Italian Sausage Rolls. Talk about packing flavor in one bite. Italian Sausage, spices and some special surprises, and a wonderful flaky puff pastry. A real taste bud teaser!
Song of the day: "Better Love" by Hozier.
Italian Sausage Rolls. With New Year's Eve coming, ideas for what to serve on one of the most celebrated nights of the year can be stressful.
However, I have an idea that is a party pleaser, easy, and so so flavorful, because there is nothing like filling puff pastry with an amazing Italian sausage stuffing that will have your family and guests asking for this, time and again!
Party Pleasers as far as food is concerned is something I grew up with because celebrating was something our family did a lot of!
Memories
I have to say that memories of childhood and food are some of the most cherished in my mind. There is no wonder how I became a foodie. Being Italian could have taken the podium with gold, likewise the foods I encountered stayed with me my whole life.
Christmas and also New Year were always a special time. The gatherings with tables of delicious foods, my parents and their antics to have us believe in Santa Claus and the Christmas spirit were award-winning!
Is there a Santa Claus?
I remember being 2 years old and on Christmas eve heard noises of footsteps. Not your usual mom or dad in slippers footsteps, no, heavy snow covered big boot steps.
Never was I to leave the bed because we were told if we were to see Santa he would disappear leaving us nothing under the tree! I would go after all the banging, clanging, and bumps stopped.
Slowly crawling out of bed and making sure to walk quietly and there they were, wet footprints on the hardwood floor starting at the window that was left a little open for effect as the wind slowly blew the drapes too and fro. I cannot tell you how hard my heart was beating.
My feet could not keep up with how fast I ran into bed and into those covers head and all!
I love my parents for instilling the spirit of Christmas in me! The same spirit that decorates the yard and house illuminating half the neighborhood, lol.
Sausage Rolls
Very fond memories I have of sausage rolls.
Saturdays at our house was a day to go downtown with my mom and brother on the bus. I loved Saturdays, because I knew first that I got to ride on the huge four-wheeled machine and secondly, there was going to be some food stops along the way.
One particular stop was this bakery. I still remember the steamed-up window and those wonderful aromas of sugar and butter as if it was yesterday. It was here that I began my relationship with sausage rolls, likewise why I chose these wonderful bundles of flavor to make for the festive season this year.
That flavor of the buttery flaky puff pastry and then that peppery, meaty, oh so good interior had me a fan from the first bite. Not to mention so easy to eat handheld and mouth friendly!
It was my boss Jim who planted the seed for these wonderful appetizers. He told me that his wife Cheryl makes sausage rolls using Italian sausage meat. Right there a spark hit my foodie's heart and today I am sharing that spark of inspiration with you!
The filling
- Italian sausage meat
- herbs or rosemary, oregano, parsley, coriander, fennel, salt, pepper, paprika
- Garlic
- caramelized onions
- Italian bread crumbs
- olive oil
- potato and rutabaga puree'
To make Puff Pastry or not make it?
We opted to use the store-bought. One day I am going to rise to the challenge and make it from scratch.
Some helpful hints
This year I got a real education on puff pastry. There are different kinds..........
I found out that different brands have different ingredients and one brand, in particular, did not have any butter in it at all but used shortening.
One by my co-workers, and also a foodie, Wes, told me that you could buy a wonderful all-butter puff pastry from Montreal at a local grocery store. He also said that there was a brand at one of the Superstores if I could not find that one.
After a few miles on the vehicle and not much luck with the Montreal one, I picked up the second choice, and I have to say being second is not bad at all, it tastes real good and was perfect with these Italian Sausage Rolls.
As you can see I added little smears of flavor boosters to the pastry by brushing pesto, mustard, and a red pepper eggplant spread. Does that not look like a festive compilation of color for the holiday season?
The process
I cut the puff pastry sheets in half lengthwise. Made a nice long sausage with the meat mixture, and with puff pastry nice and colored with condiments rolled the sausage into a nice roll.
Helpful hint:
Leave a nice ½ inch of the puff pastry with no condiment so you can brush it with egg. This will keep the puff pastry nicely hugging the meat inside and keeping it all together. A nice brushing of egg wash on top and you will have a beautiful golden crust in minutes!
Let's get Festive!
Once the Italian Sausage Rolls are done baking, I take them out of the oven, let cool a bit, then cut them into bite-size pieces. To keep it festive I arranged them in the shape of a Christmas tree. As you can see above, it looks so beautiful and delicious.
Options
At my work this year we had an ugly Christmas sweater party were we each got to bring a dish. I decided to share these sausage rolls and Nicoletta made her amazing Chocolate Swirl Meringues.
The only difference, as you can see, is the shape and also that I made a vegetarian version too. To get that shape I cut the sausage roll into bite-size pieces before baking creating that wheel look. For the vegetarian version, I used sauteed mushrooms instead of the Italian sausage.
The taste test
I love the pastry delicate, flaky, and oh so buttery. The meat filling has a nice spice to it. I taste the fennel, rosemary, oregano, and plenty of fresh cracked black pepper.
The Parmigiano cheese and that starchy luxuriousness of the potato and rutabaga puree is so heartwarming and scrumptious, nothing but fuzzy feelings here.
That condiment trio is spectacular. Firstly the pesto with that freshness of basil and garlic hit. Secondly, the mustard giving wonderful acidity touches to the mix. Lastly, the red pepper spread with that smoky sweetness. Nothing but yum, yum, nom, nom here!
Those colors add so much to the presentation too!
Well Received
I know these will be a hit at your New Year's Eve gathering because at work they were received quite well and by the look of the empty platters, I can say they were a hit. Many at work have asked if I am making those sausage rolls again and if they happen to be coming to work with me. My answer is maybe one day there will be a surprise!
Wishing everyone a spectacular New Year filled with Happiness, Abundance, and good health!
From Nicoletta and I at Sugarlovespices, Happy New Year!
PrintParty Pleaser Italian Sausage Rolls
Party Pleaser Italian Sausage Rolls. With New YYear'sEve coming, ideas for what to serve on one of the most celebrated nights of the year can be stressful.
However, I have an idea that is both easy and so so flavorful, because there is nothing like filling puff pastry with an amazing Italian sausage stuffing that will have your family and guests asking for these time and again!
- Prep Time: 1 ½ hours
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Category: appetizer
- Method: Baked
Ingredients
Pastry:
- 1 pk store bought butter puff pastry
- 1 egg whisked with a pinch of paprika
filling:
- 500 g Italian ground pork sausage meat
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp butter
- A drizzle of olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Pinch of paprika
- Splash of water
- 1 tsp dried sage powder
- ½ tsp fresh ground fennel seed
- 1 tsp fresh ground coriander
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 large potato
- 1 medium rutabaga
- Pat of butter
- Splash of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fine Italian-style bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano
Vegetarian Filling:
- 2 cups washed and chopped button top and portobello mushrooms
- 1 large carrot washed peeled and cubed
- 2 stalks celery washed and cubed
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- salt, pepper
- Pinch of paprika
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Pinch of fried thyme
- Dash of paprika
- ¼ tsp oregano
- 1 tsp fresh ground coriander
- ½ tsp fresh ground fennel seed
- 1 medium potato
- 1 medium rutabaga
- Pat of butter
- Splash of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fine Italian style bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano
Condiments:
- 2 tsp Pesto sauce
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 Tbsp Gloria spread (red pepper spread)
Garnish:
- A few sprigs of fresh rosemary
Instructions
Filling:
- In a medium pot bring fill with water covering potato and Rutabaga. Cook for 20-25 minutes till for tender.
- Mash add butter, milk and seasoning and whip till smooth, set aside.
- While potato is cooking grab a cast iron pan add olive oil and butter. Toss in garlic and onion. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, oregano, paprika and saute on medium heat till nice and translucent Add water as necessary to get a good caramelization.
- In a large bowl add sausage meat, caramelized onions, potato rutabaga puree', rosemary, bread crumbs, thyme, coriander, fennel, and powdered sage. Mix well with hands and set in the fridge covered for about ½ hour.
- Pre-heat oven to 400° F.
Vegetarian filling:
- In a saute pan add olive oil, butter, bring to a medium heat, and add onions, celery, carrots.
- Saute for about 15 minutes, then add mushrooms. When they begin to soften add white wine and herbs and seasoning. cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Let cool.
- In a bowl combine mushroom mixture bread crumbs, potato rutabaga puree, Parmigiano cheese, and breadcrumbs. Mix well with hands then cover and place in the fridge for ½ hour.
- Pre-heat oven to 400° F.
Assembly:
- Follow the same as below for the meat filled ones except use the mushroom filling instead.
- The rolling process is the same as for the meat filling.
Assembly:
- Take puff pastry sheet and divide it in half lengthwise. Lay on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Spread into three sections the pesto, mustard, and Gloria spread leaving a nice 1-inch border for overlap to seal the roll.
- Take the meat filling and form a nice 2-inch log and place it at the front of the puff pastry.
- Roll the puff pastry forward encasing the filling into the center and egg wash the 1-inch end border and seal puff pastry placing roll seam side down.
- Brush the top and sides with the egg wash and place in oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes making sure to check it.
- Take out of oven and let cool, then slice it into bite size pieces.
Garnish:
- Arrange sausage roll bites into a shape of a Christmas tree.
- Place sprigs of rosemary sporadically into tree formation, looking like spruce branches.
- Do the same for the mushroom-filled ones.
Notes
- Use the whole sheet of puff pastry, do not divide it. Just roll it up. This will give you that thick edged puff pastry.
- Another way you can do these is to cut the rolls prior to baking them into those wonderful small rounds. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet and brush with egg wash. This will give you that nice wheel look.
- The cooking time is about 20 minutes at 400° F for this type.
When I am not cooking, I enjoy playing musical instruments, singing, writing. I have learned over the years to live in gratitude and enjoy the moment.
Matt - The Bluenosers says
I too love sausage rolls this time of year, but I must say I'm intrigued. I've never put potato and rutabaga in a sausage roll before??! Happy New Year!
Loreto says
Hi Matt, oh you have to give it a try. The potato and rutabaga give moisture and richness to the fill, plus the rutabaga has that earthy sweetness that balances everything so well. Even in the veggie version.
have fun cooking!
Loreto
Gloria says
Food memories are the best. I come from a Ukrainian background. We all have our favourites for sure. These look fantastic...and I am such an Italian food lover. I know for sure if I ever visit Italy...I will need to take my "big pants" to come back home in.
Thank you Gloria for your wonderful comment. The funny thing about Italy is you don't gain weight. I lose weight when I go. I think it is the purity of the food, the wonderful sun and heat and the tremendous amount of walking you do. Sure hope you get to go, you will love it. My Parents had many Ukrainian friends and we were fortunate to celebrate Christmas twice. Isn't life wonderful!
Happy new Year!
Loreto
Jessica Robinson says
Happy New Year and thanks for sharing such a simple, yet delicious appetizer! It would be great for any party!
Thank you Jessica, they were a hit at a work party. They went quickly with many questions on how they were made. Gotta love when a recipe is a hit!
Happy new Year!
Loreto
Charity says
I love that you have a vegetarian option for these sausage rolls. We have a lot of vegetarian family and friends and it's always a pain to make two different recipes. Having one recipe with two fillings seems more inclusive and less fussy. Thanks!
Thank you, also with us Nicoletta is vegetarian and I am always looking for resourceful ways to please all types of eaters. The vegetarian roll was amazing with the mushrooms and all those delicious ingredients in the filling, so meaty yet a veggie lovers dream!
Take care!
Loreto
Kelly Anthony says
I loved reading about your sweet childhood memories and the bakery 🙂 And this sounds like a treat worth remembering! I know I won't forget it 😉
Thank you Kelly. I always feel fortunate that my relationship with food started very young and my parents gave us plenty of experience to build from! I am so grateful to Nicoletta who sparked that passion and here we are blogging, what a wonderful world!
Cheers!
Loreto
Mimi says
These are just stunning, and I love the way you made them into a Christmas tree! It’s really fun how one long sausage roll becomes three different varieties. I’m excited to try them.
Thank you Mimi, I am always striving to be creative with a fun twist. makes food taste so much better! I can't wait for you to try these. That filling is amazing and even the mushroom filling was out of this world. This ones on the fast flavor train for sure!
Happy cooking!
Loreto
georgie says
I love sausage rolls but love you've gone for an Italian style! These look so pretty and not just for Christmas or New Years Eve! I'm always on the hunt for party appetizers! these are perfect!
Thank you Georgie, It is always nice to have some favorite party type appetizers to fall back on. These have definitely made our top 10 roster!
Party on!
loreto
Tammy says
Oh wow these look fantastic! I want to make these soon! 😀 What a festive display...definitely making these at my next gathering ^_^
Thank you I know your guests are going to love these. Where ever I made these they were gone in no time and people asked how I made them and what was inside. Have fun with these after all they are party pleasers, lol.
Cheers!
Loreto
lauren says
I'm a sucker for anything puff pastry - it's just so flaky and indulgent! Of course, I always opt for store bought too. Some day I'll try and make it, but until then I'll definitely be getting my fix with these appetizer rolls.
Thank you Lauren. I am glad I found this puff pastry made with real butter. It made the world of difference in these sausage rolls. Until we make it home made, I am going to stick to good ingredient products.
Happy cooking!
Loreto
Amanda Mason says
The perfect comfort food right here!! I love the ingredients you use in your filling! Also - I found your post SUPER helpful! The expert tips and step by step with photos...super helpful when making this recipe!!
Thank you Amanda, your input helps us feel like we are on the right track. Most of all we want to take the fear out of cooking and also spread the food love through culture, experiences and memories.
Have a wonderful day!
Loreto
Marisa Franca says
People have such a misconception of Italy and what they eat. The majority of people are thin. They don't eat humongous meals and the walk. They are very active. When Honey and I visited Italy we had such a wonderful time and the food was fantastic and we lost weight. When we came to this country we were all skinny. We picked up weight eating the more processed food. Anyway, your appetizer is lovely and looks delicious!! Will have to try to find some good puff pastry dough.
Thank you Marisa for sharing. I have the same experience when I go to Italy. Eat well, walk lots and lose weight. I have to agree about the misconception, but I think we are helping people understand what is Italian authentic and what has been infused with the Canadian and American influence. All in all it is about food, good times, respecting each other, and sharing our experiences.
Happy New Year!
Cheers!
Loreto
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Wow, now that looks like an appetizer! I can't wait to make these sausage rolls for game day next Sunday!
Hi Sam, boy these sausage rolls are going to be the hit of the Super Bowl. Have fun making them, savor eating them, and enjoy the game!
Yeah Team, lol. Don't know who to cheer for!
Ciao!
Loreto
Lorie says
It may be past NYE but this is still happening for me! We have a family get together for my grandma’s birthday this weekend and she will love this!
Thank you Lorie, Happy Birthday Grandma! Hope you enjoy these amazing puff pastry appetizer!
Cheers!
Loreto
Krista Price says
Dangit. I wish I would have stumbled upon this recipe a few weeks ago. This would have been perfect for my family's Christmas Eve Party! Guess it's going to served on Super Bowl Sunday instead! 🙂
Thank you, I think you super bowl guests are in for a real treat!
Cheers!
Loreto
Jyothi (Jo) says
Party or not, I would love to have a few of these rolls in my life day-to-day, haha! Or atleast every Sunday! It looks so delicious.
Thank you, makes me feel really good that you love this appetizer. I am quite proud of myself and this creative venture!
Happy cooking!
Loreto