If you’re looking for a festive, flavorful treat that will impress everyone at your gathering, this Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining the savory goodness of ground turkey with the sweet pop of dried cranberries, all wrapped up in crisp, golden puff pastry, these sausage rolls are the perfect balance of comfort and celebration in every bite. Whether you’re making appetizers for a holiday party or a cozy snack for the family, this recipe delivers warmth, texture, and incredible taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a unique role in building the delicious layers of flavor and texture in your sausage rolls. From the aromatic herbs to the tart cranberries, every component contributes to making this dish a standout.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness to sauté the aromatics perfectly.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a savory sweetness that forms the flavor base.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that lifts the whole filling.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Introduces earthy, herbal notes to complement the turkey.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Adds warmth and sage’s classic pairing with poultry.
- 500g ground turkey: The lean, tender protein centerpiece of your sausage rolls.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped: Injects a pop of sweet-tart flavor that’s instantly festive.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the filling and keep it juicy without being dense.
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (plus 1 extra for egg wash): Binds filling ingredients and gives the pastry a golden, glossy finish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed: The flaky, buttery wrapping that makes these sausage rolls irresistible.
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional): Gives a nutty crunch and beautiful visual appeal.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Filling
Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about five minutes. This step is key for developing the base flavor. Then, add the minced garlic along with the dried thyme and sage, cooking them for just another minute to release those beautiful herbaceous aromas. Let this mixture cool slightly before moving on so it doesn’t cook the turkey prematurely.
Step 2: Combine the Filling Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, roughly chopped dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, and one lightly beaten egg. Add the cooled onion and herb mixture along with salt and pepper. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly — your goal is a uniform, moist mixture that will hold together well when shaped. This mixture is where the magic happens: savory, sweet, and aromatic all in one.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry and Assemble Rolls
Take your thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each in half lengthwise to create four long rectangles. Divide your turkey filling into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a long log along one edge of the pastry strip, then roll the pastry over to enclose the filling completely. Use a little water along the pastry edge to seal it firmly. Once rolled, place each log seam-side down and cut into four smaller sausage rolls, giving you a total of sixteen.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Transfer the sausage rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Brush the tops with the extra beaten egg for that gorgeous golden glaze, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re using them. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully golden and cooked all the way through. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy their full flavor and perfect flaky texture.
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While the sausage rolls shine on their own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a touch of microgreens can brighten the presentation and add a little fresh contrast. If you want to really amp up the flavor, a small dollop of whole-grain mustard or cranberry chutney on the side provides that extra zing and complements the cranberries inside.
Side Dishes
These turkey and cranberry sausage rolls pair wonderfully with simple, fresh sides such as a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance their richness. Roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, also make for a hearty, colorful accompaniment. For a festive touch, serve with a warm bowl of butternut squash soup to turn this snack into a full cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these sausage rolls into a charming appetizer platter by arranging them on a wooden board alongside bowls of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, cranberry sauce, or even a spicy aioli. Another fun idea is to skewer smaller sausage roll pieces with cocktail sticks for easy party finger food that keeps guests coming back for more. These versatile treats can be served hot, warm, or even at room temperature, making your hosting effortless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, turkey and cranberry sausage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They stay moist and flavorful but are best enjoyed within this time to maintain their pastry crispness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare them in advance, these sausage rolls freeze beautifully before baking. Simply assemble them, place on a lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed container or bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen but add about 5 extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes for a convenient and impressive surprise snack anytime.
Reheating
For reheating, place leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes or until warm and the pastry is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the pastry flaky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute if turkey is not available, offering a similar mild flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
While puff pastry gives the best flaky texture, you can use filo pastry sheets brushed generously with butter, though the texture and appearance will be slightly different.
Are these sausage rolls dairy-free?
Yes, this Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dairy sensitivities.
Can I make these vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the turkey with a plant-based mince or diced mushrooms mixed with cooked lentils for a hearty texture.
What’s the best way to serve cranberry sauce with these rolls?
A tangy homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce served in a small bowl on the side complements the sweet cranberries in the filling and adds a lovely moistness.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — full of cozy flavors, perfect for sharing, and incredibly satisfying to eat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something special, these rolls showcase how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Don’t hesitate to give them a try, and watch how quickly these festive bites disappear!
Print
Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic savory snack, combining lean ground turkey with sweet dried cranberries and aromatic herbs, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as a festive appetizer or tasty snack, they bake up golden and tender with a deliciously satisfying blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 500g ground turkey
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (plus 1 extra for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried sage, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, roughly chopped dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, one lightly beaten egg, salt, pepper, and the cooled onion mixture. Stir the ingredients together until thoroughly blended.
- Prepare Pastry: Cut each sheet of puff pastry in half lengthwise to create four rectangles. This will be used to encase the sausage filling.
- Form Rolls: Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a long log along one long edge of each pastry rectangle. Carefully roll the pastry over the filling to enclose it completely. Seal the edges by pressing lightly with a bit of water to ensure they stick.
- Slice and Arrange: Place the sealed rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Cut each roll into 4 smaller sausage rolls, yielding a total of 16 rolls. Arrange them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
- Egg Wash and Topping: Brush the tops of each sausage roll with the remaining beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through. Check for doneness by ensuring the turkey is no longer pink inside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the sausage rolls cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to settle and to avoid burns.
Notes
- Ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground turkey if preferred.
- For additional flavor, stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the turkey filling before assembling.
- These sausage rolls freeze well before baking—simply bake from frozen and add an extra 5 minutes to the cook time.
