent hours. The truth is they are incredibly forgiving.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: The fat content keeps the filling moist, I have learned 80/20 works best
- Puff pastry: Keep it chilled until the moment you use it or it becomes impossible to work with
- Worcestershire sauce: This adds that umami depth that makes the filling taste like it simmered for hours
- Egg wash: The milk helps thin it slightly for an even coat without streaks
Instructions
- Prepare your station:
- Preheat oven to 200C (400F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Mix the filling:
- Combine beef, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, pepper, salt and parsley until everything is evenly distributed
- Prep the pastry:
- Cut the puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise to create two long rectangles on a lightly floured surface
- Shape the filling:
- Divide the beef mixture in half and form each portion into a long log along the center of each pastry strip
- Seal the rolls:
- Brush one edge with egg wash then roll the pastry over the filling, placing seam side down on the prepared sheet
- Score and finish:
- Cut each roll into 6 equal pieces, brush tops with remaining egg wash and sprinkle with seeds if desired
- Bake until golden:
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes until deeply golden and let cool slightly before serving
Save These became a Christmas morning tradition after I made them once by accident. Now my family expects them every year without fail.
Freezing Ahead
I learned through many party prep sessions that freezing before baking yields the freshest results. Place cut rolls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
The Perfect Fillings
After years of experimentation I have found that adding a handful of grated cheddar to the beef mixture creates an incredible molten cheese center. A pinch of chili flakes transforms them entirely.
Serving Suggestions
These shine alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for an easy dinner. They are also perfect tucked into lunchboxes.
- Serve with mustard or chutney for dipping
- Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven not the microwave
- Make mini versions for cocktail parties
Save There is something deeply satisfying about pulling golden pastry from the oven and watching everyone reach for one.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry is best for these rolls?
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Ready-rolled puff pastry works best, offering a light and flaky texture that complements the savory filling perfectly.
- → Can the beef mixture be replaced with other proteins?
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Yes, pork, chicken, or plant-based mince can be used as alternatives to vary the flavor and dietary preferences.
- → How can I ensure the pastry stays crisp after baking?
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Brushing with egg wash before baking helps achieve a crisp and golden crust, while baking on parchment paper prevents sogginess.
- → Are the sausage rolls suitable for freezing?
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They can be assembled and frozen prior to baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- → What herbs enhance the beef filling flavor?
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Dried thyme, oregano, and fresh parsley add aromatic and savory notes that elevate the beef mixture's taste.
