
These irresistible Cheesy Sausage Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. They combine flaky, buttery puff pastry with savory Italian sausage and melted cheese. Each golden roll delivers the perfect bite of seasoned meat, gooey cheese, and crispy pastry that practically melts in your mouth. What makes these rolls so appealing is their incredible versatility. They’re elegant enough for holiday entertaining yet simple enough for casual game day gatherings or weeknight dinners.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: using store-bought puff pastry as a shortcut, you can have these impressive-looking appetizers ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick dinner solution, or want to meal prep some freezer-friendly snacks, these cheesy, savory rolls will quickly become your go-to recipe for any occasion. Don’t miss out on making these amazing Cheesy Sausage Rolls!
Table of Contents
Cheesy Sausage Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about ¾ cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1½ cups (150g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- Ranch dressing or garlic aioli
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Filling
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 5-6 minutes until browned. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened. Season with Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases. Cut each sheet into 6 rectangles (3 cuts lengthwise, 1 cut crosswise), giving you 12 pieces total. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Stir mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley into the cooled sausage mixture. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the sausage mixture along one short edge of each pastry rectangle, leaving a ½-inch border on three sides.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Starting from the filled edge, tightly roll each pastry rectangle, pinching the seam and ends to seal completely. Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Finish and Bake
Brush tops of rolls with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 small diagonal slashes on top of each roll to allow steam to escape. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce and ranch dressing for dipping.
Cooking Notes
Make sure your sausage mixture is completely cooled before assembling to prevent the pastry from getting soggy. Don’t overfill the rolls or they’ll burst during baking. For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sausage mixture while it’s still warm. These rolls can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking – just add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
For a lighter version, use turkey Italian sausage and reduce the cheese by half. Store baked rolls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
Can I freeze these rolls before baking? Absolutely! Assemble the rolls completely, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-8 minutes to the cooking time.
What if I can’t find Italian sausage? You can substitute ground pork or beef and add extra Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and fennel seeds to mimic the Italian sausage flavor. Ground turkey also works well for a lighter option.
How do I prevent the rolls from opening during baking? Make sure to pinch the seams and ends firmly, and place the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet. The egg wash also helps seal the pastry as it bakes.
Keto/Low-Carb Version
To make these keto-friendly, replace the puff pastry with a low-carb alternative made from almond flour and cream cheese. Mix 2 cups almond flour, 4 oz softened cream cheese, and 1 beaten egg to form a dough, then roll thin and cut into rectangles. The sausage and cheese filling is naturally keto-friendly. This reduces net carbs to approximately 3g per roll while maintaining the delicious savory flavors.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Sausage Puff Pastry Rolls prove that impressive appetizers don’t have to be complicated. With their golden, flaky exterior and savory, cheesy interior, they’re the kind of crowd-pleasing treat that disappears quickly at any gathering. The make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature makes them perfect for entertaining, while their satisfying flavor profile works just as well for a quick family dinner. Once you master this basic technique, you’ll find yourself experimenting with different fillings and making these versatile rolls a regular part of your cooking repertoire.
Don’t forget to try these amazing Cheesy Sausage Rolls!
Cheesy Sausage Puff Pastry Rolls Recipe – Easy Party Appetizers
4
servings10
minutes25
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
4–6 sausage links (cooked or uncooked)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Optional: mustard or ketchup for dipping
Directions
- Preheat Oven
- Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the Pastry
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into strips wide enough to wrap around the sausages.
- Assemble Rolls
- Sprinkle cheese onto each strip. Place a sausage on top and roll it up. Seal the edges gently.
- Brush with Egg
- Place rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Serve
- Let cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can add a bit of mustard or caramelized onion inside for extra flavor! Perfect for parties or quick snacks.