A few years ago, I decided to tackle making sausage rolls from scratch for a dinner party. I was craving that perfect balance of crispy pastry and juicy sausage filling. I wanted to try a more refined recipe, one that elevated the classic snack beyond what I usually found in the frozen food aisle. So, I turned to Jamie Oliver’s recipe. From the first bite, I knew I’d found something special. The layers of flaky pastry were as satisfying as the seasoned sausage filling. It was comfort food at its best, with a sophisticated twist.
Jamie’s recipe has since become my go-to for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a holiday spread. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation makes it a winner in any kitchen.
Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Rolls Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s approach to sausage rolls is both classic and innovative. He uses high-quality sausages, fresh herbs, and good puff pastry. It’s simple, but the flavor combinations are what make it extraordinary. His recipe delivers crispy, golden sausage rolls with just the right amount of spice and flavor.
What I love about this recipe is that it focuses on using high-quality ingredients. It really shows in the final product.
Ingredients Needed
Let’s break down the ingredients needed for this recipe. What I appreciate most is that these are easy-to-find ingredients, but they make all the difference:
- Good-quality sausages: Jamie recommends pork sausages, which have the best fat-to-lean ratio for flavor and texture.
- Puff pastry: Ready-made puff pastry saves time and delivers that flaky, buttery texture that’s essential for a good sausage roll.
- Egg: You’ll need one egg for egg wash to get that perfect golden color.
- Fresh herbs: A mix of thyme and sage gives the filling a savory, aromatic flavor.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and a mild sharpness to the sausage filling.
- Garlic: For a little kick, garlic brings depth to the mixture.
- Mustard: A bit of mustard adds a tangy, spicy note to the filling.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course, these are essential for bringing everything together.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Rolls
Making these sausage rolls is surprisingly simple once you have all the ingredients lined up. Here’s the step-by-step process I follow:
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 200°C (400°F). This ensures that your rolls bake evenly and the pastry crisps up perfectly.
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Prepare The Filling
- Start by removing the sausage meat from its casing and placing it in a bowl.
- Finely chop the onion, garlic, and herbs. You can even use a food processor to make it quicker.
- Mix everything together, adding a small spoonful of mustard, and seasoning generously with salt and pepper. It’s the texture of this filling that makes all the difference – it should be chunky but not too dry.
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Assemble The Rolls
- Roll out your puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut it into strips, enough to wrap around your sausage filling.
- Place the sausage mixture along the length of each pastry strip.
- Carefully roll the pastry around the filling and seal the edges with a little water.
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Egg Wash And Bake
- Brush the tops of the rolls with egg wash to get a nice, golden finish.
- Cut a couple of slits in the top of each roll to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden and puffed up.
And there you have it – perfect homemade sausage rolls!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s get into the science behind some of the key ingredients. There’s a lot going on in a simple sausage roll:
- Sausage meat: The fat in the sausage is crucial for the flavor and moisture of the filling. When the sausages are cooked, the fat melts and infuses the meat with flavor, creating that irresistible juiciness inside the roll.
- Puff pastry: The layers of puff pastry expand when they’re baked, creating pockets of air that make the crust light and flaky. This happens because the pastry is made with alternating layers of dough and fat. The fat melts during baking, causing the layers to separate and puff up.
- Egg wash: The egg wash serves two purposes – it gives the pastry that glossy, golden finish and helps the layers of pastry stick together, preventing any leaking of the filling.
Expert Tips
If you want to take your sausage rolls to the next level, here are a few expert tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Chill the pastry: If you have time, chill the pastry for 10-15 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the layers stay crisp and prevents the pastry from shrinking during baking.
- Use chilled sausage meat: When you mix the sausage filling, keep it as cold as possible. This ensures it holds together better inside the pastry and doesn’t leak out.
- Add a secret ingredient: If you like a little extra flavor, try adding some grated cheese, like cheddar, to the filling. It melts into the sausage and adds an extra layer of richness.
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can tweak Jamie’s sausage rolls recipe in many ways. Here are some variations to try:
- Vegetarian sausage rolls: Swap the pork sausages for plant-based ones or even a mixture of mashed potatoes and lentils. Add extra herbs and spices to create a filling with depth.
- Spicy sausage rolls: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sausage filling if you like some heat.
- Cheese and onion: Try adding caramelized onions and grated cheese to the filling for a more indulgent flavor.
- Herb variations: Experiment with rosemary, parsley, or even a hint of oregano in place of thyme and sage for a new twist.
Final Words
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility and ease. It’s one of those dishes that can impress guests or just be a comforting treat when you need something simple yet satisfying. The balance of savory sausage, flaky pastry, and aromatic herbs never fails to hit the spot.
FAQs
What’s The Secret To Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Rolls?
The secret is using good quality sausage meat and adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. This makes the filling extra flavorful.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Rolls Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the sausage rolls and freeze them before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer when you’re ready.
What Pastry Should I Use For Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Rolls?
Use puff pastry for a light and flaky texture. Jamie’s recipe calls for ready-made, which saves time and still tastes great.