Sausage Rolls

Sausage Rolls Recipe from Australia and United Kingdom

Region / culture: Australia, United Kingdom | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Sausage rolls are a classic and beloved snack or appetizer that are perfect for any occasion. These delicious pastries are made with flaky shortcrust pastry and flavorful sausage meat, making them a crowd-pleaser at parties or gatherings.

History

Sausage rolls have been a popular dish in the United Kingdom and Australia for many years. They are believed to have originated in England in the 19th century and have since become a staple in British and Australian cuisine. The combination of savory sausage meat wrapped in buttery pastry has made sausage rolls a favorite among food lovers worldwide.

Ingredients

200 g (7 oz) of shortcrust pastry
225 g (8 oz) of sausage meat
plain flour
milk, for glazing

How to prepare

Roll the pastry out thinly into a rectangle, then cut it lengthwise into 2 strips.
Divide the sausage meat into 2 pieces, dust with flour and shape into 2 rolls the same length as the pastry.
Place a roll of sausage meat in the center of each strip, brush the edges of the pastry with a little milk.
Fold one side of the pastry over the sausage meat and press the two edges firmly together.
Seal the long edges together by crimping.
Brush the length of the two rolls with milk, then cut each into slices 3 cm (1 inch) to 5 cm (2 inches) long.
Place on a baking sheet and bake in a moderately hot oven (200°C / 400°F / Gas 6) for 15 minutes.
To ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly, reduce the temperature to moderate (180°C / 350°F / Gas 4) and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Brown the top of the dish under a hot grill.
Serve directly from the pan.

Variations

Try using different types of sausage meat such as pork, beef, or chicken for a unique flavor.
Add herbs and spices to the sausage meat for extra flavor, such as sage, thyme, or paprika.
Add grated cheese or caramelized onions to the filling for a twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roll out the pastry thinly to ensure a flaky and crispy texture.

- Dusting the sausage meat with flour helps to bind it together and prevent it from sticking to the pastry.

- Brushing the pastry with milk before baking gives it a golden and shiny finish.

- Crimping the edges of the pastry helps to seal in the filling and prevent it from leaking out during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Sausage rolls can be served hot or cold and are perfect for picnics, parties, or as a snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of ketchup or mustard for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the sausage rolls in the oven ensures that the pastry is crispy and golden brown, while also cooking the sausage meat thoroughly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a lighter option, you can use puff pastry instead of shortcrust pastry for a flakier texture. You can also use plant-based sausage meat for a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sausage rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. They can also be frozen before baking and then baked straight from the freezer for a quick and easy snack.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sausage rolls on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or cherry tomatoes for a colorful and appetizing presentation. You can also arrange them in a decorative pattern for a more elegant look.

Pairing Recommendations

Sausage rolls pair well with a variety of beverages such as beer, cider, or a glass of wine. They also go well with a side salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover sausage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sausage rolls contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sausage rolls contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of sausage rolls contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of sausage rolls contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sausage rolls are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

Sausage rolls contain gluten from the pastry and may also contain allergens such as soy and dairy from the sausage meat.

Summary

Sausage rolls are a delicious and satisfying snack that are relatively high in fats and calories. They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Sausage rolls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. With a flaky pastry crust and savory sausage filling, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try making your own homemade sausage rolls with this easy and tasty recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary in her cozy little cottage in the countryside. Mary was known for her delicious homemade pastries, and she had promised to teach me how to make her famous sausage rolls.

As we sat in her sunny kitchen, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and the fragrant scent of fresh herbs from her garden, Mary began to gather the ingredients for the sausage rolls. She pulled out a well-worn recipe card from her recipe box, explaining that it was a family recipe passed down from her grandmother.

I watched in awe as Mary expertly mixed the ground pork with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, shaping the mixture into long sausage shapes that would be wrapped in flaky puff pastry. She then carefully sliced the pastry into strips, placing a sausage on each strip before rolling them up into neat little parcels.

As we waited for the sausage rolls to bake in the oven, Mary regaled me with stories of her grandmother, who was a renowned cook in the village. She spoke fondly of the days spent in her grandmother's kitchen, learning the art of baking from the woman who had inspired her passion for cooking.

When the sausage rolls emerged from the oven, golden and crisp, Mary insisted that I try one while it was still warm. The first bite was heavenly – the buttery pastry melted in my mouth, while the savory sausage filling burst with flavorful herbs and spices. I knew then that I had to learn how to make these delicious treats for myself.

Mary generously shared her family recipe with me, writing it down on a fresh recipe card for me to take home. She explained the importance of using high-quality ingredients and taking care to roll the pastry just right to ensure the perfect texture and flavor.

Over the years, I have made Mary's sausage rolls countless times, each time evoking memories of that sunny day in her kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all marveled at the deliciousness of these homemade treats.

As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of sausage rolls for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of this recipe. It has become a cherished tradition in our family, passed down from generation to generation, just like Mary's grandmother did with her.

I hope that one day, my grandchildren will remember the taste of these sausage rolls with the same fondness and nostalgia that I do. And perhaps, they too will carry on the tradition, sharing the recipe with their own loved ones and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

But for now, as I take a bite of a freshly baked sausage roll, I am content in the knowledge that the secrets of this delicious recipe will continue to bring joy and connection to my family for years to come. And I am grateful for the friendship and generosity of Mary, who opened my eyes to the beauty of homemade cooking and the power of a shared recipe.