Name: Festive Sausage Rolls with Sage and Thyme 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’m so excited to share this Festive Sausage Rolls with Sage and Thyme Recipe with you! It’s the kind of dish that instantly brings cozy holiday vibes to any gathering, whether it’s a festive party, an afternoon tea, or just a casual family snack. What I love about these sausage rolls is how the herbs—sage and thyme—add a warm, earthy note that takes this classic treat up a notch from your typical sausage roll experience.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how approachable this recipe is, even if you’re new to baking. The flaky puff pastry paired with the aromatic sausage filling creates an irresistible combo that everyone will be raving about. I’ve made these more times than I can count, and each time, they vanish fast because they’re that good. Trust me, once you try this Festive Sausage Rolls with Sage and Thyme Recipe, it’ll be a regular holiday staple in your home too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really makes a difference here. Fresh, quality sausage meat provides the rich base, while the sage and thyme bring festive, savory depth. A tip for you: if you can get your hands on fresh herbs, fantastic! But dried herbs work beautifully too and are what I usually keep on hand for convenience.

Sausage meat: I prefer pork sausage meat with a bit of fat for juicy rolls. You can also ask your butcher for fresh ground sausage.
Puff pastry sheet: Make sure it’s properly thawed to avoid tearing when rolling.
Egg (for egg wash): This gives your rolls a golden, shiny finish—don’t skip it!
Onion (finely diced): Adds sweetness and moisture to your filling.
Garlic (minced): Just a little to boost the savory flavor without overpowering.
Dried sage: One of my favorite herbs during the holidays—it pairs so beautifully with sausage.
Dried thyme: Provides subtle earthiness that complements the sage.
Ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of kick.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—season carefully.
Olive oil: Helps to soften the onion and garlic and brings everything together.

Variations

I like to mix things up sometimes with this Festive Sausage Rolls with Sage and Thyme Recipe—it’s all about customizing to your taste or occasion. For instance, I’ve swapped traditional pork sausage for turkey or even a plant-based sausage when I want a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option. Play around with the herbs too if you want something a little different!

Herb swaps: Try rosemary or parsley if you want an alternative to sage and thyme—I’ve done this with success during last year’s potluck.
Cheese addition: Adding shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan inside brings a lovely richness that my family can’t resist.
Spicy twist: A pinch of chili flakes or cayenne adds warmth and depth if you like a bit of heat.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free puff pastry for those with dietary needs—it works just as well!

How to Make Festive Sausage Rolls with Sage and Thyme Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Herb-Infused Sausage Filling

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onion and garlic, cooking gently until softened and fragrant—about 4-5 minutes. You don’t want them brown, just sweet and tender. Once cool enough to handle, mix your sausage meat in a bowl with the softened onion and garlic, then stir in the dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This herb blend is the heart of this Festive Sausage Rolls with Sage and Thyme Recipe, so be sure to mix thoroughly for even flavor.

Step 2: Roll Out and Assemble

Lay out your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into two equal rectangles (or more if you want smaller rolls—you’ll get creative here!). Take half your sausage mixture and form a long log down the center of each pastry piece. Then, brush one edge of the pastry with beaten egg and carefully roll it over the filling, sealing the edge firmly so the sausage doesn’t escape while cooking. Use a fork to gently press the edges for a lovely, finished look.

Step 3: Slice and Bring to Life in the Oven

Slice each log into individual rolls—roughly 2-inch pieces work well for perfect bite-sized snacks. Place them seam-side down on a lined baking sheet to keep the pastry puffing up nicely. Brush the tops generously with more egg wash to get that gorgeous golden color when baked. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the sausage inside is fully cooked. Keep an eye towards the end; you don’t want these to dry out!

How to Serve Festive Sausage Rolls with Sage and Thyme Recipe

Three golden-brown pastries with flaky layers sit stacked on a wooden board on a white marbled texture surface. The pastries have a shiny, crisp crust with crimped edges and a visible filling of light brown and beige meat mixed with bits of darker seasoning, peeking from one end of each roll. The soft, textured filling contrasts with the crunchy outer layer, and the pastries are arranged with one on top and two below, showing different angles of their rounded shape and browned tops. The background is out of focus with soft light reflections, making the pastries the clear focus of the image photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the finished rolls—not just for a pop of green but because it adds a fresh contrast to the rich sausage. Sometimes, I serve them with a side of whole-grain mustard or a tangy cranberry sauce for dipping, which really brings out the festive notes in the herbs.

Side Dishes

These sausage rolls are perfect on their own, but I often pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables when serving as a main snack or light meal. During holiday gatherings, offering a cheese platter alongside gives your guests more to nibble on while keeping things festive and casual.

Creative Ways to Present

Here’s a fun trick: arrange the sausage rolls in a wreath shape on a large platter for a truly festive presentation. You can tuck sprigs of fresh sage and thyme around, and maybe add some edible flowers or cranberries for that holiday glow. This always sparks conversation at our parties and makes the platter look extra special with very little effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheating in the oven instead of the microwave helps keep the pastry crispy and the filling juicy.

Freezing

I often freeze unbaked rolls after assembling them. Lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This way, you have freezer-friendly snacks ready for holiday visitors or last-minute celebrations. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat leftover sausage rolls, pop them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a rush, as the pastry can get soggy quickly. Trust me, the oven method preserves that delicious texture much better!

FAQs

Can I use pre-seasoned sausage meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using pre-seasoned sausage meat is a great shortcut. Just be mindful of the salt content and adjust the added salt in the recipe accordingly. Sometimes pre-seasoned sausage can have enough herbs incorporated, so you might reduce or skip the dried sage and thyme if you prefer a milder flavor.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Cooking the onion and garlic first to remove excess moisture is key. Also, brushing the pastry with egg wash and placing the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet helps the pastry puff nicely and stay crisp. Avoid overcrowding the tray, so hot air circulates evenly during baking.
Can I make these sausage rolls ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can assemble the rolls a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. Alternatively, freeze them unbaked and bake fresh from the freezer when your guests arrive. This keeps them perfectly flaky and fresh.
What can I serve with these Festive Sausage Rolls for a full meal?

Pair these sausage rolls with a vibrant green salad, roasted seasonal vegetables, or even a comforting soup for a well-rounded meal. Adding a dipping sauce like mustard or cranberry chutney elevates the experience too.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Festive Sausage Rolls with Sage and Thyme Recipe holds a special place in my holiday cooking repertoire. It’s simple enough to make anytime but feels so much like a celebration every time it comes out of the oven. I hope you’ll have as much fun preparing and sharing these as I do. They’re perfect for those moments when you want to impress without stress. So, grab your puff pastry and sausage meat, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen!