Sausage rolls are an addictively tasty snack, perfect for parties and potlucks. The combination of tasty, meaty filling and crisp pastry is so good. Plus they're easy to make too.
![sausage rolls on parchment with stack to side and some tomato ketchup to front](images/sausage-rolls-photo.jpg)
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Sausage rolls are a classic snack food in the UK, kind of up there with fish and chips. On those times when you've been out for a couple drinks, if you don't stop off for food on the way, there's a good chance you'll be tempted by the smell of sausage rolls or Cornish pasties as you get to the station to take the train home.
But they are good for much more than just after-pub food, and even better when you make them yourself.
![sausage rolls - a tasty British snack that's easy and perfect for entertaining close up of sausage roll with ketchup in front](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sausage-rolls-pic.jpg)
Sausage rolls come in more than one size - you get longer ones that are what you would typically find sold as take out, and little ones that are perfect for parties. Since we're talking about football food today, these little bites are the perfect addition to the party so I couldn't resist making some.
![sausage rolls - a tasty British snack that's easy and perfect for entertaining sausage rolls with one part one to side of blob of tomato ketchup](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sausage-rolls-picture.jpg)
Strangely enough, one of my strongest memories of a sausage roll is not a really good one but a totally inedible one. On one of the few times my mum wasn't around for dinner when I was young, my dad was left with ready-made sausage rolls for us to eat and managed to mess them up.
They were rock hard and you were lucky if you could eat a few flakes of pastry. I think it turned out he didn't defrost them before cooking, but in any event, dinner plans were changed that night.
![making sausage rolls folding over pastry, cutting sausage rolls into pieces and brushing with eggwash](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/making-sausage-rolls.jpg)
While I've had a good few much better sausage rolls before, I've never actually made them until now. Looking through recipes, I found some start with sausages but to me they vary so much in flavoring (and quality), I prefer to start with ground meat.
I always think of them as pork, and have used that here, although some recipes use beef and you certainly could. Seasoning varies as well, but I love the mix of softened onions, bacon, sage and a little nutmeg here.
Sausage rolls make great finger food for parties, potlucks, watching a game or whatever excuse for a comforting snack. Plus, if you use fresh pastry, you can freeze some to cook when suits as well. Whatever your excuse, find one to make these tasty little bites.
![sausage rolls - a tasty British snack that's easy and perfect for entertaining sausage rolls on parchment with more in stack to side and small bottle of tomato ketchup](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sausage-rolls-slices.jpg)
Try these other tasty finger foods:
- Savory palmiers
- Hot phyllo crab cups
- Chinese spare ribs (slow cooker)
- Cauliflower pakora
- Plus get more appetizer recipes in the archives.
Sausage rolls
Ingredients
- ½ onion
- 3 oz smoked bacon 85g, streaky
- 1 tablespoon sage chopped
- ½ lb ground pork 225g pork mince
- ½ cup breadcrumbs 40g
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 sheet puff pastry 250g
- 1 egg lightly beaten - for egg wash (won't use all)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F/190C.
- Slice the bacon and finely dice the onion. Put both in a small-medium skillet and cook over a medium heat until the onion has softened and the bacon is cooked but not crisp, a couple minutes. Add a little oil if needed but there should be enough fat from the bacon.
- Add the sage and cook for another minute more then empty the pan onto a plate to allow to cool a little.
- Put the ground pork, breadcrumbs, bacon-onion mixture and salt, pepper and nutmeg in a bowl and mix well. I'd recommend doing this by hand to get them well mixed.
- Divide the mixture into 4 pieces and form each into a log/sausage shape - press together to avoid gaps.
- If making 4 large, cut a sheet of puff pastry into 4 (like a window) and place a log on each piece of pastry so it goes the length of the longer side of the pastry, in the middle without hanging over the edges. If making smaller bites, cut the pastry in two in the longer direction and put two logs on each piece, joining them up in the middle to form a long 'sausage' the whole length.
- Brush one side of the pastry with egg wash, then fold the other side over the pork filling to join with the egg-washed side. Don't stretch the pastry but have it snug against the filling without air pockets, rolling the filling if needed to have it join. Use the prongs of a fork to seal the two sides.
- If making the 4 larger rolls, transfer these to a lined baking sheet then brush over the top with egg wash. If making smaller ones, I find it easier to put egg wash on first then carefully slice each roll into approx 11 slices around 1in/2.5cm thick. Carefully transfer each to a lined baking sheet with space between them. (Note it you think it's too soft to cut, you can refrigerate for a little while before you put on egg wash.)
- Bake the rolls for approx 20 minutes until they are golden brown and crisp on top and the filling is cooked through. Take them off the baking sheet to drain a little before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store.
See more finger food ideas:
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza Bites with Blue Cheese Dip by Sprinkles and Sprouts
- Grilled Jalapeno Poppers by Simple and Savory
- Mini Spinach Calzones by Jonesin’ For Taste
- Pigs In A Blanket by Bottom Left of the Mitten
- Popcorn Chicken 3 Ways by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Smokey Spiced Nuts by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Totchos by Palatable Pastime
Remember to pin for later!
![Sausage rolls are a British classic, whether late night snack or party appetizer. The tasty, meaty filling is wrapped in crisp pastry - perfect, easy finger food! Comforting and like so many things, homemade tastes even better. (includes how-to video) Sausage rolls are a British classic, whether late night snack or party appetizer. The tasty, meaty filling is wrapped in crisp pastry - perfect, easy finger food! Comforting and like so many things, homemade tastes even better. (includes how-to video)](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sausage-rolls-pin-2.jpg)
![Sausage rolls are a British classic, whether late night snack or party appetizer. The tasty, meaty filling is wrapped in crisp pastry - perfect, easy finger food! Comforting and like so many things, homemade tastes even better. (includes how-to video) Sausage rolls are a British classic, whether late night snack or party appetizer. Comforting and even better when you make them yourself! (includes how-to video)](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sausage-rolls-pin.jpg)
Taylor Kiser
I could totally make a meal out of these sausage rolls! Perfection!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, and yes they are all too easy to enjoy!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, they really are comfort food!
Hadia
These look so tempting, Caroline!Your video tutorial makes it look easy to make!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Hadia, do give them a try they're really tasty!
Robin Daumit
Sage and Pork are always a winner. My British hubby is sure to love this recipe!
Caroline's Cooking
I agree they're great together - hope this gives him a reminder of home as it did for me!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, it's really easy and has great flavor to it.
Liz @ Books n' Cooks
I love that you made your own sausage. These sound wonderful, and perfect for a heavy app at our next party!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Liz, it's the best way to be sure of the flavor plus they turn out great and aren't difficult!
Hezzi-D
Yum! I'm going to aee if I have the ingredients to make these..they sound great!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, hope you do and that you enjoy them as much as we did!
Liz
I love sage in my sausage and know I'd love the taste of your yummy sausage rolls!!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Liz, pork and sage go so well together!