Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
If you’re hunting for a snack that’s bursting with festive flavors and a cozy, comforting vibe, look no further than this Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe. It perfectly combines lean, savory turkey with the sweet tartness of cranberry sauce, all wrapped inside a flaky puff pastry. These sausage rolls bring a delightful harmony of textures and tastes that will impress at any gathering or make an ordinary day feel special. Whether it’s for a holiday appetizer or a weekend treat, this recipe is as fun to make as it is delicious to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From aromatic herbs to that vibrant pop of cranberry, every element elevates the final dish.
- Ground turkey: Provides a lean, tender base that’s packed with protein and mild flavor, allowing the spices and cranberries to shine.
- Cranberry sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy zing that cuts through the richness of the meat beautifully.
- Onion: When sautéed, it brings out a natural sweetness and depth that melds everything together.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the filling while keeping it moist without making it dense.
- Dried thyme and sage: Classic herbs that impart an earthy, aromatic character typical of comforting fall dishes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every flavor in the roll.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing onions, it adds a subtle fruitiness and richness to the filling’s base.
- Puff pastry sheets: The flaky, buttery wrapping that keeps these sausage rolls delightfully crisp on the outside.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top to create a golden, glossy finish that’s as appealing as it is tasty.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note for garnish.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add finely chopped onions. Sauté them gently until they become soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step softens the raw bite of onions and releases natural sweetness that will enhance the turkey filling.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with cranberry sauce, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix it thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture is the star of your Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe, giving every bite a flavorful punch.
Step 3: Prepare the Oven and Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll out your puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface, trimming edges if needed to get neat rectangles. This ensures an even bake and crisp edges on your rolls.
Step 4: Shape the Sausage Rolls
Divide the turkey mixture into two parts. Place one portion in a long, even line down the center of a puff pastry sheet, leaving some space around the edges. Carefully roll the pastry over the filling, folding the edges inward as you go, sealing the rolls with the seam side down on the baking sheet to keep everything snug as it bakes.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Slice
Brush the tops of your sausage rolls generously with beaten egg to achieve that beautiful golden shine once baked. Then, slice each roll into 4 or 5 pieces depending on whether you want larger or more bite-sized treats. This not only makes serving easier but creates perfectly portioned snacks everyone can enjoy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the sausage rolls in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want the puff pastry to turn a gorgeous golden brown and become crisp, while the turkey mixture inside reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). Once baked, allow them to cool briefly before serving to let the flavors settle and avoid burning your taste buds!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and extra freshness. These rolls are fantastic enjoyed warm alongside extra cranberry sauce or your favorite gravy for dipping.
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an easy and vibrant garnish that adds just the right touch of herbal brightness to this dish. You can also try a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or even a light dusting of paprika for a subtle smoky hint that complements the turkey beautifully.
Side Dishes
These sausage rolls shine as a standalone snack, but serving them with crisp green salad, roasted root vegetables, or a warm soup can make for a more substantial meal. Dips such as mustard, aioli, or extra cranberry sauce work wonderfully alongside and add bursts of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange these Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe bites on a festive platter with sprigs of rosemary or thyme tucked between them. You can also serve them skewered on cocktail sticks with cherry tomatoes for a fun and easy finger food option that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They maintain their flavor and texture well, making them perfect for next-day snacking or an easy lunchbox addition.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the unbaked sausage rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight before proceeding with the egg wash and baking. This makes it super convenient to have these tasty treats at hand whenever you like.
Reheating
Reheat cooked sausage rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes to regain their flaky crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy. A quick re-heat in the oven restores that fresh-baked magic beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or pork are great alternatives that work well with cranberry sauce and herbs. Just be sure to check cooking times if you substitute the meat.
What if I don’t have cranberry sauce on hand?
You can make a quick homemade cranberry sauce or substitute with a similar fruit preserve like lingonberry or red currant jam for a comparable sweet-tart flavor.
Can I make these sausage rolls vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, try replacing the turkey with a mixture of mashed beans, lentils, or seasoned chopped mushrooms paired with the cranberry sauce for that sweet contrast.
Is puff pastry necessary or can I use another dough?
Puff pastry gives these sausage rolls their signature flaky texture, but you could experiment with shortcrust pastry for a denser bite or phyllo for a crispier, lighter wrap.
How do I know when the rolls are cooked through?
The filling should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the puff pastry on top should be golden and puffed. Cooking until this point ensures safety and the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about the combination of turkey and cranberry nestled inside golden puff pastry that makes this Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe a winning crowd-pleaser. It’s cozy, festive, and surprisingly simple to whip up—ideal for sharing with friends and family. I hope you have as much fun making these as you do eating them. Give it a go, and trust me, you might find your new favorite comfort snack!
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Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and savory Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls featuring ground turkey mixed with cranberry sauce and aromatic herbs, all wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfect as a festive appetizer or a satisfying snack, these sausage rolls combine juicy meat with a hint of sweetness from the cranberries, baked to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground turkey
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (preferably homemade or a good-quality store-bought one)
- 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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 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 and fragrant.
- Mix Turkey Filling: 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 ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets. Trim edges if necessary to form a neat rectangle shape for even rolling.
- Assemble Sausage Rolls: Divide the turkey mixture equally between the two sheets. Place each portion along the center of a puff pastry sheet, shaping into a long sausage-like log while leaving space along the edges.
- Roll and Seal: Carefully roll the puff pastry over the turkey filling, folding the sides inward as you roll to seal the edges securely. Place each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg to help achieve a golden and glossy finish once baked.
- Cut Rolls: Slice each roll into 4-5 pieces depending on your preferred size for individual sausage rolls.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry turns golden brown, crispy, and the turkey inside reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s fully cooked.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the sausage rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly to firm up. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce or gravy on the side for dipping, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed before rolling to avoid tearing.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for food safety.
- Can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Substitute poultry herbs based on preference, such as rosemary or marjoram.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
