Mini Sausage Roll Christmas

A festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring golden, flaky mini sausage rolls arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree—perfect for holiday gatherings.

I always enjoy making these mini sausage rolls for Christmas parties as they are a big hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

• Pastry: 2 sheets (approx. 500 g) ready-rolled puff pastry
• Filling: 400 g quality pork sausage meat
• Filling: 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Filling: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Filling: 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Filling: 1 tsp dried thyme
• Filling: 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• Filling: 1/2 tsp salt
• Assembly & Finish: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Assembly & Finish: 2 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
• Assembly & Finish: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for decoration)
• Assembly & Finish: 1 cherry tomato or star-shaped cheese slice (for the tree topper)
• Dipping Sauce: 4 tbsp wholegrain or Dijon mustard
• Dipping Sauce: 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.

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This recipe always brings back warm family memories, especially decorating the rolls like a Christmas tree together.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use vegetarian sausage meat or a mushroom-lentil filling. You can assemble and chill the rolls ahead, then bake just before serving. Serve with extra dips like cranberry sauce or sweet chili.

Required Tools

Large baking tray, parchment paper, mixing bowl, sharp knife, pastry brush.

Allergen Information

Contains pork. Always check sausage meat and pastry for allergens or cross-contamination.

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This appetizer is sure to impress your guests and bring festive cheer to your table.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I shape the mini sausage rolls into a Christmas tree?

Arrange the baked mini rolls starting with one at the top, then increase each row downwards (2, 3, 4, 6), and place two rolls at the bottom to form the trunk.

→ Can I prepare the rolls in advance?

Yes, assemble and chill the rolls before baking. Bake them fresh shortly before serving for best texture.

→ Are there alternatives for the sausage filling?

Vegetarian options include using vegetable-based sausage or a mushroom-lentil mix for a similar savory flavor.

→ What does the egg wash do?

The beaten egg gives the puff pastry a shiny, golden finish and helps seeds stick to the surface if used.

→ How should I serve the mini rolls?

Serve warm with a side of honey Dijon mustard dip and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and a cherry tomato or cheese star.

→ Can I use different seeds on top?

Yes, sesame or poppy seeds both add a pleasant crunch and visual appeal.