If you love cozy, savory bites that deliver a wonderful burst of flavor, you are going to adore this Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly Recipe. These golden, flaky pastries wrapped around seasoned sausage and a luscious ribbon of pepper jelly combine the perfect balance of spiciness and sweetness, making them irresistible party snacks or comforting appetizers. They are surprisingly simple to make yet impressively delicious, ensuring every bite will have you reaching for more. Trust me, once you try these, they will quickly become a favorite in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the flaky puff pastry to the spicy yet sweet pepper jelly, every component adds its own charm.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): Provides that buttery, flaky exterior that’s key to a great sausage roll.
- Ground pork sausage (1/2 pound): The savory filling that’s juicy and flavorful, choose mild or spicy based on your preference.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth without overwhelming the sausage.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Complements the garlic with a gentle sweetness.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a mild kick to elevate the sausage.
- Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon): Brightens the filling with fresh herbal notes.
- Egg (1, beaten): For the egg wash that yields a shiny, golden crust.
- Pepper jelly (1/3 cup plus extra for serving): The star ingredient that introduces a spicy sweetness matching perfectly with the sausage.
- Flour (for dusting): Helps to roll out the puff pastry smoothly without sticking.
How to Make Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workspace
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking as you roll out your puff pastry for that perfect flaky texture.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Gently roll the thawed puff pastry into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle, making sure to keep an even thickness so your sausage rolls bake uniformly. This creates a sturdy but tender casing for the flavorful filling.
Step 3: Mix the Sausage Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork sausage with the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix just until combined to keep the meat tender and well-seasoned without overworking the mixture.
Step 4: Add the Pepper Jelly
Spoon a thin line of the vibrant pepper jelly down the center of your puff pastry rectangle. This sweet and spicy layer will infuse each bite with unforgettable flavor and a pleasant zing.
Step 5: Shape the Sausage Log
Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the pepper jelly, shaping it carefully into a long log down the center. This ensures every slice gets the perfect sausage-to-jelly ratio wrapped in flaky pastry.
Step 6: Seal and Cut
Fold the pastry over the sausage log and press the edges firmly to seal. Place the seam side down on your baking sheet, brush the top with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish, then cut into 6 to 8 equal pieces, depending on your preferred size.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the sausage rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the sausage is thoroughly cooked. The smell will be absolutely irresistible as they cook; try to resist before they cool just enough to enjoy.
How to Serve Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these sausage rolls with a small dollop of extra pepper jelly on the side amplifies their sweet heat. You can also sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a splash of color and added freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair your sausage rolls with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad or pickled vegetables to balance the richness. Creamy coleslaw or roasted root vegetables also complement the savory flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the sausage rolls on a wooden board with ramekins of different flavored jellies and mustard varieties. You can even serve bite-sized pieces on skewers for easy party snacking that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This way, the flavors remain fresh and the pastry still holds a satisfying texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked sausage rolls by placing them on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months and provide a convenient, quick snack whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed frozen sausage rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This restores the crispy pastry and warms the filling perfectly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap ground pork sausage for chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative, adjusting seasoning as necessary to keep the same balance of flavors.
Is pepper jelly really necessary in this sausage rolls with pepper jelly recipe?
Yes, the pepper jelly is the game-changer here. It adds a wonderful spicy-sweet contrast to the savory sausage, elevating the flavor profile beyond ordinary sausage rolls.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
Definitely. You can assemble the sausage rolls a day ahead, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving, making your party prep stress-free and efficient.
What if I don’t have puff pastry on hand?
Puff pastry is ideal for its flakiness, but you could use a sturdy crescent roll dough or homemade pastry as alternatives, though the texture will be a bit different.
Can I make these sausage rolls gluten-free?
You can, by choosing gluten-free puff pastry and ensuring your sausage and pepper jelly are gluten-free as well. The technique remains the same for a delicious gluten-free treat.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels both cozy and festive, perfect for sharing with loved ones or impressing guests. It’s simple enough for weeknight cooking yet elegant enough for the holiday table. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find it becoming your go-to appetizer whenever you want a crowd-pleasing hit of flavor wrapped in warm, flaky pastry.
Print
Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-American
Description
These savory sausage rolls with pepper jelly are a perfect appetizer for any party or gathering. Featuring flaky puff pastry wrapped around a flavorful ground pork sausage mixture with hints of garlic, onion, and black pepper, each roll is baked to golden perfection and served warm with a side of sweet and spicy pepper jelly for dipping.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- Flour for dusting
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Sausage Filling
- 1/2 pound ground pork sausage
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Additional
- 1/3 cup pepper jelly (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare puff pastry: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10×12-inch rectangle, providing a large enough base to encase the sausage mixture.
- Mix sausage filling: In a bowl, combine the ground pork sausage with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix gently just until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated, avoiding overworking the meat.
- Assemble rolls: Spread a thin line of pepper jelly down the center of the rolled-out puff pastry. Evenly distribute the sausage mixture over the jelly, shaping it into a log along the length of the pastry.
- Seal pastry: Fold the pastry over the sausage log and press the edges firmly to seal the roll. Place the sealed side down on your prepared baking sheet to keep it closed during baking.
- Apply egg wash and cut: Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden crust. Cut the roll into 6–8 equal pieces, depending on your desired serving size, and arrange them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the sausage is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve the sausage rolls warm with additional pepper jelly on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can use hot or mild sausage depending on your spice preference.
- For bite-sized party snacks, cut into smaller pieces before baking.
- Make ahead and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to enjoy warm rolls again.
