Name: Festive Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) sausage meat or ground sausage; ½ cup finely diced onion; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried sage; 1 tsp dried thyme; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; ¼ tsp salt; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

I can’t tell you how many times these Festive Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe have saved my holiday gatherings from feeling ordinary. There’s something so comforting and celebratory about biting into a warm, flaky pastry filled with savory sausage and herbs that just screams Christmas cheer. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just want a cozy snack while watching holiday movies, these rolls hit the spot every single time.

What makes this Festive Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe stand out is how straightforward it is, yet you get that gourmet bakery taste at home. Plus, the use of dried sage and thyme gives it an aromatic, festive flair that’s perfect for the season. I love making these ahead of time—it’s one less thing to stress over during the hustle and bustle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that perfect balance of flavors and textures—rich sausage, flaky puff pastry, and aromatic herbs. When picking your sausage meat, I recommend choosing good quality for the tastiest results.

Sausage meat: Choose fresh, good-quality pork sausage for the best flavor; you can also use ground sausage if that’s easier.
Puff pastry: Thawed store-bought pastry works great and saves loads of time without sacrificing flakiness.
Egg: Beaten egg adds the perfect golden glaze to your rolls—don’t skip it!
Onion: Finely diced to blend well into the sausage mix without overpowering.
Garlic: Just one clove minced adds a subtle background flavor that makes a difference.
Dried sage: This is a classic Christmas herb that lends that festive aroma everyone loves.
Dried thyme: Another warm herb that pairs beautifully with the sage and sausage.
Ground black pepper: Freshly ground if possible—for the best spice.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the herbs.
Olive oil: Helps soften the onions gently and adds richness to the filling.

Variations

I love tweaking this Festive Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe depending on the crowd or dietary needs because it’s so forgiving. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by swapping in your favorite flavors or adding a twist!

Herb variation: Once I added fresh rosemary instead of thyme, and it gave the rolls a wonderful piney flavor that screamed holiday vibes.
Cheese addition: Mixing in some grated cheddar or a bit of cream cheese into the sausage mixture adds a creamy richness that’s absolutely addictive.
Vegetarian option: Replace sausage with a plant-based alternative or mushroom mixture, seasoned with the same herbs for that festive spirit.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika if you want a warm kick that balances the herbs.

How to Make Festive Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Start by gently heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent—usually about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic toward the end so it doesn’t burn, cooking for an extra minute. This step is key for building flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Mix the Sausage Filling

In a bowl, combine the sausage meat, sautéed onions and garlic, dried sage, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Use your hands to mix everything evenly, but don’t overwork it or the texture can become dense. The herbs really bring the festive note here, so be generous!

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any folds. If you like, cut the pastry sheet in half for easier handling and portion control. Then, spread the sausage mixture evenly along the edge of each pastry strip, leaving a small margin to seal.

Step 4: Roll, Seal, and Brush

Carefully roll the pastry over the sausage mixture to form a log, pressing the edges tightly to seal. Pinch the seam closed, or use a fork to crimp it for a pretty edge. Cut into your preferred lengths, usually about 2-3 inches. Brush the tops generously with the beaten egg to get that gorgeous golden color when baked.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place your sausage rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end, so they don’t overcook. The smell as they bake is pure holiday magic.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe

Festive Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little fresh parsley or thyme on top right out of the oven — it adds a nice color contrast and amps up the fresh herbal aroma. If you want to go classic, a little grainy mustard on the side is unbeatable.

Side Dishes

These sausage rolls pair perfectly with a tangy cranberry sauce or a simple green salad for balance. If you’re serving a crowd, I like to include some roasted winter veggies or even a warm mulled wine for that full festive experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange the sausage rolls on a large wooden board with bowls of assorted dips like spicy ketchup or honey mustard. Another fun way is to skewer mini sausage rolls with rosemary sprigs as handles — it’s festive and makes grabbing them a breeze at buffets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sausage rolls store nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find they’re still tasty if you reheat them well, but best enjoyed the same day for that fresh flaky texture.

Freezing

I often freeze unbaked sausage rolls for up to a month. After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to bake, no need to thaw—just pop them straight into the oven, though you might need to add a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, which crisps up the pastry nicely without drying out the sausage inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the flaky texture—it tends to get soggy that way.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the puff pastry fully as per package instructions before using it. This helps prevent cracking and ensures your sausage rolls puff up perfectly.
What can I substitute for sausage meat if I have dietary restrictions?

You can try plant-based sausage alternatives, seasoned ground turkey, or even a mushroom and nut mixture for a vegetarian twist. Adjust the herbs and seasoning to keep that festive flavor going strong.
How do I prevent the sausage rolls from getting soggy?

Make sure to cook off the onions before mixing them with the sausage to avoid excess moisture. Also, brushing the pastry with egg wash creates a barrier that helps keep things crisp during baking.
Can I make these sausage rolls ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare and shape the rolls, then refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to bake. This makes party prep so much easier and less stressful.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover sausage rolls?

Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispness and warm up the filling nicely. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that flaky texture.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Sausage Rolls Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug during the holidays. I hope you’ll give it a try and find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do. It’s simple, delicious, and always brings a little extra sparkle to any Christmas celebration — just like good friends gathered around the kitchen.