If you’re looking to add some festive flair to your appetizer game, Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are about to become your new obsession. These golden, flaky parcels are packed with juicy ground turkey, pops of sweet cranberry, and an herbaceous hint of sage and thyme, all wrapped up in buttery pastry. Each bite brings the coziness of the holidays to the table, but trust me—they’re just as perfect for casual lunches, snacks, or party platters year-round. There’s something special about the blend of savory turkey and bursts of tart cranberry that simply begs for a second (or third!) helping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls truly shine is their perfect harmony of simple ingredients, each one lending its own personality to these irresistible hand pies. You’ll find everything easily at the store—with each component playing a starring role in flavor, texture, or that iconic golden color.
- Olive Oil: Gently sautés the onion and garlic, adding depth and silkiness to the filling.
- Onion (small, finely chopped): Brings subtle sweetness and moisture to the turkey mixture.
- Garlic Cloves (minced): Adds fragrant warmth and complexity—don’t skip it.
- Ground Turkey (500g): The star of the show; lean yet juicy and perfect for absorbing flavors.
- Dried Cranberries (1/2 cup, roughly chopped): Give a sweet-tart burst that complements the savory turkey perfectly.
- Dried Thyme (1 tsp): Imparts a lovely earthy, herby background—like stuffing in sausage roll form!
- Ground Sage (1/2 tsp): Adds that classic holiday nuance that pairs beautifully with poultry and cranberry.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for bringing all the flavors together—taste before adding more!
- Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): A gentle kick of warmth to balance the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Puff Pastry Sheets (2, thawed): The secret to buttery, flaky perfection—roll them lightly if you want a thinner crust.
- Egg (1, beaten): Brushed on top for a glorious golden shine.
- Sesame Seeds (1 tbsp, optional): A sprinkling for nutty flavor and irresistible crunch.
How to Make Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls lift right off the tray with no sticking, and gives you an even bake on every piece. Taking the time to let your oven fully preheat is key—hot heat makes that puff pastry rise up like a dream!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a skillet set over medium heat, pour in the olive oil, then add your finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring regularly, until the onion turns soft and translucent—around 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and let it mingle with the onion for a minute more until aromatic. The goal here is to create a mellow, flavorful base, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Make the Turkey Filling
Take a large mixing bowl and combine the ground turkey with your just-cooked onion and garlic, roughly chopped cranberries, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon and mix until everything’s distributed evenly. The dried cranberries will look like little jewels, and the herbs will make it smell like a celebratory feast already.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Pastry
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each one in half to create four even rectangles. Lay these out on a clean counter. Take your turkey mixture and divide it into four logs, shaping each one down the center of a pastry rectangle. Aim for an even spread from end to end—this gives every slice the perfect ratio of filling to pastry.
Step 5: Roll, Seal, and Arrange
Carefully fold each pastry rectangle over the turkey filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp for extra security and a bit of rustic charm. Place each roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to keep everything tucked in as they puff and bake.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Sesame Sprinkle
Brush the tops of your assembled rolls generously with beaten egg. This is what gives Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls their golden, bakery-worthy crust. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you’d like a little nutty crunch and gorgeous contrast.
Step 7: Slash and Bake
Use a sharp knife to cut a few shallow slits along the tops of each roll. This step lets steam escape and gives you those beautiful sausage roll stripes. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown, with bubbles of filling peeking through the slits.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This makes them easier to slice without the filling oozing out and saves your fingertips from any molten cranberry burns! Cut into even pieces and arrange on a platter to serve.
How to Serve Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Garnishes
Scatter a little fresh thyme or sage over your platter, or dust the rolls lightly with flaked sea salt for extra sparkle and a burst of flavor. For a festive touch, a tiny dollop of leftover cranberry sauce alongside each roll isn’t just pretty—it’s delicious!
Side Dishes
Pair your Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls with crisp mixed greens drizzled with vinaigrette, or go all-in with a cozy bowl of butternut squash soup. They’re also gorgeous with pickles and tangy relishes for contrasting bites, or just serve with sparkling cider or herbal tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the sausage rolls into bite-size pieces and arrange them in a wreath shape on a board. Skewer each roll with a little festive cocktail stick. Or, layer them with parchment and wrap in a linen napkin for picnic-style charm. However you serve, they always vanish in a flash!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool before storing so the pastry doesn’t get soggy!
Freezing
These sausage rolls are freezer-friendly both before and after baking. Wrap unbaked rolls tightly in plastic and freeze for up to two months. Bake straight from frozen, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time. For baked rolls, cool completely, then freeze in a single layer for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Reheating
To bring back that flaky magic, reheat Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes. The pastry will crisp right up and the filling will be piping hot—avoid microwaving, as it can make them a bit chewy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries add a lovely chew and concentrated flavor, but if you use fresh cranberries, chop them very finely and consider adding a teaspoon of sugar to balance their tartness.
What’s the best way to keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Let the turkey filling cool to room temperature before assembling your sausage rolls. This prevents the pastry from absorbing too much moisture and ensures that legendary flakiness.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free puff pastry, which is now widely available in many supermarkets. The filling ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls in advance for a party?
Totally! Assemble the rolls and keep them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Pop them into the oven right before guests arrive for that unbeatable fresh-baked smell and taste.
How do I know when the filling is cooked through?
The filling should be piping hot and no longer pink in the center. If you’re unsure, a food thermometer inserted into the center should read 165°F (74°C) for safe poultry enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls bring a burst of festive flavor and homey comfort to any table, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a cheerful potluck. Give them a try—you just might find yourself baking them for every holiday (and snack attack) from now on!
Print
Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 sausage rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are a delicious holiday appetizer made with ground turkey, dried cranberries, and aromatic spices wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for entertaining or as a festive snack!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g ground turkey
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly. In a bowl, combine turkey, onion mixture, cranberries, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Rolls: Divide puff pastry into rectangles. Place turkey mixture down the center of each. Fold pastry over the filling and seal edges. Brush with egg, sprinkle sesame seeds, and make slits on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with finely chopped cooked turkey.
- These sausage rolls freeze well before or after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
