Flaky & Flavorful Spicy Sausage Rolls: The Ultimate Cheesy Breakfast or Party Appetizer
Welcome to the world of truly addictive treats! These Spicy Sausage Rolls are a revelation, perfect for a special brunch, a hearty breakfast for dinner, or as an irresistible party appetizer. Imagine a creamy, delightfully cheesy, and perfectly spicy mixture featuring savory breakfast sausage, all encased in golden, buttery, and incredibly flaky puff pastry. The result? Pure culinary perfection that will have everyone asking for more!
Sausage rolls are a beloved classic in many parts of the world, particularly popular in the UK and countries like New Zealand. My first encounter with these savory pastries was in New Zealand, and I was immediately hooked. The combination of rich, spiced sausage and melt-in-your-mouth pastry is simply unbeatable. While traditional sausage roll dough can be quite involved to prepare, my version simplifies the process dramatically without compromising on flavor or texture, thanks to the magic of readily available, store-bought puff pastry.
Over the years, I’ve perfected a quick and easy homemade version using pre-made puff pastry sheets. This clever shortcut means you can achieve that sought-after flaky crust without spending hours kneading dough from scratch. And because I believe everything is better with a little kick and a lot of cheese, I’ve elevated the classic sausage roll by spicing up the filling with zesty green chiles and incorporating the creamy goodness of both pepper jack and cream cheese. Trust me, these aren’t just good; they’re downright addicting, boasting a complex flavor profile that will satisfy any craving.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balanced flavors. It’s not overwhelmingly cheesy, but rather, the pepper jack adds a subtle warmth and a fantastic melt, perfectly complemented by the mild heat and unique smoky flavor of the diced green chiles. Each bite delivers a burst of savory breakfast sausage, a hint of spice that lingers pleasantly, and the rich, buttery crunch of the golden crust. It’s a harmonious blend that creates an unforgettable culinary experience, making these spicy sausage rolls an instant favorite for any gathering or a comforting meal at home.
Why These Spicy Sausage Rolls Will Be Your New Go-To Recipe
- Effortlessly Delicious: Using pre-made puff pastry significantly cuts down on prep time, making this spicy sausage roll recipe accessible and enjoyable for even novice bakers. Forget complicated doughs; just thaw, fill, and bake!
- Unforgettable Flavor Explosion: The innovative combination of savory breakfast sausage, rich cream cheese, melty pepper jack, and zesty green chiles creates an incredibly dynamic and balanced flavor profile that stands out from traditional versions.
- Incredibly Versatile: Whether you need an elegant addition to a holiday brunch, a crowd-pleasing party appetizer for game day, or a comforting and hearty “breakfast for dinner,” these rolls fit every occasion perfectly.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Easily adjust the spice level by adding more chiles or a pinch of cayenne, or mellow it out with different cheeses. This recipe is designed to be flexible for your family’s preferences.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: These savory pastries disappear fast at any gathering! Their convenient individual size makes them ideal for sharing, snacking, and leaving everyone satisfied and impressed.
Gather Your Ingredients: Essential Components for Spicy Sausage Rolls
For the precise measurements and a step-by-step guide, please be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Puff Pastry Sheets: This is the star of our flaky crust! Opt for high-quality frozen puff pastry sheets, typically found in the freezer section of your grocery store. They are truly a game-changer for achieving that incredible, airy, and buttery texture without the extensive work of making dough from scratch. Remember to ensure it’s fully thawed before you begin working with it, but still cold enough to handle easily.
- Breakfast Sausage: A good quality bulk breakfast sausage forms the hearty and savory foundation of our irresistible filling. You can choose mild or hot varieties, depending on your preferred level of spice. Browning it thoroughly and, crucially, draining away any excess grease is essential for a perfectly textured, non-soggy, and wonderfully flavorful interior.
- Cream Cheese: The unsung hero for our filling’s luxurious texture! Softened cream cheese is key here. It melts into the sausage mixture, creating a smooth, creamy, and rich consistency that beautifully binds all the ingredients together and adds a delightful tanginess, balancing the other robust flavors.
- Pepper Jack Cheese, Shredded: This cheese brings both a fantastic melt and a gentle, spicy kick that defines our “spicy” sausage rolls. Its creamy texture and mild heat are the ideal complement to the sausage and chiles. If you prefer a milder flavor, shredded Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or even a blend of mozzarella and cheddar would work wonderfully as alternatives.
- Diced Green Chiles: Canned diced green chiles (typically mild or medium heat) are a fantastic addition, lending an earthy, slightly smoky flavor and a pleasant level of spice without being overpowering. Make sure to drain them thoroughly before adding them to the mixture to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
Crafting Perfection: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spicy Sausage Rolls
Making these delicious spicy sausage rolls is surprisingly simple and comes together quickly, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute party preparations. Follow these detailed steps for flaky, flavorful results every single time:
- 1. Prepare the Flavorful Filling: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 400º F (200º C). This ensures your oven is ready for that perfect puff. In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, brown your breakfast sausage, breaking it up into small, even crumbles with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until it’s entirely cooked through and no pink remains. This is a crucial step: once cooked, carefully drain away any excess grease from the skillet. This prevents your puff pastry from becoming greasy and ensures it bakes up wonderfully light and flaky. Transfer the cooked and drained sausage to a large mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese (ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending), shredded pepper jack cheese, and the thoroughly drained diced green chiles to the sausage. Mix everything together meticulously, stirring until all ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture is uniform. Set this flavorful filling aside to cool slightly while you prepare the pastry.
- 2. Prepare and Cut the Puff Pastry Squares: On a lightly floured surface, carefully unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets. Gently roll out each sheet using a rolling pin, aiming for it to be about an inch larger in both length and width than its original size. This makes the pastry slightly thinner and easier to manage. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, carefully cut each pastry sheet into three equal strips, often aligning with the natural folds in the pastry. Next, cut each of these three strips in half width-wise, which will yield 6 rectangular pieces per sheet of puff pastry. For smaller, perfect appetizer-sized rolls, cut each of these 6 rectangles in half again. This will give you 12 smaller squares from each individual puff pastry sheet. If you’re using two sheets of pastry, you’ll end up with a total of 24 squares.
- 3. Fill and Seal Your Rolls: Take approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled sausage filling and place it neatly in the center of each puff pastry square. Be mindful not to overfill, as this can make proper sealing a challenge and potentially cause the filling to leak out during baking. Now, fold one corner of the pastry over the filling to meet the opposite corner, forming a neat triangle. Alternatively, you can simply roll the pastry over the filling to create a classic log shape. Firmly pinch the edges together to completely seal the filling inside, ensuring there are no gaps for leakage. For an extra secure seal and a beautifully decorative touch, you can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges. Place the sealed sausage rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet that you’ve lined with parchment paper. For an even more professional, golden-brown finish and a slight sheen, you can brush the tops of the rolls with a whisked egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) just before baking.
- 4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully transfer the baking sheet, loaded with your prepared spicy sausage rolls, into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes. During this time, the rolls will beautifully puff up, turning a tempting golden brown, indicating they are cooked through and wonderfully flaky. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary. Once baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling period helps the pastry set. Serve warm and prepare for rave reviews!
Pro Tips & Customization Suggestions for Perfect Sausage Rolls
Here are some additional tips and ideas to ensure your spicy sausage rolls are perfect every time, and how you can easily adapt them to perfectly suit your taste and specific needs:
- Puff Pastry Alternatives: While puff pastry undeniably yields the flakiest and most authentic-tasting results, you do have other options if you don’t have it on hand or prefer a different texture. You could successfully use pre-made pie dough for a slightly denser, yet still delicious, crust. Crescent roll dough, on the other hand, offers a softer, more bread-like and buttery texture. A thin pizza dough would create a chewier, heartier roll, which could be great for a more substantial meal. Remember to adjust baking times as needed for these alternatives, as they may bake differently than delicate puff pastry.
- Adjusting the Spice Level: If you’re catering to those who prefer less heat, simply omit the diced green chiles from the filling entirely. Instead of Pepper Jack, you can use shredded Monterey Jack, a mild Cheddar, or even Mozzarella cheese for a milder, creamier, and more kid-friendly flavor profile. For those who absolutely love an extra fiery kick, consider adding a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to the sausage mixture, or opt for a “hot” variety of breakfast sausage. A dash of hot sauce in the filling can also amp up the heat.
- Crucial: Cool the Meat Filling First: This is arguably one of the most important steps for achieving truly flaky and well-risen pastry. After browning the sausage and mixing in the other ingredients, allow the filling to cool down to at least room temperature, or even slightly chilled, before you begin adding it to the puff pastry. Warm or hot filling can quickly melt the butter within the layers of the puff pastry, which will prevent it from rising and flaking properly during the baking process, resulting in a dense, rather than airy, crust.
- Make it a Meal or an Appetizer: This recipe is incredibly versatile in terms of size! For larger, more substantial meal-sized rolls (perfect for a quick lunch or dinner), simply cut each puff pastry sheet into 6 larger squares instead of 12 smaller ones. This will yield a total of 12 larger rolls (if using two sheets) which are perfect served as a main dish alongside a fresh side salad. For ideal bite-sized appetizers, stick to the instructions for creating 24 mini rolls.
- Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions: To significantly save time on the day of serving, you can prepare the sausage filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also fully assemble the unbaked sausage rolls and freeze them. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can often bake them directly from frozen (just add about 5-10 minutes to the total baking time) or thaw them in the refrigerator first for quicker baking.
- Storage and Reheating: Cooked spicy sausage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat them while maintaining their delicious crispiness, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the pastry has regained its desired crispness. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as this method tends to make the puff pastry soft and soggy.
- Achieving an Extra Golden Finish: For an even more professional and visually appealing look, along with a beautiful, deep golden-brown color, brush the tops of your assembled rolls with a simple egg wash just before placing them in the oven. An egg wash is typically made by whisking one egg with a tablespoon of water or milk. This also helps in sealing any minor seams and adding a lovely sheen.
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Spicy Sausage Rolls
These versatile spicy sausage rolls are incredibly adaptable and can be served for a wide array of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a lavish brunch, or simply looking for a quick and satisfying meal, they fit the bill perfectly.
As a Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer:
These savory rolls are a guaranteed hit at any gathering, game day event, holiday party, or potluck. Their convenient individual size makes them incredibly easy to grab and enjoy while mingling. For an extra layer of flavor and fun, consider serving them with a delicious dipping sauce. A creamy, tangy Homemade Ranch Dressing is always a classic and popular pairing, but don’t stop there! Get creative with a zesty sriracha mayo, a sweet and spicy chili sauce, a tangy honey mustard, or even a simple sour cream and chive dip. Pair them alongside other fantastic party snacks like a warm and bubbly Pizza Dip, hearty Hoagie Dip, and comforting Pizza Bread for the ultimate party spread that will have everyone reaching for more. They are also excellent for tailgates or any casual entertaining event!
For a Hearty Brunch or Breakfast for Dinner:
Transform your weekend brunch spread or elevate your “breakfast for dinner” night with these wonderfully savory rolls. They pair beautifully with a range of fresh and cooked accompaniments to create a fulfilling meal. Serve them with a vibrant and colorful Berry Fruit Salad, a light and crisp Simple Tossed Salad tossed with a vinaigrette, or perfectly cooked vegetables. Imagine them next to flavorful and slightly caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Balsamic or tender, bright green Roasted Asparagus. They also make a fantastic and unique addition to a holiday breakfast buffet alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh orange juice, offering a delightful savory counterpoint.
Explore More Delicious Appetizer Recipes from Our Kitchen
If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed these spicy sausage rolls and are eager to discover more crowd-pleasing appetizers that are easy to make and full of flavor, be sure to explore some of these fantastic recipes from my collection. They’re perfect for any party, gathering, or simply a fun snack night at home!
- Homemade Boneless Chicken Wings – Perfect for game day or a casual get-together!
- Irresistible Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders – A flavorful and easy-to-eat bite.
- Crispy Air Fryer Potato Skins – A classic appetizer made even easier.
- Creamy Cottage Cheese Queso – A surprising twist on a favorite dip.
- Fun & Flavorful Pizza Monkey Bread – A pull-apart delight for pizza lovers.
Spicy Sausage Rolls
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Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 12 oz breakfast sausage
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz chopped green chilies
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400º F
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In a large skillet brown the sausage until fully cooked. Drain.
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In a large bowl mix together cooked sausage, cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, and green chilies. Stir until well blended.
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Unfold the sheets of puff pastry. Gently roll out the sheets of puff pastry until they are about 1 inch bigger than you started with.
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Cut the sheets in 3 strips (about where the folds were). Then cut in half width wise, so you have 6 squares for each sheet of puff pastry. Cut each square in half again. So you will have a total of 24 squares.
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Fill each square with 1-2 Tablespoons of sausage mixture. Roll, pinching the edges to seal.
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Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
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Remove from the oven and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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**Disclaimer: I am a Brand Ambassador for Jones Dairy Farm. I was compensated for my time to create this recipe. However, all thoughts, opinions, and delicious culinary experiences shared are 100% my own.