Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Imagine the sweet-tangy zing of cranberries swirling with savory turkey, all wrapped in flaky golden pastry—these Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls are the ultimate treat whenever you crave comfort and a festive twist. There’s something utterly irresistible about their buttery crunch and juicy, flavorful filling. Whether you’re planning a holiday get-together, searching for an inventive snack, or hoping to transform leftovers in a memorable way, Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls will win hearts at first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple ingredients can create something so mouthwatering. Every component in these Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls brings something special—flavor, texture, aroma, and color—to truly make this recipe shine.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onion and garlic, unlocking their sweetness for the filling.
- Finely chopped onion: Gives a subtle savory depth and gentle sweetness to balance the cranberries.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the rolls with background warmth for a homey, comforting touch.
- Dried thyme: Lends woodsy, herby complexity that pairs perfectly with turkey and cranberries.
- Ground turkey: The star protein, it’s juicy, lean, and soaks up all those beautiful flavors.
- Dried cranberries, roughly chopped: Bring pleasant pops of sweet tartness in every bite—don’t skip them!
- Fresh breadcrumbs: Lighten the texture of the filling, keeping it tender and cohesive.
- Dijon mustard: Supplies zesty brightness and just a hint of heat—such a flavor booster.
- Egg, beaten (divided): Helps bind the filling and gives the pastry that glorious golden sheen.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and rounding out all the flavors; taste as you go.
- Puff pastry, thawed: Flaky, buttery, and instantly elevates the simple filling into something special.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for a delicate nutty crunch and extra visual appeal.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—you’ll thank yourself later for the easy clean-up and perfectly crisp bottoms.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a skillet set to medium. Add your finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Next, stir in the garlic and dried thyme and let them sizzle for a minute. This quick step releases their aromas and infuses the filling with a mellow, herby flavor. Remove the skillet from heat, and let the mixture cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble your egg later.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped cranberries, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, half of the beaten egg, and the cooled onion mixture. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to suit your taste. Then, using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, mix until everything is combined—don’t be shy, you want every bite bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Pastry
Lay out your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut each one in half to make four rectangles in total. Spoon the turkey mixture down the center of each piece, shaping it into a neat log. Fold the pastry over the filling, sealing the edge with a dab of the remaining beaten egg to help it stick. Place each roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Finish and Bake
Brush the tops of your Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls with the rest of the beaten egg for that irresistible golden look. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy, and don’t forget to cut small slits on top—this lets steam escape for the perfect, crisp pastry. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving—you want those juices to settle!
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh thyme or chopped parsley brightens up the platter beautifully. For a festive look, dot the serving plate with a handful of whole dried cranberries or a few pomegranate seeds. If you love bold flavor, serve a little Dijon or cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.
Side Dishes
Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls pair marvelously with a fresh green salad, roasted root vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier plate. They’re equally lovely as part of a party spread alongside cheese, pickles, and crudités—basically, they play well with just about anything you love!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the sausage rolls into bite-sized pieces and spear them with toothpicks for crowd-pleasing appetizers, or keep them long and elegant as a main course with your sides arranged artistically. For brunch, tuck smaller rolls into a basket lined with a festive napkin. You can even stack them high on a wooden board with little dipping bowls for maximum snacking fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They keep well and taste just as savory the next day, making them the perfect make-ahead snack or lunchbox treat.
Freezing
Want to plan ahead? These sausage rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, arrange the rolls in a single layer on a platter to freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months. They’ll be ready for any impromptu occasion.
Reheating
To reheat, pop Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls onto a baking tray in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes if thawed, or around 20 minutes from frozen. This brings back their flaky texture and juicy filling—no soggy microwave sadness here!
FAQs
Can I make Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before finishing in the oven. Ideal for stress-free entertaining or holiday prep.
What can I use instead of dried cranberries?
If you’re out of dried cranberries, try chopped dried apricots or even a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce for an extra juicy twist. They’ll both add a lovely sweet note to the turkey.
Are these sausage rolls suitable for freezing before baking?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze them before baking! Just assemble the rolls, freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I make the recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Use gluten-free puff pastry and swap the fresh breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative. The texture and flavor will still be just as delicious.
What sauces go well with Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls?
A little Dijon mustard, tangy cranberry sauce, or even a creamy herbed dip pairs beautifully with the rolls. Feel free to offer a few dips so everyone can find their favorite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about serving up a platter piled high with Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls—warm, golden, and glowing with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, prepping snacks ahead, or just indulging in a little comfort food magic, give this recipe a try. I’m certain it’ll become a favorite at your table, too!
Print
Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 sausage rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls are a delightful holiday appetizer featuring a savory and slightly sweet filling wrapped in crispy puff pastry. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion!
Ingredients
Main Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 500g ground turkey
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 egg, beaten (divided)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Other:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and thyme, cook for another minute. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, cranberries, breadcrumbs, mustard, half of the beaten egg, and the cooled onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper, mix well.
- Assemble rolls: Cut puff pastry sheets in half. Divide the turkey mixture between the pastry pieces, forming a log shape down the center of each. Fold pastry over the filling and seal the edges. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush tops with remaining egg, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Cut slits on top of each roll. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute dried cranberries with chopped dried apricots or add cranberry sauce for extra sweetness.
- These sausage rolls freeze well and can be reheated from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage roll
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 52mg
