The Perfect Sausage Rolls Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Crispy, golden sausage rolls have been my weekend comfort food since childhood.

Flaky pastry wrapped around seasoned meat creates pure magic in every bite.

Memories of family gatherings flood back when I smell these delectable treats baking.

British picnics and casual gatherings always feature these irresistible savory snacks.

My grandmother’s secret technique involved carefully folding buttery layers around spiced ground meat.

Regional variations across different counties add fascinating twists to this classic recipe.

You can easily master this delightful dish with a few simple ingredients and some patience.

Let’s uncover the secrets to making perfect sausage rolls that will impress everyone at the table.

What You’ll Need For Delia Smith Sausage Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component for creating the flaky pastry base of the sausage rolls.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender, layered pastry texture.
• Sausage Meat: The primary filling that gives the sausage rolls their signature flavor and substance.

• Cold Water: Helps bind the pastry dough and create a smooth, workable consistency.

• Salt, Pepper, Herbs: Add depth and complement the savory sausage meat, enhancing the overall taste of the sausage rolls.

Steps To Make Delia Smith Sausage Rolls Easily

Step 1: Prepare Pastry Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and add your flour. Take cold butter and grate it directly into the flour using a cheese grater. Gently toss the butter and flour together until they look like rough crumbs. Pour in cool water and mix until the dough comes together. Knead briefly, then wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator to rest and chill.

Step 2: Create Savory Filling

• Ground pork
• Finely chopped onions
• Fresh herbs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried seasonings

Mix everything thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3: Shape Delicious Rolls

Remove the chilled pastry from the refrigerator. Roll out the dough into long, even rectangular strips on a lightly floured surface. Spread the meat mixture evenly along one edge of each pastry strip. Carefully fold the pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal completely.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Slice the long rolls into individual bite-sized pieces. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a beautiful golden shine. Make small diagonal slashes across the top of each roll to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the prepared rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry turns a deep, gorgeous golden brown and the filling is completely cooked through. Let cool slightly before serving.

Helpful Notes On Delia Smith Sausage Rolls

• Freeze Butter First: Grate frozen butter quickly for flakier, more tender pastry without warming it up.
• Keep Pastry Cold: Chill dough between steps to maintain butter's integrity and create beautiful layers.
• Season Filling Generously: Add herbs, spices, or garlic to boost flavor in meat mixture for more exciting taste.
• Egg Wash Trick: Brush pastry with beaten egg for gorgeous golden-brown, shiny exterior that looks professional.
• Slice Evenly: Use sharp knife and steady hand to create uniform sausage rolls for consistent cooking and elegant presentation.

Simple Changes To Delia Smith Sausage Rolls

• Vegetarian Roll: Replace sausage with lentil and mushroom blend, seasoned with herbs for protein-packed alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use almond flour or gluten-free pastry mix, swap wheat flour for dairy-free option.
• Low-Carb Keto Wrap: Substitute pastry with thin cheese or egg wrap, fill with ground chicken and spices.
• Spicy Mediterranean Style: Add feta cheese, chopped olives, and za'atar spice to filling for zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.

Tasty Matches For Delia Smith Sausage Rolls

• Elevate with Bold Red Wine: Pair these savory sausage rolls with a robust Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, whose rich tannins complement the meaty, buttery pastry and cut through the richness.
• Fresh Herb Salad Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with arugula, parsley, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the rolls and add bright, zesty notes.
• Tangy Mustard Dipping Sauce: Create a quick dipping sauce with Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to enhance the sausage's spices and provide a punchy contrast.

How To Keep Delia Smith Sausage Rolls Nice And Fresh

• Store leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and ready for quick snacking.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving their delicious flavor and texture.
• Warm refrigerated rolls at 180°C for 10-12 minutes, restoring their crispy exterior and ensuring a hot, appetizing center.
• Quick-heat from the fridge for 30-45 seconds, though this method may slightly soften the pastry's crispness compared to oven reheating.

Delia Smith Sausage Rolls Questions Covered

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Ground pork or beef with 15-20% fat content is ideal, as it provides rich flavor and prevents dryness.

• Can I make these sausage rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and freeze unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.

• How do I get a perfectly flaky pastry?

Keep butter cold, handle dough minimally, and use a light touch when mixing to prevent gluten development, which ensures a tender, crisp texture.

• Is there a trick to sealing the pastry edges?

Use a fork to crimp edges firmly, ensuring no filling leaks during baking. An egg wash also helps create a tight seal and golden finish.

Why You’ll Enjoy Delia Smith Sausage Rolls

• Craft with Ease: Beginner bakers can confidently create these delicious sausage rolls without advanced culinary skills, making it a perfect starter recipe.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings where you need a delectable finger food that impresses everyone with minimal effort.
• Versatile Meal Option: Adaptable for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack time, these sausage rolls can transform simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that suits multiple occasions.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily swap ingredients or add personal touches like different herbs, spices, or meat types to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Sausage Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty “sausage rolls” deliver classic British comfort wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. Savory meat filling and buttery layers create a perfect handheld treat that will transport you straight to a cozy pub in London.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) plain flour
• 10 ounces (283 grams) fresh breadcrumbs
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Cheddar cheese
• 1 large onion

Pastry and Fat Components:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) butter
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) double cream
• 1 beaten egg (for glaze)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) fresh herbs
• 1/2 tablespoon (7 grams) mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Chill the butter, then use a grater to shred it directly into the flour mixture. Gently toss the butter with flour, creating a crumbly texture. Gradually add cold water, kneading until a cohesive dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, herbs, and seasonings. Thoroughly blend the ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the filling.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled pastry into a long, rectangular shape. Spread the prepared meat mixture evenly along the length of the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Carefully fold the pastry over the filling, creating a long roll. Press and crimp the edges to seal completely, preventing the filling from leaking during baking.
5. Slice the roll into individual portions. Brush the tops with egg wash for a glossy finish. Make diagonal slashes across the surface to allow steam to escape.
6. Transfer the sausage rolls to a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry turns a rich golden brown and the filling is cooked through.

Notes

• Chilling the pastry dough helps create flaky, layers that melt in your mouth with a delicate texture.
• Use cold butter and handle the dough minimally to ensure a light, crisp pastry that doesn’t become tough or dense.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend and ensure your sausage meat is also gluten-free.
• Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling for a more complex, aromatic flavor that elevates the classic sausage roll.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 403
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg