I remember the first time I tried to make festive party food that actually felt doable after a long day. Life was hectic, and I craved something simple yet special. These turkey cranberry sausage rolls became my go-to, a perfect mix of holiday warmth and quick prep that fits right into busy weeknights or festive gatherings with just 40 minutes from start to finish.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls
- Foolproof results every time, with no soggy bottoms or leaking filling.
- Incredibly festive flavor combining savory turkey and sweet cranberry sauce.
- Versatile recipe that works great with fresh turkey mince or Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Uses ready rolled puff pastry for a quick, flaky, golden finish without fuss.
Ingredients for Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls
- 500 g turkey mince
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 375 g ready rolled puff pastry (1 pack)
- 130 g cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp milk
- Spray oil
Ingredient Notes
Using all-butter puff pastry delivers the best buttery flavor and flaky texture, which elevates these sausage rolls from everyday to festive. Turkey thigh mince (if you can find it) helps prevent the filling from drying out, keeping each bite juicy and tender.
Equipment Needed for Success
- Large mixing bowl for seasoning the turkey mince
- Sharp knife or kitchen scissors for cutting pastry
- Baking trays (2) sprayed with oil or lined with parchment paper
- Pastry brush for milk to seal and glaze the rolls
- Wire rack to cool sausage rolls after baking
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls (Step-by-Step with Photos!)
- Preheat the oven to 190ºC fan assisted or 210ºC non-fan.
- Combine turkey mince and seasoning in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until evenly distributed.
- Unroll the pastry and cut in half lengthways. Spread cranberry sauce evenly down the center of each strip.
- Shape the turkey into two long sausage logs. Place each on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Brush one long edge of each pastry strip with milk.
- Lay the filling in a compact log on the pastry. Brush the far edge with milk. Fold the closest side of the pastry over the filling, tucking it in snugly. Roll forward to enclose the filling completely, finishing with the seam-side down.
- Cut each long roll into individual sausage rolls.
- Spray baking trays, arrange sausage rolls, and brush tops with milk.
- Make three small cuts on top of each roll using scissors to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Transfer rolls to a wire rack immediately after baking to cool.
Tips for the Flakiest, Most Flavorful Sausage Rolls
- Keep Everything Cold
Cold ingredients and pastry help achieve maximum flakiness when baked. - The Double Seal
Brush the pastry with milk or egg wash on the edges and press firmly to prevent filling leaks. - Vent Properly
Make small cuts on top of rolls so steam can escape, avoiding soggy, undercooked pastry. - Don’t Overwork the Filling
Gentle mixing keeps the turkey tender and juicy instead of tough. - The Egg Wash Secret
A full egg wash gives a deeper golden-brown shine and richer color than milk alone.
Variations and Customizations
Customizing your turkey cranberry sausage rolls is easy and fun. Try adding different mix-ins that suit your taste or special occasion.
| Add-in | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Chopped pecans | Adds crunch and a nutty sweetness |
| Orange zest | Bright citrus notes heighten the festivity |
| Crumbled brie or feta | Creamy, tangy cheese blends beautifully |
| Fresh sage or rosemary | Earthy herbs enhance the turkey’s depth |
How to Adapt for Thanksgiving Leftovers
Use about 500g (or 3-4 cups) of finely chopped leftover turkey. To keep the filling moist, add 2-3 tablespoons of leftover gravy or chicken stock, then mix well. Follow the same pastry and rolling steps to create a delicious new use for your holiday turkey.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
Storing and Making Ahead
Store baked sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can prepare the rolls ahead, keep them unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze unbaked sausage rolls on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag to prevent sticking. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time. Baked rolls can also be frozen; reheat until warmed through.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Reheat at 180ºC for 10-12 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 160ºC for 5-7 minutes for quick, crispy results.
Click the links for more turkey recipes
Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 190°C fan (210°C non-fan).
- In a large bowl, mix turkey mince with thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly combined.
- Unroll pastry and cut in half lengthwise; spread half the cranberry sauce down the center of each strip.
- Shape turkey mixture into two long logs and place on top of the cranberry lines.
- Brush one long edge of each pastry strip with milk (or beaten egg).
- Roll pastry tightly around the filling, finishing with the seam underneath to seal.
- Cut each long roll into individual sausage rolls.
- Lightly oil two baking trays; arrange rolls on trays and brush tops with milk (or egg).
- Snip about three vents on top of each roll with scissors.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden; transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I prevent a soggy bottom on my sausage rolls?
Make sure to score the top for steam to escape and bake on a hot tray or preheated baking sheet for crispiness.
Why did my filling leak out while baking?
The pastry edges weren’t sealed tightly. Use milk or egg wash to seal and press edges firmly.
Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries instead of sauce?
Yes, but cook the cranberries down with sugar until saucy for best results.
What are the best dipping sauces for these?
Try creamy Dijon mustard, hot honey, or a simple garlic aioli for fantastic pairing.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free puff pastry available at specialty stores.
Conclusion
These turkey cranberry sausage rolls are my favorite festive treat that’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and full of comforting holiday flavors. Whether you’re starting fresh or using Thanksgiving leftovers, this recipe is fuss-free and always satisfying. I’d love to hear how yours turn out—please leave a rating, drop a comment below with your questions or tweaks, and share your photos on Instagram tagging @AishaRecipes. Let’s keep cooking simple, joyful, and delicious together!
