Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday growing up. There was just something so special about the warmth and comfort of gathering around the table with my big, boisterous family to feast on all the classic holiday dishes. And my absolute favorite part? The Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls that my grandma would make every single year.
I can still remember the mouthwatering aroma that would fill the house as those flaky, golden-brown rolls baked to perfection in the oven. The savory sausage and tart cranberries were the perfect flavor combination, and I’d do anything to get my hands on one straight out of the oven. Grandma would always let me have the first one, and I’d savor every single bite, the flavors melting together in my mouth. Those Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls became the true taste of the holidays for me.
Why This Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
What made my grandma’s Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls so incredible was the perfect balance of flavors and textures she achieved. The savory, juicy sausage was complemented beautifully by the tart, fruity cranberries, and the buttery, flaky pastry crust brought it all together in every bite. But the real secret was in the special seasoning blend she used, which added warmth and depth to the filling. This recipe captures all of that magic, and I guarantee it’ll become a new holiday favorite in your household.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls, you’ll need:
- Ground turkey – The lean protein that serves as the base of the filling.
- Fresh cranberries – Providing that signature tart, fruity flavor.
- Sage – An aromatic herb that adds warmth and earthiness.
- Thyme – Complements the sage with its slightly lemony notes.
- Garlic – Brings a subtle pungency that rounds out the other flavors.
- Puff pastry – The flaky, buttery crust that wraps up the filling.
- Egg wash – Gives the rolls a beautiful golden-brown sheen.
Step-by-Step Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Instructions
Preparing Your Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are surprisingly easy to make, and the end result is sure to impress. The total prep and cook time is just about an hour, and all you need is a few simple tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and parchment paper. Let’s get started!
1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped fresh cranberries, minced garlic, chopped sage, and thyme. Season generously with salt and pepper, then mix everything together until well incorporated.
2- Unfold your puff pastry sheets and cut each one into 6 equal rectangles. Spoon a portion of the turkey and cranberry filling onto the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving a bit of space around the edges.
3- Gently fold the pastry over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then crimp and seal the edges with a fork. Transfer the stuffed pastries to a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to space them apart.
4- In a small bowl, whisk together an egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops and sides of the Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls with the egg wash.
5- Bake the rolls at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, until the pastry is golden-brown and flaky.
6- Remove the Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, when the filling is hot and the pastry is at its most irresistible.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls turn out perfectly, a few pro tips:
- Be sure to chop the cranberries and herbs finely so the filling has a nice even texture.
- Don’t overstuff the pastry – you want just enough filling to get that delicious flavor in every bite.
- Brush the egg wash gently and evenly over the tops and sides for that beautiful golden sheen.
- Keep a close eye on the rolls in the oven, as puff pastry can go from perfectly baked to burnt quickly.
Serving and Storing Your Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Perfect Pairings for Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls make the perfect appetizer or side dish for your holiday table. They pair wonderfully with classic Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. For beverages, I’d recommend a crisp white wine, mulled cider, or a rich, creamy eggnog.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
You can also make these rolls ahead of time and freeze them unbaked. Just follow the recipe up to the point of egg washing, then place the filled and sealed rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen rolls to an airtight container or resealable bag and keep them frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply brush with egg wash and pop them in the oven straight from the freezer – just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Creative Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Variations
While the classic Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Try using a combination of ground turkey and pork for a richer filling, or swap in spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat. You could also experiment with different herbs and spices, like rosemary, fennel, or even a touch of orange zest.
For a festive holiday twist, try making these rolls with a cranberry-orange filling, or fold in some crumbled feta or goat cheese. And if you want to get extra creative, you could even make mini bite-sized versions as cocktail party hors d’oeuvres.
Making Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Diet-Friendly
To make these Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls a little more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can make. Use a store-bought or homemade gluten-free puff pastry dough to make them gluten-free. For a low-carb version, you can skip the pastry altogether and serve the turkey and cranberry filling in lettuce cups or on top of roasted vegetables.
To make them vegan, simply replace the ground turkey with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or ground mushrooms, and use a vegan puff pastry or phyllo dough. The tart cranberries and savory seasonings will still shine through, creating a delicious meatless masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: While fresh cranberries are ideal for this recipe, you can absolutely use dried cranberries if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to plump them up a bit by soaking them in hot water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the filling.
Q: How do I know when the Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are fully cooked?
A: The rolls are done when the pastry is golden-brown and flaky, and the internal temperature of the filling reaches 165°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.
Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the unbaked rolls in advance and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just follow the recipe up to the egg washing step, then place the filled rolls on a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer them to an airtight container or bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How many Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield 12 individual rolls, which can serve 4-6 people as an appetizer or 2-3 as a main dish. The portion size is quite generous, so you may want to consider cutting the rolls in half if serving as part of a larger holiday spread.
Q: What if my Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls get soggy?
A: If your rolls come out a bit soggy, it’s likely due to overstuffing or not draining the cranberries properly. Be sure to chop the cranberries finely and pat them dry before mixing into the filling. And don’t overload the pastry – stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per roll. Finally, make sure to bake the rolls on a parchment-lined sheet to prevent any bottom sogginess.
Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
- Total Time: 33
- Yield: 24
Description
These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are a delightful holiday appetizer that combines savory turkey, tart cranberries, and flaky puff pastry for a perfect bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped cranberries, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. 3. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and roll it out slightly to create a rectangular shape.
4. 4. Spread the turkey and cranberry mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
5. 5. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the puff pastry, enclosing the filling. Pinch the seam to seal.
6. 6. Cut the roll into 1-inch thick slices and place them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. 7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
8. 8. Serve the Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls warm, garnished with fresh cranberries or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar to the turkey and cranberry mixture. These sausage rolls can also be made ahead and frozen, then baked directly from the freezer for a quick and easy holiday appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 18
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are the perfect holiday appetizer or side dish, and I know they’ll quickly become a new tradition in your household just like they were in mine. The combination of savory sausage, tart cranberries, and flaky pastry is absolutely irresistible. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, with make-ahead and dietary variation options to suit any occasion or preference.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the taste of the holidays with every bite of these amazing Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below, and be sure to share the recipe with your friends and family!
