Sausage Rolls with Hot Honey and Thyme are a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any gathering. These flaky, savory rolls combine breakfast pork and sage sausage with a hint of thyme, wrapped in puff pastry, and topped with a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 lb breakfast pork and sage sausage (casings removed if necessary)
½ cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (omit for dairy-free)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 eggs, divided
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
1 (17.3 oz) box puff pastry (2-pack)
2 tbsp Everything but the Bagel seasoning
Hot honey (for drizzling)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Sausage Mixture:

In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage, grated cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and fresh thyme. Mix until evenly combined.

3. Prepare the Egg Wash:

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Set aside.

4. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:

Unroll the puff pastry on a floured surface and roll out slightly into a rectangle to soften.
Cut each sheet of puff pastry in half lengthwise, creating 4 long strips.

5. Assemble the Sausage Rolls:

Divide the sausage mixture into 4 portions and shape each into a log. Place each log along the center of the pastry strips.
Brush one side of the pastry with Dijon mustard and the other side with egg wash. Roll the pastry around the sausage, sealing the edges with the egg wash.

6. Score and Cut:

Flip the rolls so the seam is on the bottom. Score small slits on the top of each roll and cut into 1 ½-inch pieces.

7. Bake the Sausage Rolls:

Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with Everything but the Bagel seasoning.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the sausage is cooked through.

8. Serve:

Let the sausage rolls cool slightly before transferring to a platter. Drizzle with hot honey, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve warm.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 sausage roll (approx.)

Calories: 52 kcal
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg
Sodium: 153 mg
Potassium: 40 mg
Fiber: 0.1 g
Sugar: 0.1 g
Vitamin A: 48 IU
Vitamin C: 0.4 mg
Calcium: 16 mg
Iron: 0.3 mg

These sausage rolls are an irresistible blend of flavors and textures, guaranteed to disappear quickly at your next event!

The Appeal of Sausage Rolls

Sausage rolls have long been a favorite appetizer for their simplicity and satisfying taste. Traditionally made with a sausage filling wrapped in pastry, they’ve become a staple at parties and celebrations. This recipe elevates the classic with gourmet touches like fresh thyme, sharp cheddar, and hot honey, adding complexity to a familiar dish.

The convenience of using puff pastry makes these rolls both quick to prepare and elegant to serve. They’re versatile, easily customizable, and can be prepared ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for busy hosts.

A Symphony of Flavors

Savory Sausage Filling

The star of the dish is the sausage filling. Breakfast pork and sage sausage brings a robust flavor profile with a hint of herbaceousness. The addition of fresh thyme enhances the savory notes, while sharp cheddar cheese adds richness and depth. Panko breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and create a light texture that pairs perfectly with the flaky pastry.

Flaky Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is a game-changer in this recipe. Its buttery, crisp layers provide the perfect vessel for the sausage filling, delivering a delightful crunch with every bite. The ease of store-bought puff pastry ensures that this dish remains approachable for all skill levels, while still offering a professional-quality result.

The Hot Honey Twist

Hot honey is what truly sets these sausage rolls apart. The sweet heat complements the savory filling and buttery pastry, creating a balanced flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. Drizzled over the rolls just before serving, the hot honey adds a glossy finish and a tantalizing spice.

Everything but the Bagel Seasoning

This seasoning blend adds a touch of texture and flavor to the pastry. The mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion brings a subtle crunch and an extra layer of savoriness, enhancing the overall experience.

Why These Sausage Rolls Stand Out

Elegant and Crowd-Pleasing

These sausage rolls are designed to impress. Their golden, flaky exterior and vibrant drizzle of hot honey make them visually appealing, while the bold flavors ensure they’re a hit with guests. They’re sophisticated enough for formal gatherings yet familiar enough to satisfy any palate.

Customizable for Any Occasion

One of the best features of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or flavor profiles:

Meat Alternatives: Substitute the pork sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like Parmesan, Gouda, or Gruyère for a unique twist.
Herb Substitutions: Swap thyme for rosemary, parsley, or chives to change the herbal notes.

Versatile Serving Options

These sausage rolls can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even as part of a brunch spread. Their bite-sized portions make them perfect for sharing, and they’re equally delicious warm or at room temperature.

Perfecting the Recipe

Rolling the Pastry

To achieve the perfect sausage roll, roll the pastry just enough to soften it while keeping it thick enough to puff beautifully in the oven. Ensure the pastry is cold when you work with it to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Sealing and Scoring

Sealing the pastry edges properly is essential to keep the filling contained during baking. A light egg wash helps glue the edges together and gives the pastry a golden sheen. Scoring the top allows steam to escape, ensuring even cooking and a flaky texture.

Drizzling the Hot Honey

For best results, drizzle the hot honey just before serving. This ensures the pastry remains crisp and the honey’s glossy finish enhances the presentation. Adjust the amount of honey based on your desired level of sweetness and spice.

Tips for Hosting Success

Make Ahead: Prepare the sausage rolls in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This saves time and allows you to focus on other aspects of your event.
Serve with Dips: Pair these rolls with complementary dips like Dijon mustard, garlic aioli, or a creamy herb dip for added variety.
Create a Themed Spread: Serve these sausage rolls alongside other small bites like mini quiches, stuffed mushrooms, or caprese skewers for a complete appetizer table.

Nutritional Balance

While these sausage rolls are undeniably indulgent, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced menu. Their protein-rich filling and portion-controlled size make them satisfying without being overly heavy. Pairing them with a light salad or fresh fruit balances the richness and adds variety to your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ease of Preparation: The use of store-bought puff pastry and a straightforward filling makes this recipe accessible to all skill levels.
Show-Stopping Presentation: These rolls look as good as they taste, ensuring they’re a hit at any gathering.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, flaky pastry, and sweet-spicy honey appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Conclusion

Sausage Rolls with Hot Honey and Thyme are the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. Combining a savory and flavorful sausage filling, buttery puff pastry, and a drizzle of hot honey, they deliver a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a delicious snack, these sausage rolls are guaranteed to impress.

Their adaptability, ease of preparation, and stunning presentation make them a go-to recipe for both novice cooks and seasoned hosts. Serve them warm, topped with fresh thyme and Everything but the Bagel seasoning, and watch them disappear from the plate. Once you’ve tried these sausage rolls, they’re sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.