If you’re looking for the perfect cozy bite that combines savory turkey with a burst of sweet tartness, this Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe is an absolute winner. These golden pastries are crisp on the outside, wonderfully juicy on the inside, and packed with simple yet flavorful ingredients that celebrate seasonal tastes in the most comforting way. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or a casual snack, each bite offers a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each component in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and that lovely flaky texture we all crave. From the lean ground turkey to the sweet cranberries and fragrant herbs, every item works together to create a memorable sausage roll.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
- 1 small onion finely chopped: Provides a sweet, savory base that enhances the turkey’s flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves minced: Brings warmth and a hint of pungency for depth.
- 500g ground turkey: The lean protein star of the show, keeping things light yet satisfying.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries roughly chopped: Adds a pop of sweetness and color contrast that makes every bite interesting.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers herbal notes that pair perfectly with turkey.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage: Evokes that comforting, classic poultry seasoning flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a delicate spicy kick to balance the sweetness.
- 2 sheets puff pastry thawed: The buttery, flaky crust that makes sausage rolls so irresistible.
- 1 egg beaten: Creates a beautiful golden glaze and helps seal the pastry.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): For a lovely crunch and a nutty finish on top.
How to Make Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release all that aromatic goodness before removing from heat.
Step 2: Combine the Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey with the cooked onion and garlic, chopped cranberries, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. This mixture should feel well combined and ready to flavor the puff pastry with every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Sausage Rolls
Cut each sheet of puff pastry in half so you end up with four rectangles. On each piece, spread an even amount of the turkey mixture, shaping it into a log right down the center. Fold the pastry over to encase the filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal them and keep all the deliciousness inside while baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your prepared rolls seam-side down on the lined baking sheet. Brush each one generously with the beaten egg for that enticing golden crust and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like a nutty crunch. Don’t forget to slice small slits in the tops to let the steam escape during baking. Pop them into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the pastry turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling is cooked through. Let your masterpiece cool slightly before cutting and serving.
How to Serve Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top adds a fresh, vibrant touch that complements the rich filling perfectly. A light brush of extra beaten egg just before baking also gives an appetizing shine that makes these rolls look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair your Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe with a simple side salad tossed with a sharp vinaigrette, or for a heartier option, roasted winter vegetables bring warmth and earthiness that balances the sweet and savory notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice the sausage rolls into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a wooden board surrounded by bowls of grainy mustard, cranberry sauce, or a tangy yogurt dip. They also work wonderfully wrapped individually in parchment paper with a sprig of rosemary for a charming picnic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well and can be enjoyed as a quick snack or a no-fuss addition to a weekday meal.
Freezing
You can freeze these sausage rolls either before baking or after. If freezing uncooked, assemble them and place on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Baked sausage rolls freeze beautifully too and can be reheated straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, warm sausage rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until hot and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the pastry, losing that lovely flakiness.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked turkey instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Finely chop the cooked turkey and mix it with the other filling ingredients. Since the turkey is already cooked, reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes to avoid drying out the sausage rolls.
Are these sausage rolls gluten-free?
This recipe uses traditional puff pastry which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you can seek out gluten-free puff pastry at specialty stores or online and follow the same method.
Can I make these vegetarian?
While this particular Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe is designed around turkey, you can substitute the meat with a well-seasoned mixture of mashed lentils, nuts, or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian alternative.
What can I use instead of dried cranberries?
If you want to switch things up, dried cherries or chopped dried apricots work well, offering that lovely sweet-tart element that complements the turkey beautifully.
Can I prepare these sausage rolls in advance for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This makes party day less stressful and ensures fresh, warm bites for your guests.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making a batch of Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe from scratch—the inviting aroma, the flaky pastry, and the perfect sweet-savory filling all come together to make a dish full of heart and flavor. Whether for holiday occasions or cozy evenings in, these sausage rolls are guaranteed to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire, so don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy every delicious bite.
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Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 sausage rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic British appetizer, combining savory ground turkey with sweet dried cranberries, aromatic herbs, and flaky puff pastry. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime snacks, these sausage rolls are baked to golden perfection, offering a delicious balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g ground turkey
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then remove the skillet from heat to cool slightly.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked onion and garlic, chopped cranberries, dried thyme, ground sage, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Cut each sheet of puff pastry into two equal rectangles, yielding four pieces in total.
- Fill and Shape Rolls: Divide the turkey mixture evenly among the four pastry rectangles, shaping each portion into a log along the center of the pastry. Fold the pastry over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal, creating sausage rolls.
- Arrange and Decorate: Place the sausage rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden crust. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Cut small slits on top of the rolls to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Bake the sausage rolls in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the sausage rolls to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- Leftover cooked turkey can replace ground turkey; if using, finely chop and reduce baking time by 5 minutes.
- These sausage rolls freeze well both before and after baking, making them perfect for meal prep or party planning.
