If you are craving a delightful snack or a party-ready appetizer that’s bursting with flavor, you absolutely have to try this Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly Recipe. The perfect harmony of savory, spicy, and sweet comes from the juicy seasoned sausage wrapped in flaky puff pastry, with a clever touch of pepper jelly tucked inside that adds a surprising, delicious kick in every bite. This dish is straightforward to make but feels impressively gourmet, and it will quickly become your go-to recipe for sharing good food and great company.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing a unique role in building layers of texture and flavor—from the crisp pastry to the savory sausage and that irresistible sweetness from the pepper jelly.
- Ground Sausage (1 pound): Choose pork, chicken, or turkey for a rich and juicy filling that forms the heart of the rolls.
- Puff Pastry Sheet (1 sheet): Store-bought or homemade, this flaky and buttery dough crisps up beautifully around the sausage.
- Pepper Jelly (1/4 cup): Adds a sweet heat contrast that elevates the overall flavor with a little zing.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the sausage evenly and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the savory depth in the sausage mixture.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a gentle sweetness and complexity that complement the meat.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle herbaceous note for extra warmth and aroma.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all of the flavors.
- Egg (1, for egg wash): Brushed on top to create that classic golden, shiny finish everyone loves.
- Fresh Parsley or Green Onions (optional): For garnish, adding a fresh pop of color and light flavor.
How to Make Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures your puff pastry will be perfectly crisp and golden by the time the sausage is cooked through. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is a little step that saves big on cleanup later.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the ground sausage. Use a spoon to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and completely cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat and allow the sausage to cool slightly—this helps it meld better with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Season the Sausage
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme if using, salt, and pepper right into the sausage while it’s still warm. This way, the spices toast slightly and fan out their flavors, infusing the sausage with a warm, savory profile that pairs flawlessly with the pepper jelly.
Step 4: Prepare the Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry. Cut the sheet into four to six even strips depending on how large you want your sausage rolls to be. This is your canvas for the delicious assembly to come.
Step 5: Assemble the Sausage Rolls
Spread a thin layer of pepper jelly down the center of each pastry strip. Then, evenly spoon the sausage mixture over the jelly, making sure it’s well-distributed. Carefully fold the sides of the pastry over the filling, creating a neat log shape. Pinch the edges firmly to seal the sausage filling securely inside the pastry.
Step 6: Apply the Egg Wash
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of each roll. This step is what gives your sausage rolls a gorgeous golden color and a shiny, inviting finish once baked.
Step 7: Bake the Sausage Rolls
Place your assembled rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is puffy and beautifully golden, and the internal sausage is hot and flavorful. The smell coming from your oven will already tell you that something special is on its way!
How to Serve Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds a lovely fresh contrast both in color and brightness to the rich sausage rolls. It also gives a hint of garden-fresh flavor that perfectly balances the savory-sweet profile.
Side Dishes
Think light and crunchy on the side, like a crisp mixed green salad, cucumber slices, or carrot sticks. These add freshness and texture, helping to cut through the richness of the sausage rolls and making for a perfectly balanced meal or appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these sausage rolls on a wooden board with small dipping bowls filled with extra pepper jelly for guests to customize the sweetness and heat. You can also slice them into bite-sized pieces for finger foods or arrange with colorful vegetable sticks for a festive party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep wonderfully for up to three days, making them perfect for quick snacks or impressively easy next-day lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked sausage rolls assembled on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes for a fantastic ready-to-bake snack whenever cravings hit—they can last up to three months frozen.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated rolls back to that fresh-baked texture, reheat them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the pastry crisp and the filling warm and juicy, just like the first time you made them.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in the Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork sausage is traditional, chicken or turkey sausage work equally well. You can even experiment with spicy or flavored sausages to add your personal twist.
Is homemade pepper jelly better than store-bought for this recipe?
Homemade pepper jelly offers wonderful control over sweetness and heat levels, but store-bought varieties can be just as delicious and convenient. Choose one that suits your taste preferences.
Can I make these sausage rolls vegetarian?
Yes, swap out the sausage for a plant-based alternative or a mixture of seasoned mushrooms and lentils. Just ensure the filling is moist and flavorful to complement the pepper jelly.
What’s the best way to prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Cooking the sausage first and allowing it to cool helps reduce excess moisture. Sealing the pastry edges tightly and brushing with egg wash locks in the juices while baking, keeping the pastry crisp.
Can these sausage rolls be made smaller for appetizers?
Definitely! Cutting the puff pastry into thinner strips and portioning smaller amounts of sausage inside makes perfect bite-sized sausage rolls for parties and gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Making Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly Recipe at home is such a satisfying experience because it combines ease, flavor, and a bit of culinary finesse all in one. Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or enjoying them as a cozy snack, these rolls delight every time with their buttery, savory, and sweet layers. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your friends to this wonderfully tasty classic with a spicy-sweet twist!
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Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and savory sausage rolls made with seasoned ground sausage wrapped in flaky puff pastry, highlighted with a sweet and spicy pepper jelly glaze. These sausage rolls are perfect as appetizers or snacks and feature a golden, crispy exterior with a juicy, flavorful filling.
Ingredients
Sausage Filling
- 1 pound ground sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pastry & Assembly
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup pepper jelly (more for serving)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Season the Sausage: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and let the sausage mixture cool for a few minutes.
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the sheet into 4-6 even strips depending on the desired size of the rolls.
- Assemble the Sausage Rolls: Spread a thin layer of pepper jelly in the center of each pastry strip. Spoon the sausage mixture evenly over the jelly. Carefully fold the sides of the pastry over the sausage to enclose it, forming a log shape. Press edges to seal.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of each sausage roll to give them a golden and shiny finish while baking.
- Bake the Rolls: Place the sausage rolls on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden, puffed, and the sausage is cooked through.
- Serve: Let the sausage rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with extra pepper jelly on the side for dipping and garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can use pork, chicken, or turkey sausage depending on your preference.
- Make sure to cool the sausage mixture slightly to prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy.
- If you don’t have pepper jelly, you can substitute it with apricot jam mixed with finely chopped chili for a similar flavor.
- For a crispier crust, chill the assembled rolls in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
