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 a favorite holiday appetizer that always gets compliments at family gatherings.
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 the family together, creating joyful moments around the table every holiday season.
Required Tools
Large baking tray, Parchment paper, Mixing bowl, Sharp knife, Pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (puff pastry), egg, and mustard. May contain sesame (if using seeds). Contains pork. 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 mini sausage roll Christmas tree is sure to impress your guests and add festive cheer to your holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the pastry stays crisp?
Use well-chilled puff pastry and bake on parchment paper at a high temperature to achieve a golden, flaky crust.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate the rolls before baking. Bake fresh just before serving for best texture.
- → What variations can enhance the filling?
Add finely chopped onion, herbs like thyme and parsley, and a touch of mustard for depth and aroma.
- → How is the Christmas tree shape formed?
Arrange the mini rolls in rows, starting with one at the top and increasing to six at the base, then add two rolls as the trunk.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these rolls?
Honey-mustard dip complements the savory flavor, but cranberry sauce or sweet chili can add a sweet or spicy contrast.