If you’re on the hunt for a festive, crowd-pleasing snack that’s bursting with rich flavors and holiday cheer, then you’ve got to try this Christmas Sausage Rolls with Cranberry and Brie Recipe. Picture succulent sausage meat paired beautifully with sweet-tart cranberry sauce and creamy brie, all wrapped up in fluffy golden puff pastry — it’s a bite of Christmas magic that will light up your celebrations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor Explosion: The blend of cranberry and brie adds a delicate sweetness and creaminess that perfectly complements the savory sausage.
- Perfect Party Treat: These sausage rolls are bite-sized delights that serve as ideal finger food for holiday gatherings and family get-togethers.
- Simple Yet Impressive: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, you’ll wow everyone without needing to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Golden, Flaky Pastry Perfection: Ready-to-roll puff pastry browns beautifully, giving you that classic crisp exterior with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a starring role — from the luscious sausage meat that carries the savory foundation, to the aromatic garlic and bright orange zest that add festive warmth. The brie brings that melty richness, while the cranberry sauce delivers bursts of tangy sweetness, all wrapped up in irresistibly flaky puff pastry.
- 400g pork sausage meat: Choose good quality meat for juicy, flavorful rolls — no skins if you’re using sausages!
- 1 garlic clove: Adds a gentle aromatic kick that balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Brightens the sausage mix with a fresh citrus note, enhancing the festive vibe.
- Mixed herbs: A classic herb mix adds depth and warmth to the filling.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste for perfect balance.
- Ready-to-roll puff pastry: Saves time and guarantees crispiness – you can also make your own for a personal touch.
- Cranberry sauce: Use your favorite variety, just hold back on the amount for neat rolls.
- Brie: Creamy and mild, slicing it thinly helps it melt evenly inside.
- 1 beaten egg: For brushing the pastry, giving it that irresistible golden shine.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
One of the wonderful things about this Christmas Sausage Rolls with Cranberry and Brie Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own holiday special!
- Swap the meat: Try using turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter twist that’s just as delicious.
- Cheese alternatives: If brie isn’t your fave, cream cheese or goat cheese add a different but equally luscious creamy texture.
- Herb variations: Fresh rosemary or thyme can add a robust, woodsy aroma that complements the citrus zest beautifully.
- Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage alternatives and swap cranberry sauce for a tangy chutney option.
How to Make Christmas Sausage Rolls with Cranberry and Brie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sausage Mix
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and lightly grease a baking sheet. Next, squeeze your sausage meat into a large bowl, ensuring there are no casings if you’re using sausage links. Finely chop or crush the garlic and add it to the bowl along with the orange zest, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix and set aside – this flavorful blend is the heart of your rolls!
Step 2: Roll Out and Layer
Lightly flour your clean work surface and unroll the puff pastry. Cut the sheet in half lengthways so you have two long strips. Using a teaspoon, spread a line of cranberry sauce down the center of each pastry strip – remember, less is more here to avoid messy leakage during baking. Next, divide your sausage meat in half and form a cylindrical shape along the cranberry on each piece. Then place thin slices of brie on top of each sausage log.
Step 3: Seal and Slice
Brush one edge of the bare pastry with beaten egg to help it seal. Fold the other side over the filling, pressing down the edges firmly with a fork and trimming any excess pastry for a clean finish. Repeat for both rolls. Use a sharp knife to cut each roll into four equal portions and poke two small slits on top of each to let steam escape during baking. Don’t forget to brush each sausage roll with more beaten egg for that golden glaze!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your sausage rolls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until wonderfully golden and crispy on top. Once out of the oven, let them cool just a few minutes — they’re best enjoyed warm, when the brie is melty and the cranberry slightly warm, making for a heavenly taste sensation.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Sausage Rolls with Cranberry and Brie Recipe
- Keep it Crisp: Make sure the puff pastry and your hands are lightly floured to prevent sticking and help achieve flaky layers.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much cranberry or sausage can cause leakage and sogginess, so stick to the recommended amounts.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work fine, fresh mixed herbs add a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the sausage mix.
- Even Sizing: Cut your rolls evenly to ensure consistent cooking, and always make those steam slits so the pastry bakes perfectly without puffing up unevenly.
How to Serve Christmas Sausage Rolls with Cranberry and Brie Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or rosemary over your sausage rolls just before serving. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add an elegant contrast to the savory-sweet combo.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair brilliantly with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted winter vegetables or a bowl of creamy mash also balance the flavors beautifully, making for a hearty holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Christmas sausage rolls arranged on a festive wooden board adorned with sprigs of holly or pine for a true holiday statement. For a shareable party platter, include little dipping bowls of extra cranberry sauce and mustard to amp up the flavor fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sausage rolls keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven to revive that lovely crisp pastry texture before serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked sausage rolls wrapped tightly in cling film and foil for up to 1 month. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly fresh results.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for 10-15 minutes until piping hot and crisp again—avoid microwaving to prevent soggy pastry.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-made sausage meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-made pork sausage meat works perfectly and makes the process quicker—just be sure to remove sausage casings if you’re using links. The key is to use flavorful and fresh sausage meat for the best taste.
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How do I prevent the cranberry sauce from leaking out?
Spread a thin, even layer of cranberry sauce down the center and avoid adding too much. Leaving space on the sides of the pastry strip helps seal the edges tight and prevents leaks during baking.
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Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the sausage rolls up to the baking stage and freeze them for later baking. Alternatively, bake in advance and gently reheat in the oven to keep them tasting fresh and crispy.
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What if I don’t have brie? What’s a good substitute?
If brie isn’t available, creamy cheeses like camembert, cream cheese, or mild goat cheese offer a similarly luscious melt and complement the cranberry and sausage beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Sausage Rolls with Cranberry and Brie Recipe is one of those holiday gems that combines comfort, flavor, and festivity all in one bite. It’s simple enough to make any day of the season but special enough to impress your guests at your next holiday party. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a treasured tradition — so get baking and savor every delicious moment!
PrintChristmas Sausage Rolls with Cranberry and Brie Recipe
These Christmas Sausage Rolls are a festive twist on a classic appetizer, combining savory pork sausage meat with fragrant garlic and orange zest, layered with tangy cranberry sauce and creamy Brie, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfectly golden and warm, they make a delightful addition to holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Sausage Roll Filling
- 400g pork sausage meat
- 1 garlic clove, crushed or finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Mixed herbs, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to season
- Cranberry sauce, to spread
- Brie cheese, sliced
Pastry
- Ready-to-roll puff pastry (enough for two sheets, or homemade equivalent)
Finishing
- 1 beaten egg, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tray: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sausage Mixture: Place the pork sausage meat into a large bowl, ensuring any sausage casing is removed if using sausage links. Add the crushed garlic, orange zest, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside to marinate gently.
- Prepare Pastry Base: Lightly flour a clean surface and unroll the puff pastry. Cut each pastry sheet in half lengthwise to create two long rectangles.
- Assemble Sausage Rolls: Spread a thin line of cranberry sauce down the center of each pastry strip, leaving margins on either side to avoid leakage during baking. Divide the sausage meat into two portions and form each into a long cylindrical shape, placing it over the cranberry sauce on the pastry. Lay sliced Brie evenly on top of the sausage meat.
- Seal Pastry: Brush one long edge of the pastry with beaten egg. Fold the opposite edge over the sausage and brie, pressing gently to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly and cut away any excess pastry. Repeat this process for the second pastry strip.
- Cut and Vent Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut each sausage roll into four portions. Poke two small slits into the top of each roll to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the tops generously with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake: Arrange the sausage rolls on the prepared baking sheet spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a festive appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the sausage meat is well-seasoned before assembling for maximum flavor.
- Do not overfill with cranberry sauce to prevent leakage while baking.
- Brie can be substituted with other creamy cheeses like Camembert or cream cheese.
- These sausage rolls can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
