If you’re craving a treat that perfectly balances savory and sweet, you’re going to adore this Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe. These golden puff pastry parcels hug tender, herb-infused turkey mince complemented by the tangy burst of cranberry sauce. They’re not only a fantastic crowd-pleaser but also a comforting snack that feels festive any time of year. Once you bite into that flaky, buttery crust paired with the juicy filling, you’ll understand why this recipe quickly becomes a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and that golden color that makes these rolls irresistible.
- 500 g turkey mince: Lean and tender, turkey mince provides a delicious base for a lighter take on sausage rolls.
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves: Adds an earthy, aromatic depth that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 tsp sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the filling.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Gives just the right amount of mild heat to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Offers subtle but essential savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- 375 g ready-rolled puff pastry (1 pack): The star of the show that brings the flaky, buttery texture to life with minimal fuss.
- 130 g cranberry sauce: Infuses a sweet-tart pop that perfectly contrasts the savory meat.
- 1 tbsp milk (for brushing): Helps achieve a beautifully golden, shiny crust once baked.
- Spray oil (optional, for greasing): Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal from the tray.
How to Make Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the turkey mince, fresh thyme leaves, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This simple seasoning blend lets the turkey shine while adding a subtle herbal undertone that pairs perfectly with the cranberry.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Unroll your ready-rolled puff pastry onto a lightly greased surface or a baking tray lined with parchment paper. If needed, gently stretch it into a rectangle that’s roughly double the length of the world sausage roll you plan to make. This ensures enough pastry to wrap around the filling snugly.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Divide the turkey mixture into two equal portions. Spread one portion lengthwise down the center of your pastry rectangle, creating a generous sausage-shaped line. Spoon half of the cranberry sauce along the top of the turkey filling. Then fold the pastry over the mixture, pressing the edges together to seal. Be sure to press firmly so the rolls don’t open during baking. Repeat for the second portion.
Step 4: Cut and Brush
Using a sharp knife, cut each long roll into approximately eight equal pieces to create sixteen individual sausage rolls. Place them seam-side down on your baking tray. Brush each sausage roll with the milk to give them that beautiful golden shine once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Bake the sausage rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and golden brown. The turkey filling should be cooked through and juicy, while the cranberry sauce will have melded into a sweet surprise within.
How to Serve Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
These sausage rolls are delightful on their own but can be made even more inviting with simple garnishes. A sprinkle of extra fresh thyme or chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. You can even dot them with a little extra cranberry sauce or a thin drizzle of mustard for an extra zing.
Side Dishes
For a complete snack or light meal, pair your Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe with crisp green salads, roasted root vegetables, or a bowl of velvety butternut squash soup. These sides complement the savory-sweet balance perfectly and keep things feeling fresh and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a party or festive gathering, arrange them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs, cranberries, and small bowls of dipping sauces like honey mustard or cranberry chutney. For an elegant twist, slice each roll into bite-size pieces and serve them on cocktail sticks for easy snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining their flavor and texture. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
These sausage rolls freeze wonderfully. Arrange the uncooked rolls on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be baked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sausage rolls in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through and the pastry refreshes to its original crispness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken mince instead of turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken mince is a great substitute and will still pair beautifully with the cranberry and thyme. Just be sure to season it well for the best flavor.
Is it okay to use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw it according to package instructions before you start assembling your sausage rolls for the best texture and easy handling.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the filling?
Definitely! Rosemary, sage, or even a touch of smoked paprika can add interesting layers of flavor. Just keep the balance so the cranberry pop isn’t overshadowed.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Serving them warm with a variety of dips like mustard, aioli, or extra cranberry sauce makes them a hit. You can also cut them into smaller pieces as bite-sized finger foods for easy sharing.
Are these sausage rolls suitable for kids?
Most kids love the fun, flaky texture and the sweet-sour taste of cranberry inside. You can reduce or omit black pepper if your little ones prefer milder flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself reaching for time and time again. It offers a joyful mix of flavors wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry that feels comforting and festive all at once. Whether you’re making a simple family dinner or preparing bites for a celebration, these sausage rolls never disappoint. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 sausage rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, featuring lean turkey mince seasoned with fresh thyme and garlic, wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry and paired perfectly with sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Ideal for parties, snacks, or a light meal, these sausage rolls offer a balanced combination of savory and fruity flavors in a convenient finger food format.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 500 g turkey mince
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Other Ingredients
- 375 g ready-rolled puff pastry (1 pack)
- 130 g cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)
- Spray oil (optional, for greasing)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the turkey mince with fresh thyme leaves, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, forming a well-seasoned meat mixture.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 200°C (390°F) and prepare a baking tray by lightly greasing it with spray oil or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the pastry: On a clean surface, lay out the ready-rolled puff pastry. If necessary, gently roll the pastry to ensure it’s an even thickness suitable for wrapping around the filling.
- Assemble the sausage rolls: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly along the pastry length. Then, shape the turkey mixture into a long sausage shape and place it over the cranberry sauce on the pastry. Carefully roll the pastry over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing them firmly to create a log.
- Cut and brush: Slice the rolled pastry log into evenly sized pieces, approximately 3–4 cm each. Place the sausage rolls onto the prepared baking tray with some space between each piece. Brush the tops with milk to give a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the turkey filling is cooked through completely.
- Serve: Remove the sausage rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving warm as delicious appetizers, snacks, or part of a main meal.
Notes
- Ensure turkey is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
- For extra crispiness, use a higher fat puff pastry if available.
- Cranberry sauce adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to balance the savory turkey; feel free to adjust quantity to your taste.
- These sausage rolls can be made in advance and frozen before baking, then baked straight from frozen with an additional 5 minutes cooking time.
