Sausage rolls are a popular savory pastry snack or appetizer. They consist of a filling made from ground sausage meat, typically seasoned with various herbs and spices, wrapped in puff pastry or shortcrust pastry. The pastry is often golden brown and flaky when baked.
Here’s a basic recipe for making sausage rolls:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) ground sausage meat (pork, beef, or a mixture)
- 1 sheet of puff pastry or shortcrust pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sage, or other herbs and spices of your choice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the pastry package (usually around 375°F or 190°C).
- If using puff pastry, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to make it slightly thinner. If using shortcrust pastry, you can leave it as is.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage meat with your choice of seasonings, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Cut the pastry sheet into smaller rectangles, approximately 4×6 inches (10×15 cm) each.
- Take a portion of the seasoned sausage meat and form it into a sausage shape that fits the width of the pastry rectangle. Place it along one edge of the rectangle.
- Roll the pastry over the sausage meat, enclosing it completely. Seal the edges by pressing them together with your fingers.
- Place the sausage rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops of the sausage rolls with the beaten egg. This will give them a nice golden color when baked.
- Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits on the top of each roll to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the sausage meat is cooked through.
- Allow the sausage rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature.
Sausage rolls are a versatile snack, and you can customize them with different types of sausage meat, spices, or even add cheese or vegetables to the filling for variation. They are a popular choice for parties, picnics, and as a comfort food snack.
