Homemade Sausage Rolls Recipe: A Classic Aussie Favourite for Every Occasion

Sausage rolls are one of Australia’s most beloved savoury snacks, found everywhere from bakeries and school canteens to family gatherings and picnics. With their flaky golden pastry and juicy, seasoned filling, sausage rolls are the perfect comfort food. While store-bought versions are convenient, nothing compares to the taste of homemade sausage rolls straight from the oven. They’re simple to prepare, easy to customise, and guaranteed to impress family and friends. Whether you’re making them for a casual lunch, a party platter, or to fill the freezer for busy weekdays, this recipe for sausage rolls is a must-have in every Aussie kitchen.

The beauty of sausage rolls lies in their simplicity. With just a few ingredients—puff pastry, sausage mince, breadcrumbs, and a handful of seasonings—you can create something truly delicious. Making them at home also means you can adjust the flavours to suit your tastes. Love a bit of spice? Add chilli flakes or cayenne pepper. Prefer something herby? Fresh parsley, thyme, or sage add freshness and depth. You can even sneak in finely grated vegetables like carrot or zucchini to make them a little healthier for the kids.

When it comes to pastry, puff pastry is the go-to choice. Store-bought frozen puff pastry sheets work perfectly and save time, though you can make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. The secret to flaky pastry is keeping it cold until it goes into the oven, so always work quickly when handling it. For the filling, traditional sausage mince is widely available, but you can also use regular beef, pork, chicken, or even lamb mince. Combining different meats, like pork and beef, creates a rich and balanced flavour. Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture, while an egg adds moisture and ensures the filling holds together nicely.

Sausage rolls are versatile and can be made in different sizes depending on the occasion. For parties, bite-sized sausage rolls are always a hit, easy to grab and dip into tomato or barbecue sauce. For lunchboxes, larger rolls cut in half make a satisfying main. You can even prepare them in advance, freeze them uncooked, and bake them straight from the freezer when needed. This makes sausage rolls an excellent option for busy families who love having quick, homemade food ready to go.

Pairing sausage rolls with dips and sides makes them even more enjoyable. Tomato sauce is the classic choice, but chutneys, relishes, or mustard are great for adding a gourmet touch. A simple salad or coleslaw on the side turns them into a complete meal, while baked beans or mashed potatoes create a hearty dinner. Sausage rolls also pair wonderfully with party spreads featuring pies, quiches, and finger foods.

Beyond being delicious, sausage rolls carry a sense of nostalgia for many Australians. They often remind people of school canteens, birthday parties, or trips to the bakery. Making them at home brings those memories back while also creating new ones with family. Involving kids in the preparation—letting them roll the pastry or brush on the egg wash—can turn baking sausage rolls into a fun family activity.

Homemade sausage rolls are also budget-friendly. Buying ingredients in bulk, especially mince and pastry, makes them cheaper than purchasing ready-made ones from the bakery. They also freeze well, meaning you can bake a big batch on the weekend and have lunchbox fillers or quick dinners ready for weeks ahead. This combination of affordability, convenience, and taste makes them a staple in many Aussie households.

So if you’ve never made sausage rolls from scratch before, now is the perfect time to give it a go. The recipe is straightforward, the results are impressive, and the satisfaction of biting into a warm, golden roll fresh from the oven is unbeatable. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with flavours, from curry-spiced fillings to cheese and herb variations, making the humble sausage roll your own.

Homemade Sausage Rolls Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500g sausage mince (or a mix of beef and pork mince)
• 1 onion, finely chopped or grated
• 1 carrot, finely grated (optional for extra veg)
• 1 zucchini, finely grated (optional)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg (plus 1 extra egg for egg wash)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs (or fresh parsley, thyme, or sage)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
• Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced) and line two baking trays with baking paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine sausage mince, onion, carrot, zucchini, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Cut each pastry sheet in half. Place a portion of the sausage mixture down the centre of each pastry strip, shaping it into a long log.
4. Fold the pastry over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal. Place seam-side down on the tray.
5. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
6. Cut each roll into desired lengths—bite-sized pieces for parties or larger rolls for meals.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed and the filling is cooked through.
8. Serve warm with tomato sauce, chutney, or your favourite dip.

Storage Tips: Store leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results. Uncooked sausage rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months; simply bake from frozen, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.