Pin A festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring golden, flaky mini sausage rolls arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family, bringing smiles with every bite and making entertaining effortless.
Ingredients
- Pastry: 2 sheets (approx. 500 g) ready-rolled puff pastry
- Filling: 400 g quality pork sausage meat
- Filling: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Filling: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Filling: 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Filling: 1 tsp dried thyme
- Filling: 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Filling: 1/2 tsp salt
- Assembly & Finish: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Assembly & Finish: 2 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
- Assembly & Finish: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for decoration)
- Assembly & Finish: 1 cherry tomato or star-shaped cheese slice (for the tree topper)
- Dipping Sauce: 4 tbsp wholegrain or Dijon mustard
- Dipping Sauce: 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, mix sausage meat, onion, parsley, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Step 3:
- Unroll the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet lengthwise into 4 strips (total 8 strips).
- Step 4:
- Divide the sausage mixture into 8 equal portions. Spread one portion along the length of each pastry strip, forming a sausage shape.
- Step 5:
- Roll the pastry over the filling to enclose it, pinching the seam to seal. Place seam-side down and cut each long roll into 3 equal pieces, yielding 24 mini rolls.
- Step 6:
- Arrange the mini rolls on the prepared baking tray in a Christmas tree shape: start with 1 at the top, then 2 beneath, 3 below, and so on, forming rows (6 at the base), with 2 at the bottom as the trunk.
- Step 7:
- Brush each roll with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- Step 9:
- Mix mustard and honey for the dipping sauce.
- Step 10:
- Once baked, cool slightly. Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs as branches and a cherry tomato or cheese star at the top. Serve with the honey mustard dip.
Pin Baking these mini sausage rolls has become a beloved tradition that gathers our family in the kitchen, sharing stories while preparing this festive treat.
Required Tools
Large baking tray, parchment paper, mixing bowl, sharp knife, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (puff pastry), egg, and mustard. May contain sesame if using seeds. Contains pork. Always check sausage meat and pastry for allergens or cross contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 mini roll): Calories 120, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 8 g, Protein 4 g
Pin These mini sausage rolls are sure to impress with their festive form and delicious flavor. Enjoy crafting and sharing them this holiday season.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pastry works best for this dish?
Ready-rolled puff pastry is ideal for achieving the golden, flaky texture that complements the savory filling perfectly.
- → How can I ensure the rolls stay sealed during baking?
Pinch the pastry seam firmly and place rolls seam-side down on the baking tray to help them hold their shape while baking.
- → Can I prepare these mini rolls in advance?
Yes, you can assemble and chill them before baking. Bake just before serving for optimal freshness and puffiness.
- → What alternatives exist for the sausage filling?
Vegetarian options like mushroom-lentil mixtures or plant-based sausage mimic the texture and flavor without meat.
- → How to decorate the Christmas tree shape attractively?
Use fresh rosemary sprigs as pine branches and top with a cherry tomato or star-shaped cheese slice for a festive look.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
A honey mustard dip complements the savory rolls nicely, but cranberry sauce or sweet chili offer tasty alternatives.