Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly Recipe
Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly are the sort of treat that disappear faster than you can say “just one more.” Imagine flaky golden pastry hugging a flavorful sausage filling, all made even more irresistible by that gorgeous layer of sweet and spicy pepper jelly. This recipe takes everything you love about classic savory pastry and surprises your taste buds with a magical, sticky kick—making it an unexpected hit whether you’re hosting a holiday party, brunch, or just spoiling yourself on a cozy evening in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised at how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to make pure snack magic. Each one plays a crucial role—crisping, seasoning, coloring, and adding layers of flavor and texture to these Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly.
- Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry saves you heaps of time and creates the signature buttery, flaky shell for the rolls.
- Ground Pork Sausage: All the savory goodness starts here; use hot or mild sausage depending on your spice mood.
- Garlic Powder: Just a pinch deepens the flavor base and wakes up your palate.
- Onion Powder: This adds a gentle sweetness and beautiful savory aroma to the filling.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked gives the rolls a little bite and warmth—don’t skip it!
- Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the mix and adds a hint of color.
- Egg (beaten): Your key to a bakery-worthy, glossy golden finish; also helps with sealing the pastry shut.
- Pepper Jelly: The star ingredient—choose a variety with your preferred heat level for that sticky-sweet layer the whole dish is built around.
- Flour for Dusting: A light dusting keeps the pastry from sticking to your work surface, making for smooth, easy rolling.
How to Make Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pastry
Start by warming things up: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. While the oven heats, dust your work surface with a little flour and gently roll out your thawed puff pastry to roughly a 10×12-inch rectangle. This is your blank canvas, so make sure it’s even—you want every bite to be delightfully flaky.
Step 2: Create the Sausage Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine your ground pork sausage with the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Use your hands to mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork it! This keeps the sausage tender and ensures every roll gets a mix of savory, herby goodness.
Step 3: Add the Pepper Jelly
Here comes the magic that sets Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly apart: using a spoon or spatula, spread a thin line (about 1/3 cup) of pepper jelly straight down the center of your puff pastry. This is your flavor ribbon and the secret behind the irresistible sticky kick.
Step 4: Layer and Shape
Take the sausage mixture and form it into a long, even log right on top of the pepper jelly. Fold the pastry up and over the filling so it wraps around snugly, then press the edge to seal. Flip the log over so the seam sits on the bottom, keeping everything tidy as it bakes.
Step 5: Slice and Egg Wash
With a sharp knife, cut the log into 6 to 8 equal rolls. Arrange them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each for maximum crispiness. Brush the tops generously with the beaten egg—just a quick sweep for that gorgeous golden color.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Slide the tray into your oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden, and the sausage inside is cooked through. Serve the rolls while still warm, ideally with even more pepper jelly on the side for dunking.
How to Serve Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly
Garnishes
Make your platter sing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a handful of finely diced red bell peppers for a pop of festive color. For an extra flourish, brush the freshly baked rolls with a little melted butter and an extra pinch of black pepper just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly with a simple green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette, crunchy pickles, or a handful of kettle-cooked potato chips. For a brunch vibe, a soft scrambled egg or roasted tomatoes round out the plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these as party bites, stack the mini sausage rolls on a tiered platter with colorful cocktail picks. For a family dinner, nestle them on a wooden board alongside a bowl of extra pepper jelly, whole-grain mustard, and crunchy veggies, letting everyone build their own bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure they’re cooled to room temperature before storing, so you don’t end up with soggy pastry.
Freezing
Wrap any unbaked (or baked) rolls tightly in plastic wrap and pop into a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze like a dream for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, or thaw overnight for best results.
Reheating
To bring back the crisp, reheat the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Skip the microwave if you can, as it tends to soften the lovely flaky crust. A quick bake ensures your Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly taste just as dreamy as the day they were made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! Turkey, chicken, or even vegan sausage substitutes all work well—just keep in mind any adjustments to seasoning or moisture. The pepper jelly pairs especially well with the classic pork, but don’t be afraid to experiment.
Is pepper jelly very spicy?
It depends on the brand and style you choose. Some are sweet with just a hint of heat, while others really bring the fire. Taste before adding, and use mild sausage if you want to keep the overall dish gentle on spice.
Can I make these Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly ahead of time?
You sure can! Prep the rolls up to a day ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to ensure they’re fully cooked, or bake ahead and reheat on serving day for party-perfect results.
What’s the best way to keep the pastry crisp?
Always bake on parchment paper, don’t overcrowd the pan, and let the rolls cool on a rack to prevent steam from softening the bottoms. Brushing with egg wash also helps create that delicious, crispy seal on top.
Do I have to serve extra jelly on the side?
You don’t have to, but dipping the warm pastry in a little more pepper jelly takes the flavor and fun over the top. It’s a great way to let folks tweak the sweetness and heat to their liking!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried making (and eating!) Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Each bite is warm, savory, and just the right amount of sweet and spicy. I hope you’ll have as much fun sharing them as I always do—and don’t forget to dip generously!
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Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Sausage Rolls with Pepper Jelly are a delightful combination of savory sausage, sweet pepper jelly, and flaky puff pastry. These appetizers are perfect for parties or as a tasty snack. The golden brown, crispy pastry encases a flavorful sausage filling, making them a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Sausage Filling:
- 1/2 pound ground pork sausage
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Other:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1/3 cup pepper jelly (plus more for serving)
- Flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry into a 10×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Make Filling: Mix sausage, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and parsley. Spread pepper jelly on pastry, add sausage mixture, fold, seal, and brush with egg.
- Cut and Bake: Cut into pieces, place on baking sheet, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra pepper jelly.
Notes
- You can use hot or mild sausage to suit your taste.
- For small snacks, cut into smaller pieces before baking.
- Prepare ahead and reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
