Sausage Rolls Recipe: A Classic Aussie Snack
Sausage rolls are a quintessential Australian snack that’s beloved for its savory, comforting filling wrapped in a crisp, flaky pastry. Perfect for picnics, lunches, or as a party treat, these rolls are not only incredibly tasty but also easy to prepare. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering or as a quick bite during the winter months, sausage rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. I remember making dozens of these every week, so trust me, they are just as easy to make as they are delicious.
This recipe yields 24 perfectly golden sausage rolls, with a juicy sausage and herb filling encased in crispy puff pastry. The slight saltiness of the sausage and the delicate seasoning makes every bite a flavor-packed experience, while the moisture from the filling keeps the rolls tender.
Here’s how to make them step-by-step.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pre-rolled puff pastry sheets | 6 sheets |
| Ground sausage | 1 lb (approx. 450g) |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1 tbsp |
| Milk | 2 tbsp |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Extra milk (for brushing) | 1 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Sausage Roll)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 491.8 kcal |
| Fat | 35.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 38.6 mg |
| Sodium | 457.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 31.7 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugar | 0.9 g |
| Protein | 11.9 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F) to ensure it’s hot enough for the pastry to puff up beautifully.
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Prepare the Pastry: Lay all the pre-rolled puff pastry sheets out on your kitchen counter. If you’re using Australian-style pastry, you’ll notice that it’s interleaved with plastic sheets, which you can leave on until you’re ready to start rolling the dough. This step helps keep the pastry sheets from sticking together.
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Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, and milk. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. You want the mixture to be a bit sloppy – this moisture is what keeps the sausage rolls juicy once baked. Don’t worry if it’s a little runny; this is intentional.
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Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg with 2 tablespoons of milk. This mixture will serve to seal the pastry and give the sausage rolls a glossy, golden finish.
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Assemble the Sausage Rolls: Now, the fun part begins! Take your large piping bag (or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off), and fill it with the sausage mixture. Pipe a long line of filling about 1/2 inch in from the edge of each pastry sheet. Aim for an even line, so the sausage rolls cook uniformly.
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Roll and Seal: Carefully roll up the pastry sheet, peeling the plastic away as you go. Once rolled, press the seam to seal the edge. Brush a little of the egg wash onto the seam to help it stick. Repeat this process until all the pastry sheets are used.
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Cut and Score: With a sharp knife, cut each roll in half to create smaller sausage rolls. For an easier bite, make a small indent in the middle of each roll with your knife. Then, use a fork to prick each roll a couple of times. This will help prevent them from puffing up too much in the oven and ensures the pastry cooks evenly.
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Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining egg wash. This step is essential for achieving that golden, glossy finish on top.
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Bake: Place the sausage rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Start by baking them in the preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 5 minutes to give the pastry a quick puff. Then, reduce the temperature to 200°C (400°F) and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the sausage rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a tray. Serve warm with ketchup or, my personal favorite, BBQ sauce.
Tips for Success
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Season to Taste: Australian sausage mince can be quite salty, so be cautious when adding additional salt. Taste the filling as you mix it to ensure it’s seasoned just right.
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Custom Fillings: Feel free to experiment with the sausage mix! You can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor. You could also swap out the parsley for other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
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Freezing for Later: If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but it happens!), you can freeze the uncooked sausage rolls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer to a ziplock bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight from the freezer into the oven and bake for an extra 5 minutes or so.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sausage roll recipe is quick, simple, and absolutely mouthwatering. The combination of savory sausage, tender pastry, and golden-brown crust is unbeatable, and it’s a dish that never fails to please a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply need a snack for yourself, these sausage rolls are the perfect solution.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-make, kid-friendly dish that’s sure to impress, look no further than these delightful Aussie sausage rolls. The savory filling and flaky pastry are irresistible, and you’ll find yourself making them time and time again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! While the recipe calls for ground sausage, you can use any ground meat you prefer, such as beef, pork, or even chicken. Just make sure to season the filling well.
Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage rolls ahead of time, even freezing them for later. Simply bake them when you’re ready to serve.
How long do these sausage rolls keep?
These sausage rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep the pastry crispy.
Sausage rolls are an Aussie classic, and this recipe brings the joy of these delicious snacks straight into your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a simple treat, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
