Save A festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring golden, flaky mini sausage rolls arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I have served these at many family Christmas parties and they always disappear quickly!
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 This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays to share and enjoy these festive treats.
Notes
Serve with extra dips like cranberry sauce or sweet chili for added flavor.
Required Tools
Large baking tray, parchment paper, mixing bowl, sharp knife, pastry brush
Nutritional Information
Calories: 120 per mini roll, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 4 g
Save These mini sausage rolls are sure to be a hit at any holiday party and are easy to prepare ahead of time.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pastry is used for these mini rolls?
Ready-rolled puff pastry provides a flaky and golden base that crisps beautifully during baking.
- → Can the filling be customized for dietary preferences?
Yes, you can substitute the pork sausage with vegetarian sausage or a mushroom-lentil mixture for a meat-free option.
- → How is the Christmas tree shape achieved?
The mini rolls are arranged in rows of increasing numbers—from one at the top to six at the base—with two at the bottom forming the trunk, resembling a tree.
- → What are some optional garnishes for these rolls?
Fresh rosemary sprigs simulate branches, while a cherry tomato or star-shaped cheese serves as a festive topper.
- → Is there a recommended dipping sauce?
A simple honey mustard sauce balances the savory flavors and complements the rolls perfectly.
- → Can these be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can assemble and chill the rolls ahead of time, then bake them just before serving to save time.