Few dishes capture the heart of British comfort food like the classic English Sausage Roll. Golden, flaky pastry wrapped around a rich, seasoned sausage filling—simple, savory, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing for a party, a family brunch, a picnic, or just craving a warm, homemade snack, sausage rolls are the kind of versatile, crowd-pleasing treat you’ll return to again and again.
This recipe, passed down and perfected by Mark, brings traditional English sausage rolls into the home kitchen with ease. With just four main ingredients and minimal prep time, these rolls are approachable, freezer-friendly, and absolutely delicious served hot or cold.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mark’s English Sausage Rolls are:
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Quick and easy – Ready in just over 30 minutes
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Make-ahead friendly – Can be frozen unbaked and cooked fresh when needed
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Perfect for all occasions – Great for breakfast, lunch, party appetizers, or tea-time snacks
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Kid-friendly – Loved by children and adults alike
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Budget-conscious – Made with affordable ingredients
Ingredients (Makes 12 Sausage Rolls)
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this classic to life:
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1 (17.3-ounce) package puff pastry, thawed
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¼ cup Dijon mustard
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1 (16-ounce) package pork sausage meat or ground pork
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1 large egg, beaten (for sealing and brushing)
Tip: You can substitute ground pork with seasoned sausage meat for extra flavor, or even try a mix of pork and beef for a meatier bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a clean surface. Most packages come with two folded sheets. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut along the fold lines to create 6 equal rectangles per sheet, resulting in 12 pieces total.
If the pastry feels sticky, lightly dust your work surface with flour. If it feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes.
3. Add the Mustard Layer
Brush the center of each pastry square lightly with Dijon mustard. This adds a tangy depth of flavor that balances the richness of the sausage. You can substitute it with whole grain mustard or even English mustard for a spicier kick.
4. Shape the Sausage
Divide the sausage meat into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small log roughly the length of each pastry piece. Place the sausage logs down the center of each mustard-brushed square.
Gently fold the pastry over the sausage and seal the edge by pressing with your fingers or a fork. Make sure the seam is on the bottom for a cleaner look and better presentation.
5. Brush and Bake
Arrange the sausage rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, coat the tops with beaten egg. This will give the pastry a golden, glossy finish.
Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Rotate the tray if needed, then bake for another 10 minutes or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown. Internal temperature of the sausage should reach at least 160°F (70°C).
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool slightly. Serve warm for maximum flakiness and flavor, or let them cool completely and enjoy as a cold snack. These are great on their own, but even better with dipping sauces like spicy mustard, HP sauce, or chutney.
Tips for the Best English Sausage Rolls
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Chill the pastry if it becomes too soft. Cold pastry puffs better and seals more easily.
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Add seasoning to your sausage if using plain ground pork. Try salt, pepper, sage, thyme, or fennel seeds.
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Score the tops with a sharp knife before baking for a bakery-style look.
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Use parchment or a silicone baking mat to avoid sticking and over-browning on the bottom.
Freezing and Make-Ahead Instructions
Sausage rolls are a dream for meal prep and party planning. Here’s how to freeze them:
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Before baking: Assemble the rolls completely (with egg wash), then freeze them on a tray until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
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After baking: Let cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or until hot.
Variations to Try
1. Cheesy Sausage Rolls
Add shredded cheddar or gouda to the sausage before rolling for a gooey, cheesy twist.
2. Herbed Rolls
Mix fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the sausage for added aroma.
3. Spicy Kick
Stir a little cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes into the sausage mix—or use spicy Italian sausage.
4. Vegetarian Option
Use plant-based sausage or a mushroom-lentil mixture wrapped in pastry.
5. Mini Sausage Bites
Cut each roll in half before baking for bite-sized appetizers, perfect for parties or finger food trays.
What to Serve with Sausage Rolls
Sausage rolls are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and dips. Try them with:
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Coleslaw or potato salad
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Roasted root vegetables
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Green salad with vinaigrette
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Tomato chutney or brown sauce
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Honey mustard or creamy horseradish
For drinks, consider a crisp cider, an English ale, or even a nice hot cup of English breakfast tea.
Nutritional Information (Per Roll)
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Calories: 360
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Total Fat: 27g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Cholesterol: 48mg
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Sodium: 552mg
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugars: 1g
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Protein: 11g
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Calcium: 13mg
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Iron: 2mg
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Potassium: 168mg
Keep in mind that nutritional values will vary slightly based on your choice of sausage and pastry.
The History Behind Sausage Rolls
Sausage rolls are a staple in British bakeries, supermarkets, and home kitchens. Though they might resemble pigs-in-a-blanket, true English sausage rolls feature seasoned ground pork wrapped in flaky puff pastry, not biscuit dough.
They’ve been popular in the UK since at least the 19th century, though early versions go back to French cuisine. Today, they’re considered essential for holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Bonfire Night, as well as picnics, school lunches, and pub fare.
This recipe celebrates that legacy—keeping things simple, hearty, and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes! If you’re experienced with making laminated dough, homemade puff pastry will take this recipe to the next level.
What kind of sausage is best?
Use plain or mildly seasoned pork sausage. Avoid overly sweet or spicy varieties unless intentionally modifying the flavor profile.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Pop them in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry crispy.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, with gluten-free puff pastry and sausage meat. Just check all labels for hidden gluten.
Do these work for breakfast?
Absolutely. Serve with scrambled eggs, baked beans, or a fruit salad for a full breakfast plate.
Final Thoughts
Mark’s English Sausage Rolls are proof that the best dishes are often the simplest. With only four ingredients and less than 40 minutes from prep to plate, you can bring a taste of England into your kitchen anytime.
Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing lunchboxes, or just craving something warm and flaky, these sausage rolls will deliver every time. Plus, with their freezer-friendly nature, you can enjoy them fresh from the oven with zero stress.
So grab some puff pastry, your favorite sausage meat, and let the baking begin. Once you’ve made these, they’re sure to become a regular part of your cooking rotation—just like they are in Mark’s home.
Have you made Mark’s English Sausage Rolls?
Tag us @AlissaRecipes on Instagram and share your flaky creations. We’d love to see your spin!