I remember the first time my mom taught me how to make them. I must’ve been around 10 years old, and I was so excited to get in the kitchen and learn. She walked me through every step, from mixing the sausage and cranberries to carefully rolling up the dough. I can still picture the look of pride on her face when I pulled the golden-brown rolls out of the oven, the fragrance of the herbs and spices wafting through the house.
To this day, whenever I make Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls, I’m transported right back to those childhood moments. There’s just something so special about the combination of savory sausage, tart cranberries, and flaky pastry. It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish for any holiday gathering, and it never fails to impress.
Why This Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
What makes this Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls recipe so unique is the way the flavors meld together. The key is striking the right balance between the richness of the turkey sausage and the bright, tangy notes of the cranberries. It’s a flavor pairing that’s both comforting and elegant, and it’s sure to have your guests raving.
I’ve also developed a foolproof technique for achieving the perfect texture – flaky, buttery pastry on the outside with a tender, juicy filling on the inside. It’s all about paying attention to the details, like chilling the dough properly and being careful not to overstuff the rolls. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up batch after batch of these Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls with ease.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these incredible Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls, you’ll need:
- Ground turkey sausage: This provides the savory, meaty base for the filling.
- Fresh cranberries: Tart and juicy, they add a lovely pop of color and flavor.
- Onion: Sautéed until softened, the onion adds depth and sweetness.
- Herbs and spices: A blend of thyme, sage, salt, and pepper brings everything together.
- Puff pastry: The light, flaky pastry is the perfect vehicle for the turkey and cranberry filling.
- Egg wash: This helps the rolls achieve that gorgeous golden-brown color.
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 they come together in about an hour. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools, like a skillet, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet. Once you’ve gathered everything, it’s time to get started!
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent.
4- Stir in the fresh cranberries, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cranberries have softened slightly.
5- Unroll the puff pastry sheets and cut each one into 6 equal rectangles. Place a heaping spoonful of the turkey and cranberry filling onto the center of each rectangle.
6- Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash, then tightly roll up the rectangles to enclose the filling. Place the Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfectly baked Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls is to make sure the filling isn’t too wet. If the cranberries release too much liquid, the pastry can become soggy. Be sure to cook the filling until most of the moisture has evaporated.
Another tip is to chill the rolled-up sausage rolls for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the pastry hold its shape and ensures a flaky, crisp exterior.
Serving and Storing Your Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Perfect Pairings for Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls make a fantastic appetizer or side dish for all your holiday gatherings. They pair beautifully with a variety of festive drinks, like mulled wine, sparkling cider, or even a crisp white wine.
For a complete meal, you can serve the sausage rolls alongside a simple green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or creamy mashed potatoes. They also make a great addition to a holiday charcuterie board or as part of a larger spread of finger foods.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftover Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls, they 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 (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
You can also make these rolls ahead of time and freeze them. Prepare the recipe up to the rolling and cutting stage, then place the unbaked sausage rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen rolls to an airtight container or resealable bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen rolls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Creative Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try out some fun variations on these classic Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls. For a sweeter twist, you could substitute the cranberries for dried cherries or a combination of cranberries and chopped apples.
You could also experiment with different types of sausage, like chicken or pork, or even a spicy Italian-style version. And for a festive touch, try rolling the sausage rolls in sesame seeds or shredded coconut before baking.
Making Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Diet-Friendly
To make these Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls a bit more diet-friendly, you can try substituting the puff pastry with a whole-wheat or gluten-free dough. You can also use a leaner turkey sausage or even ground turkey breast to reduce the fat content.
For a vegan or vegetarian version, you can swap the turkey sausage for a plant-based alternative, like seasoned tempeh or mushrooms. And if you’re watching your carbs, you can skip the pastry altogether and serve the turkey and cranberry filling in lettuce cups or endive leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen cranberries in this recipe. They’ll work just as well as fresh, and you won’t need to make any other adjustments to the recipe.
Q: How long do these sausage rolls take to bake?
A: The Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls should bake for 18-22 minutes in a 400°F (200°C) oven, or until the pastry is golden-brown and flaky.
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The turkey and cranberry filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat it before assembling and baking the sausage rolls.
Q: How do I know when the sausage rolls are done?
A: The rolls are done when the pastry is golden-brown and flaky, and the filling is hot and bubbly. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the sausage filling reaches 165°F (75°C).
Q: Can I freeze these sausage rolls?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked sausage rolls. Follow the instructions in the “Storage and Make-Ahead Tips” section for the best results.
Delicious Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of these homemade Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls. Packed with juicy turkey, tangy cranberries, and flaky puff pastry, these bites are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, holiday gathering, or anytime snack.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped cranberries, brown sugar, dried sage, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. 3. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and cut it lengthwise into 4 equal strips.
4. 4. Spoon the turkey and cranberry mixture evenly onto the center of each pastry strip, leaving a small border on the edges.
5. 5. Fold the pastry over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Cut each roll into 3-4 pieces.
6. 6. Place the sausage rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam-side down.
7. 7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
8. 8. Serve the Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
For a festive touch, you can brush the tops of the sausage rolls with a beaten egg before baking for a shiny, golden finish. These rolls can also be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I hope you’ll give these Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls a try this holiday season. They’re such a delicious and impressive appetizer or side dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The combination of savory sausage, tart cranberries, and flaky pastry is simply irresistible.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to wow your guests with these Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you!
