Description
These Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls combine lean ground turkey with a tangy cranberry sauce and aromatic herbs, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as a savory snack or party appetizer, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a crisp, golden crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey Mixture
- 1 pound (450g) ground turkey
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (preferably homemade or a good-quality store-bought)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Sautéing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pastry and Finishing
- 1 package puff pastry sheets (usually 2 sheets per package, thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, enhancing their sweetness and flavor for the turkey mixture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cranberry sauce, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly incorporated, ensuring consistent flavor throughout.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify clean-up.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Trim edges if necessary to create neat rectangular shapes.
- Form Sausage Shapes: Divide the turkey mixture equally into two portions. Place each portion lengthwise along the center of each puff pastry sheet, shaping it into a long sausage shape while leaving some space at the edges.
- Roll Pastry: Fold the puff pastry over the turkey mixture, folding the sides inwards to seal the roll completely. Position the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet for optimal structure during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each puff pastry roll with the beaten egg to achieve a rich, golden brown finish once baked.
- Slice Rolls: Cut each roll into 4 to 5 pieces according to your preferred sausage roll size, allowing for easy serving and even cooking.
- Bake: Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and crispy and the internal temperature of the turkey mixture reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring safe consumption.
- Cool Slightly and Garnish: Remove the sausage rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant garnish and fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping to enhance the flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety.
- You can prepare cranberry sauce ahead of time or use a high-quality store-bought brand for convenience.
- For crispier pastry, make sure your puff pastry is cold before rolling and baking.
- These sausage rolls can be frozen prior to baking; freeze them on the baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.
- Herbs like thyme and sage complement turkey exceptionally well but can be adjusted based on your preference.
- Serve with a side of mustard or a tangy dipping sauce for additional flavor options.
