Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Get ready to wow your taste buds with Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls—a delightful twist on a classic party favorite that pairs savory turkey with tart cranberries, all wrapped in flaky golden pastry. Whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday appetizer or a comforting snack to share any time of year, these rolls truly deliver. They combine a sophisticated blend of sweet and savory flavors, with juicy ground turkey, bursts of cranberry, aromatic herbs, and the irresistible crunch of puff pastry. Prepare for these sausage rolls to disappear fast—no one will believe how easy they are to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every part of these Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls shines thanks to purposeful, simple ingredients. Each element brings something special to the table, whether it’s flavor, texture, color, or an aromatic pop. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Ground turkey (1 pound): Lean, full of protein, and the perfect blank canvas to soak up all those festive flavors.
- Dried cranberries, chopped (1/2 cup): These little gems add pops of tangy sweetness and a hint of tartness in every bite.
- Onion, finely grated or minced (1/2 small): Brings subtle sweetness and moisture, ensuring the filling stays tender.
- Garlic, minced (1 clove): Infuses the rolls with gentle aromatic depth that boosts all the other flavors.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon) or dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a woodsy, herbaceous note that complements turkey beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out the flavors in the filling.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of heat for cozy savory warmth.
- Puff pastry, thawed (1 sheet): The secret to that irresistible, golden, flaky casing.
- Egg, beaten (1): Creates a glossy, bakery-worthy finish on top of each roll.
- Breadcrumbs (1 tablespoon, optional): Helps absorb any extra moisture, keeping the filling from getting soggy.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle kick of zesty, tangy flavor.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls bake up with a beautifully golden crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this simple move makes clean-up easy and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped cranberries, grated onion, minced garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs (if using), and Dijon mustard (if you crave a bit of extra zing). Mix everything by hand or with a wooden spoon until just combined—don’t overmix, or the filling can get tough.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Pastry
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle, wide enough for two long strips. Cut the pastry in half lengthwise to create two equally sized strips. Take the turkey mixture and divide it in half, rolling each portion into a log placed down the center of each pastry strip.
Step 4: Wrap and Seal
Fold the pastry over the filling so the edges meet. Pinch or press gently along the seam to seal—no one wants the filling escaping during baking! Lay the rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet for a tidy, professional look.
Step 5: Finish and Bake
Brush the tops of your sausage rolls generously with the beaten egg. This is the secret to their irresistible golden shine. Lightly score the tops with a sharp knife (just a few slashes)—it looks classy and helps steam escape. Pop the rolls into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden and the filling is cooked through. Let them cool for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Garnishes
A final flourish can make these Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls really shine. Try a sprinkle of extra chopped fresh thyme, a light dusting of flaky sea salt, or a few whole fresh cranberries scattered around the platter for color. If you like things a little fancy, a quick drizzle of honey or tangy cranberry sauce alongside is a game-changer.
Side Dishes
These sausage rolls love flavorful company! Pair them with crisp green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette, roasted root vegetables, or a creamy potato gratin. For a casual gathering, offer them with a tangy dip like whole grain mustard, cranberry compote, or a zippy aioli. The savory-sweet balance goes with so many favorites!
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the rolls into elegant “mini” rounds and serve them piled high on a festive platter for parties. They’re also adorable presented in napkin-lined baskets with little pots of cranberry sauce or mustard on the side. Hosting brunch? Layer them on a rustic board with cheese, fruit, and pickles for a crowd-pleasing charcuterie vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extra Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls, just let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making them a snack you’ll look forward to.
Freezing
You can completely freeze these sausage rolls either before or after baking! Assemble, then wrap tightly and freeze before baking for best results—just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. Already baked? Cool, cut, and freeze for easy grab-and-go nibbles whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked magic, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you can—it softens the pastry too much. In a pinch, an air fryer works perfectly for reviving their flaky crunch!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Just chop them finely and consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance their tartness. Dried cranberries provide more sweetness, but fresh ones give a zesty burst.
What can I serve with Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls at a party?
They’re crowd-pleasers with cranberry sauce, mustard dips, or a festive cheese board. For hearty appetites, they also complement sides like sweet potato mash or a fresh winter salad.
Can I make these sausage rolls with a different meat?
Definitely! Ground chicken or pork both work well and absorb the cranberry and herb flavors beautifully. Just adjust seasonings as needed to match the richness of your protein.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure to use breadcrumbs in the filling if your turkey is extra juicy, and let the sausage rolls cool on a wire rack after baking to ensure maximum crispiness. Avoid overfilling, which can also cause sogginess.
Are Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls good served cold?
They’re delicious at room temperature or slightly warmed! The flavors meld together as they sit, making them perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or easy grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a savory treat that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier, Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls are about to become your new favorite. Whether they’re the star of your holiday appetizer table or a fun weeknight project, there’s just something irresistible about their sweet-savory balance and buttery crunch. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the delicious magic with your loved ones!
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Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls are a delightful holiday appetizer that combines the flavors of savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and flaky puff pastry. Perfect for entertaining or as a festive snack, these rolls are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Rolls:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 small onion, finely grated or minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (optional, to absorb moisture)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, cranberries, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and mustard (if using).
- Assemble the rolls: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface, cut it into strips, place the turkey mixture on each strip, fold over, and seal the edges. Brush with beaten egg, score the tops, and bake.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- These rolls can be prepared ahead and frozen before baking.
- Serve with cranberry sauce or Dijon mustard on the side.
- You can substitute chicken or pork for turkey if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
