How to Make Sausage Rolls

There’s only one thing better than a sausage roll hot from the oven, and that’s a homemade sausage roll hot from the oven.

This recipe is extremely simple to make, especially if you use ready-rolled puff pastry. It has been a family favourite for buffets, get-togethers, parties and general “I’ll just have one more” situations.

This recipe makes 6 large sausage rolls, which is easily enough for one each. You can also make mini sausage rolls by cutting them into smaller pieces before baking. These are perfect for party buffets, lunchboxes, snacks or family events.

What Are Sausage Rolls?

Sausage rolls are made by wrapping seasoned sausage meat in pastry, then baking until the pastry is golden and the sausage meat is cooked through.

In the UK, sausage rolls are usually made with puff pastry. You can make them with shortcrust pastry too, but puff pastry gives that classic flaky, golden finish.

What Pastry Do You Use for Sausage Rolls?

Puff pastry is the traditional choice for sausage rolls.

Ready-rolled puff pastry makes the whole thing much easier because you can unroll it, cut it into strips, add the sausage meat, seal it, glaze it and bake.

If you do not have ready-rolled puff pastry, roll your pastry out to roughly 45cm x 30cm, then divide it into three strips.

What Sausage Meat Should You Use?

Good sausage rolls start with good sausage meat.

You want sausage meat with enough seasoning, enough fat for flavour and moisture, and a proper sausage texture. If the sausage meat is too lean, the filling can end up dry.

Using ready-made butcher’s sausage meat keeps this recipe simple, because the seasoning and balance are already done for you.

Ingredients

• 450g sausage meat
• 320g ready-rolled puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten, to glaze

How to Make Sausage Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to Gas Mark 7, 220°C, or 200°C fan.
2. Roll out your pastry on a lightly floured surface.
3. Cut the pastry into 3 equally sized strips.
4. Divide the sausage meat into 3 equal portions.
5. Shape each portion of sausage meat into a long roll, roughly the same length as each strip of pastry.
6. Place one roll of sausage meat onto one strip of pastry.
7. Brush beaten egg along one edge of the pastry.
8. Fold the pastry over the sausage meat and seal the edges together.
9. Turn the sausage roll over so the sealed edge is underneath.
10. Repeat with the remaining pastry and sausage meat.
11. Lightly score the top of each sausage roll.
12. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
13. Cut into your preferred size. Cut each length in half for 6 large sausage rolls, or into smaller pieces for mini sausage rolls.
14. Place the sausage rolls on a greased or lined baking tray.
15. Bake for around 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the sausage meat is cooked through.
16. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

How Long Do Sausage Rolls Take to Cook?

Homemade sausage rolls usually take around 20 minutes in a hot oven.

The exact time will depend on how large you cut them. Mini sausage rolls may cook slightly faster, while larger sausage rolls may need a little longer.

The pastry should be golden brown and crisp, and the sausage meat should be cooked through.

What Temperature Should Sausage Rolls Be Cooked At?

Cook sausage rolls at Gas Mark 7, 220°C, or 200°C fan.

This gives the puff pastry enough heat to rise, crisp and turn golden.

The sausage meat should reach at least 75°C in the centre. The easiest way to check is with a food thermometer.

How Do You Stop Sausage Rolls Going Soggy?

To stop sausage rolls going soggy, use a hot oven and avoid overfilling them.

Make sure the pastry is sealed properly and the sausage rolls are baked until the pastry is golden and cooked through.

If you are making them ahead, cool them on a wire rack rather than leaving them sitting on a tray, as steam underneath can soften the pastry.

How Do You Add Flavour to Sausage Rolls?

One of the great things about sausage rolls is how easy they are to customise.

You can add extra flavour to the sausage meat by mixing in herbs, spices, vegetables or other ingredients before wrapping it in pastry.

Good sausage roll flavour ideas include:

• sage and onion
• black pepper
• chilli flakes
• caramelised onion
• apple
• leek
• mustard
• cheese
• black pudding
• chutney

Just remember, if you bulk out the sausage meat with lots of extra ingredients, you may need more pastry.

Can You Add Seeds to Sausage Rolls?

Yes, seeds work really well on sausage rolls.

Once you have brushed the pastry with beaten egg, sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds or onion seeds over the top before baking.

Sesame seeds work especially well if you have added Chinese-style flavours to the sausage meat.

Can You Make Mini Sausage Rolls?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for mini sausage rolls.

Make the three long sausage rolls as normal, then cut them into smaller pieces before baking.

Mini sausage rolls are ideal for parties, buffets, Christmas picky bits, kids’ teas and snacks.

Can You Make Sausage Rolls Ahead of Time?

Yes, sausage rolls are great for making ahead.

You can prepare them, keep them covered in the fridge, then bake when needed.

You can also cook them fully, cool them, then reheat them later until piping hot throughout.

Can You Freeze Sausage Rolls?

Yes, sausage rolls can be frozen.

You can freeze them either before or after cooking.

If freezing cooked sausage rolls, allow them to cool first, then wrap them well or place them in a lidded container before freezing.

For quality, we recommend using frozen sausage rolls within one month.

When reheating cooked sausage rolls, make sure they are piping hot throughout and reach at least 75°C in the centre.

How Long Do Homemade Sausage Rolls Last?

Cooked sausage rolls should be cooled, covered and kept in the fridge.

They are best eaten within a few days. Always store them safely and reheat thoroughly if serving hot.

For more advice on storing cooked food safely, have a look at our guide on how long cooked food keeps in the fridge.

What to Serve with Sausage Rolls

Sausage rolls are brilliant on their own, but they also work well with chutney, ketchup, brown sauce, mustard, baked beans, chips, salad, coleslaw or picnic-style sides.

They are also perfect for buffets alongside pork pies, cooked meats, cheese, crisps, pickles and other picky bits.

Browse our pork sausage meat or full sausage range if you want to make your own.

Tips for Better Homemade Sausage Rolls

• Use ready-rolled puff pastry to keep things simple.
• Use good sausage meat with enough fat and seasoning.
• Do not overfill the pastry.
• Seal the edge underneath so the sausage rolls hold their shape.
• Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.
• Score the tops lightly before baking.
• Bake in a hot oven so the pastry rises and crisps.
• Cool on a wire rack to avoid soggy bottoms.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make sausage rolls is well worth it.

They are simple, reliable, easy to customise, and always go down well whether you make large sausage rolls for lunch or mini sausage rolls for a party buffet.

Good sausage meat, puff pastry and a beaten egg glaze are all you really need.

Homemade sausage rolls hot from the oven. Hard to beat.

FAQs

How do you make sausage rolls?

Place sausage meat onto strips of puff pastry, fold the pastry over, seal the edges, brush with beaten egg, cut to size and bake until golden and cooked through.

What pastry is used for sausage rolls?

Puff pastry is the traditional choice for sausage rolls because it bakes crisp, flaky and golden.

How long do sausage rolls take to cook?

Homemade sausage rolls usually take around 20 minutes at 220°C, or 200°C fan, depending on their size.

What temperature should sausage rolls be cooked to?

The sausage meat should reach at least 75°C in the centre.

Can you freeze cooked sausage rolls?

Yes, cooked sausage rolls can be frozen once cooled. Wrap well, freeze, and reheat until piping hot throughout.

Can you make sausage rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare sausage rolls ahead and keep them covered in the fridge until baking.

How do you make mini sausage rolls?

Make the sausage rolls as normal, then cut them into smaller pieces before baking.