Save 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 my go-to holiday appetizer as it impresses guests every time without much fuss.
Ingredients
- Pastry: 2 sheets (approx. 500 g) ready-rolled puff pastry
- Filling: 400 g quality pork sausage meat, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt
- Assembly & Finish: 1 egg beaten (for egg wash), 2 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional), Fresh rosemary sprigs (for decoration), 1 cherry tomato or star-shaped cheese slice (for the tree topper)
- Dipping Sauce: 4 tbsp wholegrain or Dijon mustard, 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.
Save Our family always gathers around the table to shape the rolls together, making holiday prep a cherished tradition.
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
Save These mini sausage rolls are sure to be a highlight of your holiday spread and bring warmth to your gatherings.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pastry is best for these rolls?
Ready-rolled puff pastry is ideal for its flaky texture and ease of handling, creating crisp golden rolls.
- → Can these mini rolls be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can assemble and chill the rolls beforehand, then bake them fresh just before serving for optimal crispness.
- → What is a good alternative filling for vegetarians?
Vegetarian sausage meat or a seasoned mushroom-lentil mixture works well as a flavorful substitute.
- → How is the Christmas tree shape created?
The mini rolls are arranged in rows of increasing quantity, starting with one roll at the top and expanding downward to form a tree silhouette.
- → What ingredients add flavor to the filling?
Finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper combine to enhance the pork filling's taste.
- → How is the dipping sauce made?
A simple mix of wholegrain or Dijon mustard with honey provides a sweet and tangy accompaniment to the rolls.