Save A festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring golden, flaky mini sausage rolls arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This is my go-to holiday appetizer that always impresses guests and gets devoured in minutes.
Ingredients
- Pastry: 2 sheets (approx. 500 g) ready-rolled puff pastry
- Filling: 400 g quality pork sausage meat, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt
- Assembly & Finish: 1 egg beaten (for egg wash), 2 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional), Fresh rosemary sprigs (for decoration), 1 cherry tomato or star-shaped cheese slice (for the tree topper)
- Dipping Sauce: 4 tbsp wholegrain or Dijon mustard, 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.
Save My family always gathers eagerly around the tray to grab these festive bites as soon as they're out of the oven.
Required Tools
Large baking tray, parchment paper, mixing bowl, sharp knife, pastry brush.
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (puff pastry), egg, mustard, and pork. May contain sesame if seeds are used. Always check sausage meat and pastry for allergens or cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 mini roll): Calories 120, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 8 g, Protein 4 g.
Save This holiday appetizer is guaranteed to be a showstopper and an instant favorite at any gathering.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pastry is used for the rolls?
Ready-rolled puff pastry is ideal as it creates a flaky and buttery texture that crisps nicely in the oven.
- → Can I prepare the sausage rolls in advance?
Yes, you can assemble and chill the rolls ahead of time, then bake them fresh before serving to ensure best texture.
- → What herbs add flavor to the filling?
Fresh parsley and dried thyme are mixed into the sausage meat to enhance the savory profile.
- → How is the Christmas tree shape formed?
The mini rolls are arranged on a baking tray in rows that gradually widen from top to base, mimicking a tree shape, with two mini rolls placed as a trunk.
- → What is suggested for decoration on the finished platter?
Fresh rosemary sprigs act as tree branches and a cherry tomato or star-shaped cheese piece tops the arrangement for a festive look.
- → Is there a recommended dipping sauce?
A simple honey and wholegrain or Dijon mustard dip pairs beautifully with the savory rolls, adding sweet and tangy notes.