Side Dishes

Sausage Rolls With Puff Pastry

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These sausage rolls are basically the perfect party trick disguised as an appetizer – they look fancy enough to impress your mother-in-law but are simple enough that you won’t have a kitchen meltdown making them.

The combination of flaky puff pastry wrapped around spicy andouille sausage creates this incredible contrast of textures that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

What makes these rolls absolutely irresistible is the sharp cheddar cheese melting into every bite, while the everything bagel seasoning adds that perfect savory crunch you didn’t know you needed.

With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have 16 golden, buttery rolls ready to disappear from your serving platter faster than you can say “I made these myself.”

The secret weapon here is the egg wash that creates that gorgeous golden-brown finish – it’s the difference between homemade-looking and bakery-level impressive.

Fair warning: making these will result in people assuming you’re some kind of culinary genius, when really you just followed directions and didn’t burn anything.

Ingredients

For the Sausage Rolls

1 (13-ounce) package puff pastry, thawed
1 (13.5-ounce) package andouille sausage, sliced into 26 rounds
1 (8-ounce) package sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

For the Seasoning

2 teaspoons everything but the bagel seasoning
2 teaspoons dried parsley

For the Egg Wash

1 egg
1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Preparation

1 Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning on the bottom of your rolls.
2 Unfold the puff pastry sheets carefully and lay them out on a clean cutting board. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes if they’re still slightly frozen – you want them pliable but not warm.
3 Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut each puff pastry sheet into 13 short strips. You’ll end up with 26 strips total between both sheets. Keep the strips laying side by side for easy assembly.

Assembly

4 Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously over each puff pastry strip, leaving exactly 2 inches at the top end clear for the egg wash. This cheese-free zone is crucial for proper sealing.
5 Evenly distribute the everything but the bagel seasoning and dried parsley over the cheese-covered portions. The seasoning adds that perfect savory crunch that makes these rolls addictive.
6 In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon water until completely combined. This egg wash will create that beautiful golden-brown finish.

Rolling and Baking

7 Using a pastry brush or your finger, brush the egg wash over the 2-inch cheese-free tops of each strip. This acts as your “glue” to seal the rolls.
8 Place one piece of sliced andouille sausage on the non-egg wash end of each puff pastry strip. Roll the pastry tightly around the sausage, pressing the egg-washed edge firmly to seal it closed.
9 Transfer each sealed roll to your prepared baking sheet, placing them seam-side down. Space them about 1 inch apart to allow for expansion during baking.
10 Repeat the rolling and sealing process with all remaining sausages and puff pastry strips until you have 16 complete rolls.
11 Bake for 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. The rolls should sound hollow when tapped lightly.
12 Serve immediately while the pastry is still flaky and the cheese is melted. These are best enjoyed hot from the oven!

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

Pizza cutter or sharp knife – A pizza cutter makes quick, clean cuts through puff pastry without dragging or tearing the delicate layers
Pastry brush – Essential for applying egg wash evenly; creates that professional bakery-quality golden finish
Large cutting board – Provides ample workspace for laying out pastry sheets and assembly line efficiency
Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup while promoting even browning

Helpful Upgrades

Kitchen scale – For precise measurements if you’re scaling the recipe up for larger gatherings
Silicone baking mat – Reusable alternative to parchment paper that provides excellent heat distribution
Bench scraper – Makes transferring cut pastry strips much easier and cleaner than using your hands

Nice-to-Have Options

Instant-read thermometer – Ensures sausage reaches safe internal temperature if using raw sausage varieties
Wire cooling rack – Prevents soggy bottoms by allowing air circulation under hot rolls
Food processor – Useful if you want to make your own everything bagel seasoning blend

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry (available from brands like Pepperidge Farm)
Expect slightly denser texture but similar flaky layers
May need 2-3 extra minutes baking time for proper browning

Dairy-Free Modifications

Substitute sharp cheddar with dairy-free cheddar shreds (Violife or Daiya work well)
Use plant-based milk instead of egg wash for golden color
Nutritional yeast adds extra savory flavor to compensate for cheese intensity

Meat Alternatives

Plant-based sausage – Lightlife or Beyond brands work excellently
Mushroom and herb filling – Sautéed cremini mushrooms with fresh thyme
Spinach and feta – Classic combination for vegetarian option

Flavor Variations

Italian-style – Replace everything bagel seasoning with Italian herbs and use mozzarella
Breakfast version – Add scrambled eggs and use breakfast sausage
Spicy kick – Include diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese
Holiday twist – Cranberries and sage with turkey sausage

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

Each sausage roll contains approximately 185 calories, with the majority coming from the buttery puff pastry and protein-rich andouille sausage. The combination provides about 8 grams of protein per roll, making these surprisingly satisfying for their size. The sharp cheddar cheese contributes calcium and additional protein, while the everything bagel seasoning adds minimal calories but maximum flavor impact.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

The andouille sausage provides high-quality protein and B-vitamins, particularly B12 which supports nerve function and energy metabolism. Sharp cheddar cheese delivers calcium for bone health and contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may have anti-inflammatory properties. The everything bagel seasoning typically contains sesame seeds and poppy seeds, providing healthy fats and minerals like magnesium and zinc. Even the puff pastry, while indulgent, provides energy-sustaining carbohydrates.

Dietary Considerations

These rolls contain gluten, dairy, and eggs, making them unsuitable for those with celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or egg allergies. The sodium content is moderate due to the sausage and cheese combination. For balanced nutrition, pair with fresh vegetables or a light salad to add fiber and vitamins.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Andouille sausage → Italian sausage, chorizo, or kielbasa (same quantity)
Sharp cheddar → Gruyère, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese for different flavor profiles
Everything bagel seasoning → Garlic powder + onion powder + sesame seeds (1 tsp each)
Puff pastry → Phyllo dough (use 4 sheets per roll, brush with butter)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Pre-shredded cheese → Block cheese you shred yourself (better melting, lower cost)
Andouille sausage → Regular smoked sausage or even hot dogs for kid-friendly version
Store-brand puff pastry → Works just as well as premium brands

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Egg wash → Milk or melted butter for browning (not as golden but still effective)
Everything bagel seasoning → Garlic salt + dried herbs from your spice rack
Fresh herbs → Dried herbs (use 1/3 the amount called for)

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

Store leftover puff pastry wrapped tightly in freezer for up to 3 months
Pre-cooked sausages work best; raw sausage needs longer baking time

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Reduce pastry thickness – Roll puff pastry slightly thinner to decrease carb content by approximately 15%
Smaller portions – Cut into 20 mini rolls instead of 16 regular-sized for better portion control
Lettuce wraps – Use butter lettuce leaves instead of pastry for ultra-low carb option

Protein Enhancement:

Add extra sausage – Use 1.5 pieces per roll to increase protein-to-carb ratio
Include nuts – Chopped almonds or pecans add healthy fats and protein
Cheese boost – Extra sharp cheddar increases satiety without adding carbs

Blood Sugar Management Tips:

Pair with fiber – Serve with raw vegetables or small side salad
Timing matters – Enjoy as part of balanced meal rather than standalone snack
Portion awareness – Limit to 2-3 rolls per serving to manage carb intake

Total Carb Reduction: These modifications can reduce carbs by 20-30% while maintaining flavor and satisfaction.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the buttery pastry and complements the spicy andouille beautifully. For beer lovers, a Belgian wheat beer or light lager provides refreshing contrast. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lime or iced green tea to cleanse the palate between bites.

Side Dish Recommendations

These rich rolls pair perfectly with fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots add vegetable nutrition and color contrast. For entertaining, serve alongside fruit and cheese board or pickled vegetables that cut through the richness.

Complete Meal Ideas

For brunch, pair with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit salad. As appetizers, serve before grilled chicken or salmon with roasted vegetables. For casual entertaining, create a British pub theme with shepherd’s pie and mushy peas. These rolls also make excellent game day snacks alongside buffalo chicken dip and vegetable crudité.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for holiday parties, baby showers, office potlucks, or casual dinner parties. They’re elegant enough for cocktail hours but approachable for family gatherings. Make them for tailgating or picnics since they’re delicious at room temperature.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Keep puff pastry cold while working – if it becomes too warm, pop it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before continuing. This prevents the butter layers from melting and ensures maximum flakiness. Score the top of each roll lightly with a knife before baking to create professional-looking vents and prevent bursting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t skip the egg wash – it’s the difference between pale, homemade-looking rolls and bakery-quality golden beauties. Avoid overfilling with cheese, which can leak out during baking and create a mess. Make sure your sausage slices aren’t too thick, or the pastry won’t seal properly around them.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover rolls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness – never use the microwave, which makes pastry soggy. For make-ahead convenience, assemble rolls completely and freeze unbaked for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to cooking time.

Scaling Tips

This recipe doubles perfectly for larger gatherings. Use two baking sheets and rotate their positions halfway through baking for even browning. For smaller batches, cut the recipe in half but maintain the same baking time and temperature.

These sausage rolls prove that impressive appetizers don’t require culinary school training or expensive ingredients – just quality puff pastry, flavorful sausage, and the confidence to roll with it. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated cocktail party or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, these golden, flaky rolls deliver restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen.