The holidays are a time for indulgence and creativity in the kitchen, and what better way to impress your guests than with a stunning Sausage Roll Wreath? This festive appetizer not only satisfies the cravings for comfort food but also serves as a centerpiece that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. As I rolled out the flaky puff pastry and filled it with the savory mixture of sweet Italian sausage and aromatic herbs, I couldn’t help but feel the excitement of the season enveloping me. Each bite reveals a crunch on the outside and a flavorful, meaty filling on the inside, perfectly complemented by a touch of tangy Dijon mustard. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make wreath promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why is the Sausage Roll Wreath a Must-Try?
Festive Appeal: This stunning wreath is a beautiful addition to any holiday table, instantly elevating your gathering.
Flaky Perfection: The crispy puff pastry envelops a rich, savory filling, offering a delightful crunch.
Easy to Make: Despite the impressive look, this recipe is simple enough for home cooks of all skill levels.
Versatile Flavor: With various filling options and serve-along sauces, you can customize it to please any palate.
Crowd-Pleasing: Impress your guests with this showstopper that balances comfort food goodness and gourmet presentation.
Serve it warm alongside a homemade dip, like cranberry sauce, for an unforgettable appetizer experience!
Sausage Roll Wreath Ingredients
For the Filling
• Extra-virgin olive oil – Adds moisture and richness; any neutral oil can work in a pinch.
• Large yellow onion, finely chopped – Provides sweetness and depth of flavor; shallots are a great alternative.
• Kosher salt – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor; no substitutes needed.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a hint of spice; pre-ground black pepper can be used if necessary.
• Chopped fresh rosemary – Offers aromatic herbal notes; feel free to substitute with thyme or sage.
• Chopped fresh sage – Contributes earthy flavors to the filling; can be omitted or replaced with dried sage.
• Sweet Italian pork sausage, casings removed – This provides the main savory flavor; ground turkey or chicken is a lighter option.
• Chopped fresh parsley – Adds a touch of freshness and color; optional ingredient, can be excluded if necessary.
• Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami flavor; soy sauce can be used in a pinch.
For the Pastry
• All-purpose flour – Used for dusting the surface to prevent sticking; gluten-free flour works too.
• 14-oz. package puff pastry, thawed – Creates the delicious flaky base; homemade pastry is an option, but more effort is required.
• Dijon mustard, divided – Introduces tang and complements the sausage filling; yellow mustard can replace for a milder taste.
• Large egg, lightly beaten – An egg wash for achieving a golden crust; milk serves as a substitute if needed.
For Topping and Serving
• Toasted sesame seeds and poppy seeds – Add texture and flavor on top; can be omitted if unavailable.
• Cranberry chutney or sauce – A sweet and tangy dip option; any fruit preserves can stand in as a delicious alternative.
This Sausage Roll Wreath captures the essence of festive gatherings, making it a must-try for your holiday celebrations!
How to Make Sausage Roll Wreath
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Sauté the Onion: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, sprinkling with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Prepare Sausage Mixture: Stir in the chopped fresh rosemary, sage, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the sweet Italian pork sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, around 8-10 minutes, then set it aside to cool.
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Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. This will ensure a nice, flaky exterior.
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Spread Mustard: Brush half of the Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry’s surface for flavor and moisture.
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Add Sausage Filling: Spoon the cooled sausage mixture evenly over the mustarded pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
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Shape the Wreath: Roll the pastry tightly like a log, starting from one edge. Seal the ends together to form a circle, and chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the wreath with the beaten egg for a golden finish, sprinkle with toasted sesame and poppy seeds, then bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
Optional: Serve with whole-grain mustard for a zesty dip.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Sausage Roll Wreath?
Elevate your holiday celebrations with the perfect accompaniments to complement this festive centerpiece!
- Cranberry Sauce: A sweet-tangy companion that adds a vibrant burst of flavor, balancing the richness of the sausage beautifully.
- Whole-Grain Mustard: Its distinctive sharpness plays nicely with the savory bouquet of the wreath, making each bite even more delightful. Sweet or spicy variations can add a fun twist!
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve a medley of seasonal roasted vegetables for a warm, hearty contrast that rounds out the meal without stealing the show.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: The luxurious garlic and cheese flavor brings a homey element, creating a comforting atmosphere that pairs perfectly with the wreath.
To drink, consider a Chilled Sparkling Wine for a festive touch that will add elegance to your gathering. Can also balance heavier flavors remarkably well.
For a sweet finish, Apple Pie Bites can bring the meal to a wonderfully cozy conclusion, allowing your guests to savor every moment.
Expert Tips for Sausage Roll Wreath
- Avoid Soggy Pastry: Keep the puff pastry chilled before working with it to maintain its flaky texture and prevent sogginess.
- Uniform Sausage Filling: Ensure your sausage mixture is evenly cooked and cool before spreading it on the pastry. This helps achieve a consistent flavor throughout the Sausage Roll Wreath.
- Seal Well: When shaping the wreath, make sure the ends are sealed properly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Golden Finish: Brush the wreath with egg wash before baking for a shiny, golden-brown crust that adds to the festive appeal.
- Let it Rest: Allow the wreath to cool slightly before slicing to maintain its structure and ensure beautiful, clean slices.
How to Store and Freeze Sausage Roll Wreath
Fridge: Store leftover sausage roll wreath in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Freezer: Freeze the unbaked sausage roll wreath wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: For best results, reheat slices individually in a toaster oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the pastry soggy.
Make Ahead Options
The Sausage Roll Wreath is a fantastic choice for busy home cooks who want to streamline their meal prep! You can prepare the sausage filling up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful. Additionally, you can roll the pastry wreath, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply preheat your oven and bake the wreath as directed, ensuring a golden, flaky masterpiece that’s just as delicious as if you made it fresh that day!
Sausage Roll Wreath Variations
Feel free to explore different twists on this delightful dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
- Chicken Alternative: Swap the sweet Italian pork sausage for ground chicken for a leaner filling that’s just as delicious.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils to create a hearty vegetarian version.
- Herb Medley: Experiment with different herbs like dill or thyme to add new dimensions of flavor to the sausage filling.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix in shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, with the sausage for an extra decadent filling.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sausage mixture for a warming heat.
- Sweet Potato Twist: Incorporate roasted sweet potato cubes into the sausage filling for a deliciously sweet contrast.
- Pesto Infusion: Spread a layer of pesto under the sausage filling for a fragrant and vibrant flavor boost.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like walnuts or hazelnuts, into the filling for a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
Let your culinary creativity shine as you make this festive dish truly your own!
Sausage Roll Wreath Recipe FAQs
What kind of sausage is best for the sausage wreath?
I recommend using sweet Italian pork sausage for the best flavor. However, you can easily substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer, vegetarian sausage can also work beautifully, providing a hearty and satisfying filling.
How do I know if the puff pastry is properly thawed?
The puff pastry should be pliable and soft to the touch but not warm. Leave it in the refrigerator overnight, or on the counter for about 30-40 minutes until just thawed. If it feels sticky or hard to roll out, it may be over-thawed or still too cold.
How should I store leftover sausage roll wreath?
Leftover sausage roll wreath can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually recommend reheating it in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, which helps maintain its crispy texture instead of a microwave that can make it soggy.
Can I freeze the sausage wreath?
Absolutely! To freeze the unbaked sausage roll wreath, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; just bake it straight from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time for perfectly cooked pastry.
Can I make the sausage wreath ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage wreath a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This will save time on the day of your gathering while keeping it fresh and delicious!
Is the sausage wreath suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
When accommodating dietary needs, you can swap the sweet Italian sausage for options like ground turkey or a vegetarian sausage if desired. For those with gluten sensitivities, use gluten-free puff pastry and ensure that other ingredients, like sauces and seasoning, are gluten-free as well.
Festive Sausage Roll Wreath That Steals the Show!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the onion by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, sprinkling with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the sausage mixture by stirring in the chopped fresh rosemary, sage, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the sweet Italian pork sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, around 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread half of the Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry's surface.
- Add the cooled sausage filling evenly over the mustarded pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Shape the wreath by rolling the pastry tightly like a log, starting from one edge. Seal the ends together to form a circle, and chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the wreath with the beaten egg for a golden finish, sprinkle with toasted sesame and poppy seeds, then bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.