There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of pork sausage rolls baking in the oven. As I mix the savory ground pork with sweet Granny Smith apple, a smile creeps onto my face—it’s a reminder that food is more than just fuel; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. I stumbled upon this delightful combo during a cozy weekend cooking session, where I was determined to elevate my snacking game.
Perfect for gatherings or a nurturing Saturday night in, these Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls strike the ideal balance between savory and sweet. The crispy puff pastry envelops a juicy filling bursting with flavor, making them not just easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, you can say goodbye to takeout and impress your loved ones with homemade goodness in just 30 minutes. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delectable recipe that promises warmth, joy, and a bite of comfort!
Why are Pork and apple sausage rolls irresistible?
Flavor explosion: The blend of savory pork and sweet Granny Smith apple creates a delightful harmony that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Quick and easy: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for unexpected guests or a cozy night in.
Versatile snack: Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these sausage rolls fit seamlessly into any occasion.
Homemade happiness: Switching from fast food to these homemade goodies means embracing quality and flavor, ensuring each bite is satisfying.
Kid-approved: The delightful combination of flavors is sure to win over even the pickiest of eaters—perfect for family gatherings!
Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls Ingredients
For the Pastry
• 1 packet Puff Pastry – This flaky pastry forms the perfect golden shell for our delicious filling.
For the Filling
• 450 g ground pork – The heart of the sausage roll, delivering rich, savory flavor.
• 1 medium onion finely chopped – Adds depth and sweetness to balance the pork.
• 1 medium red pepper finely chopped – Introduces a bright, peppery note for extra flavor.
• 1 large Granny Smith apple grated – The star ingredient that brings a touch of sweetness and moisture to the filling.
• 1 clove garlic minced – Infuses a fragrant aroma that’ll make your kitchen burst with warmth.
• 40 g Panko or other breadcrumbs – Helps bind the mixture, ensuring the filling holds together perfectly.
• 1 large Egg – Acts as a binder for the filling, enhancing its richness.
• Salt and Pepper to taste – Essential for elevating all the flavors in the filling.
For the Egg Wash
• 1 small Egg (lightly beaten) – Gives the pastry a beautiful golden sheen after baking.
For Sautéing
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the veggies, adding a lovely richness to the mixture.
Embrace the comforting homemade goodness of these Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls, and get ready to impress your family and friends!
How to Make Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls
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Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F. This step ensures that your sausage rolls will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
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Chop the onion and red pepper finely. These fresh ingredients will enhance the filling with their delightful flavors and aromas, making your rolls irresistible.
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Grate the Granny Smith apple. Leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients and a hint of color, contributing to the overall taste and texture of the filling.
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Mince the garlic. The fresh garlic will add a fragrant punch to the mixture, elevating the flavor profile of your delicious filling.
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Sauté the onion, garlic, red pepper, and apple in 1 Tablespoon of olive oil until soft. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool afterward.
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Combine the ground pork, Panko breadcrumbs, large egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. This hearty mixture will form the base of your savory rolls.
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Mix in the cooled onion and red pepper mixture until everything is well blended. This step is crucial for even flavor distribution in every bite.
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Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into 3 equal strips. This will provide the casing for your sausage filling, ensuring a delightful crunch.
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Shape ⅓ of the pork mixture into a long sausage form and place it on one strip of pastry. This is where the fun begins!
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Brush one side of the pastry with the lightly beaten egg. This will help seal the rolls and give them a beautiful finish when baked.
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Fold the other side of the pastry over the meat, then seal it by bringing up the egg-washed side. Form a long cylindrical shape, ensuring the filling is enclosed securely.
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Repeat the process with the remaining meat and pastry until all rolls are ready for baking.
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Cut each strip into 6 equal pieces. This makes for convenient and bite-sized portions that are perfect for sharing.
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Arrange the sausage rolls on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment and brush the tops with the beaten egg. This will give them a lovely golden color.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking!
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Cool on a wire rack after removing them from the oven. Allow them to rest for a few minutes to enhance the eating experience.
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Serve with a bowl of tomato ketchup for dipping. This classic combination perfectly complements the savory sausage rolls.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the sausage filling (ground pork, sautéed veggies, breadcrumbs, and spices) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. You can also roll the sausage mixture in the puff pastry and freeze them for up to 3 months—just ensure they’re tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake straight from frozen for an extra 5-10 minutes, or let them thaw overnight in the fridge for an effortless treat that’s just as delicious as freshly made!
Expert Tips for Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls
Chill the Pastry: Before working with puff pastry, make sure it’s well-chilled to prevent it from becoming too sticky and difficult to handle.
Right Baking Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F for perfect golden-brown sausage rolls. An incorrect baking temperature can lead to sogginess!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, onions, and peppers enhance the flavor dramatically. Avoid overcooked veggies in your filling to maintain their vibrant taste.
Sealing Technique: Ensure you seal the pastry tightly around the filling to prevent any leaks during baking, which can lead to a messy oven!
Watch the Timing: Bake until golden brown—about 30 minutes—but keep an eye on them! They can go from perfectly baked to burnt quickly.
Enjoy the homemade goodness of pork and apple sausage rolls that everyone will love!
What to Serve with Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls?
Looking to create a delightful meal alongside your golden, savory treats?
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Crispy Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens and colorful vegetables adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the sausage rolls.
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Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries perfectly complements the savory filling, making for an irresistible pairing. Plus, their crispiness adds a delightful texture!
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Tangy Mustard Dip: A zesty mustard dip enhances each bite, providing a tang that cuts through the richness. It’s the perfect condiment for those who love a bit of zing!
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Creamy Coleslaw: This classic side brings a cool, creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the warm, flaky pastry of the sausage rolls. The crunch of cabbage elevates the experience.
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Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted to perfection makes a colorful side dish brimming with flavor, offering a heartwarming touch to your meal.
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Savory Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, potato wedges seasoned with herbs add a hearty touch that pairs seamlessly with the sausage rolls.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio can enhance the meal, with crisp acidity that beautifully complements the sweet and savory flavors.
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Apple Crisp: For a sweet ending, serve a warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream. The apple notes echo the richness of the sausage rolls, creating a sweet memory of flavors.
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Homemade Tomato Ketchup: Though optional, serving your sausage rolls with a rich homemade ketchup can elevate the experience and bring out the delicious flavors of the filling.
How to Store and Freeze Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls
Room Temperature: Enjoy your freshly baked sausage rolls for up to 2 hours at room temperature before they should be refrigerated to maintain their quality.
Fridge: Store leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture and taste.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze your unbaked sausage rolls individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: For best results, reheat sausage rolls in the oven at 180°C / 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, keeping the pastry crisp.
Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and personalize this recipe to suit your taste buds!
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Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy twist that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic upgrade that takes the flavor profile to the next level.
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Cheesy Delight: Fold in 100g of shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella into the filling for a melty, gooey center that pairs wonderfully with the sausage and apple.
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Veggie Boost: Throw in some finely chopped spinach or kale to the filling to sneak in some greens for added nutrition and color—your rolls will be a hit with health-conscious eaters!
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Apple Variations: Experiment with different apple varieties or even substitute with pear for a unique sweetness that adds a twist to this classic dish.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry and replace breadcrumbs with ground oats or almond flour for a delicious gluten-free option.
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Fruity Sauce: Drizzle with a homemade apple chutney or barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy finish that’ll take your sausage rolls to new heights.
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Lazy Day Version: For a quick meal, use pre-made sausage mix or a flavored sausage to skip the mixing step, saving you time while still delivering delectable flavor.
With these tasty variations, you’re sure to make these Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls your own and keep every bite interesting!
Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right apple for the filling?
Absolutely! For this recipe, I recommend using a tart apple like a Granny Smith. Its firm texture and sharp flavor create a beautiful balance against the savory pork. Look for apples that are firm with minimal bruising for the best results.
How should I store leftover sausage rolls?
Very good question! To keep your leftover pork and apple sausage rolls fresh, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can stay delicious for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in an oven at 180°C / 350°F for about 10-15 minutes for a crispy texture!
Can I freeze the sausage rolls?
Absolutely! To freeze your pork and apple sausage rolls, I suggest freezing them before baking. Place the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet in a single layer so they don’t stick together, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag—this way, they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can pop them straight from the freezer into a preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my pastry feels too sticky to work with?
Don’t worry—you’re not alone in this! If your puff pastry starts to feel too sticky, simply chill it for about 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator. This will make it easier to handle and roll out. If you find the outside is still too tacky, lightly sprinkle some flour on your surface or the pastry itself while you shape the sausage rolls.
Are these sausage rolls suitable for gluten-free diets?
Very much so! If you’re catering to gluten-free dietary needs, look for gluten-free puff pastry options available in stores. Just ensure the other ingredients, like breadcrumbs, are also gluten-free. You can even make a gluten-free breadcrumb substitute by finely grinding gluten-free crackers or oats!
Can I substitute the pork with another meat?
Certainly! If you’re looking to swap out the pork, ground turkey or chicken would work wonderfully as lighter alternatives. Keep in mind that these meats might require slight adjustments in seasoning, as they tend to be milder than pork.
Savory Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls That Wow Every Time
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F.
- Chop the onion and red pepper finely.
- Grate the Granny Smith apple.
- Mince the garlic.
- Sauté the onion, garlic, red pepper, and apple in 1 Tablespoon of olive oil until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the ground pork, Panko breadcrumbs, large egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Mix in the cooled onion and red pepper mixture until everything is well blended.
- Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into 3 equal strips.
- Shape ⅓ of the pork mixture into a long sausage form and place it on one strip of pastry.
- Brush one side of the pastry with the lightly beaten egg.
- Fold the other side of the pastry over the meat and seal it by bringing up the egg-washed side.
- Repeat the process with the remaining meat and pastry until all rolls are ready for baking.
- Cut each strip into 6 equal pieces.
- Arrange the sausage rolls on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment and brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed.
- Cool on a wire rack after removing them from the oven.
- Serve with a bowl of tomato ketchup for dipping.