Name: Sausage Roll Wreath Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary; 2 tsp. chopped fresh sage; 12 oz. sweet Italian pork sausage, casings removed; 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce; All-purpose flour, for surface dusting; 1 (14-oz.) pkg. puff pastry, thawed; 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard, divided; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 tsp. toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 tsp. poppy seeds; Cranberry chutney or cranberry sauce, for serving

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as delicious as it is festive, you’re going to adore this Sausage Roll Wreath Recipe. This isn’t just any sausage roll; it’s a beautiful, golden, twisty wreath loaded with savory sausage and fresh herbs, perfect for holidays or any gathering that calls for a little extra wow factor. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—crispy puff pastry hugging juicy sausage, with just the right pop of rosemary and sage. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

💜

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Beautiful: The wreath shape makes it instantly party-worthy and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Flavor-Packed: Fresh herbs, caramelized onions, and savory sausage come together for a mouthwatering bite every time.
Surprisingly Simple: Despite its fancy look, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for home cooks of any skill level.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and freeze it, making your day-of cooking a breeze.

A circular white plate with a golden-brown twisted bread wreath sprinkled with sesame seeds and bits of green herbs, with a woman’s hand dipping one textured bread piece into a small white bowl filled with deep red chunky cranberry sauce in the plate’s center. Fresh whole cranberries and green herb sprigs lie around the bread wreath, all set against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create that perfect balance of savory meatiness and crisp, buttery pastry. When I shop, I always recommend picking fresh herbs and high-quality sausage for the best results—it truly makes a difference in flavor.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle richness when sautéing onions.
Yellow onion: The sweetness from slow-cooking onions brings depth to the sausage roll filling.
Kosher salt: Helps season each layer perfectly.
Freshly ground black pepper: A touch of spice to balance flavors.
Fresh rosemary and sage: These herbs give the sausage an irresistible aromatic lift.
Sweet Italian pork sausage: The heart of the filling with the perfect fat-to-meat ratio.
Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herbal note.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives umami depth with just a splash.
All-purpose flour: For dusting the surface to roll out the pastry smoothly.
Puff pastry: The flaky, buttery crust that encases the filling—thaw it fully for best puff!
Dijon mustard: Adds a punch of tang and flavor beneath the sausage.
Egg: Beaten, for brushing and giving the pastry a gorgeous golden shine.
Toasted sesame and poppy seeds: For that lovely crunch and visual interest on top.
Cranberry chutney or cranberry sauce: Essential on the side for a sweet-tart contrast.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Sausage Roll Wreath Recipe is so adaptable—you can swap herbs, adjust spice levels, or even try different types of sausage to make it your own. Here are a few ways I’ve personalized it to keep things fresh and exciting.

Herb Variations: Sometimes I swap fresh rosemary and sage for thyme and basil—it changes the flavor profile nicely and keeps things interesting.
Spicy Upgrade: Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture gives it a subtle kick that my family loves.
Vegetarian Twist: Use a plant-based sausage alternative and add finely chopped mushrooms for a similar texture and savoriness.
Cheesy Addition: Folding in some grated sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese with the sausage adds a gooey surprise inside.

How to Make Sausage Roll Wreath Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Herbs

Start by heating the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Here’s a trick I learned: cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned in spots—this usually takes about 10 minutes, but it’s worth the patience for that deep flavor. Once they’re beautifully caramelized, stir in the chopped rosemary and sage, cooking just until fragrant (about 1 to 2 minutes). Then, transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes before adding the sausage.

Step 2: Mix the Sausage Filling

Once your onion and herb mix has cooled a bit, crumble the sweet Italian pork sausage into the same bowl. Add minced fresh parsley and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, then stir everything together with a little more salt and pepper to taste. This is when the flavors really start to meld and get exciting—make sure it’s well combined for an even filling.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Pastry

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 14″ by 12″ rectangle. Don’t rush this part; gentle rolling helps avoid tearing. Cut the dough lengthwise into two equal strips. Spread 1 ½ teaspoons of Dijon mustard along one long edge of the first strip, leaving about an inch clear. Spoon half of your sausage mixture into a 14″ log shape directly on top of the mustard. Then, carefully fold the edge closest to you over the sausage, brush the exposed edge with egg wash, and fold the pastry over to seal the seam. Pinch the edges to lock everything in place so nothing leaks out while baking. Place the sealed roll seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat for the second pastry strip.

Step 4: Form and Chill the Wreath

Brush the ends of the two sausage rolls with egg wash, then carefully bring the ends together and pinch to create a circle. Chill the wreath in the refrigerator for about 25 minutes — this step is key! It keeps the pastry firm, helping it puff up beautifully when baked.

Step 5: Slice, Twist, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F and position a rack in the center. Using a sharp knife, make 1-inch cuts around the sausage roll spaced about every 1 ½ inches, ensuring you leave the inner circle connected. This is what creates that pretty twisted wreath look. Twist each cut section so the sausage side faces up, then brush the entire pastry with the remaining egg wash. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and poppy seeds on top for crunch and color. Pop it into the oven for 40-45 minutes, rotating halfway through baking, until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the sausage is cooked through. Let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Sausage Roll Wreath Recipe

Chill the Pastry: Refrigerate the shaped wreath before baking to help the pastry keep its shape and puff up beautifully.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and sage make the filling fragrant and elevate the flavor beyond ordinary sausage rolls.
Quality Sausage Matters: I’ve found using sweet Italian pork sausage with proper fat content results in juicy, flavorful filling that keeps the pastry from drying out.
Don’t Skip the Mustard: That thin layer of Dijon mustard under the sausage adds a subtle tang and keeps the filling from tasting one-dimensional.

How to Serve Sausage Roll Wreath Recipe

A round plate with a ring of small golden-brown crescent rolls each wrapped around a cooked sausage, sprinkled with black poppy seeds on top. In the center of the plate is a small white bowl filled with bright red ketchup, smooth and glossy. Fresh green rosemary sprigs are placed around the edge of the plate, contrasting with the golden crescent rolls. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to serve this wreath with a generous dollop of tangy cranberry chutney on the side — it cuts through the richness of the sausage roll and brings a festive flair to each bite. A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top right before serving also adds a lovely burst of color and fresh flavor.

Side Dishes

When we have this Sausage Roll Wreath for a party, I often pair it with simple sides like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with mustard or horseradish dipping sauces if you want to amp up the flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I love placing the wreath on a wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries, which instantly makes the presentation festive and inviting. You can also serve it with small ramekins filled with chutney and mustard to encourage dipping fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Sausage Roll Wreath, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. I recommend consuming them within 2 days for the best texture and flavor—though honestly, it rarely sticks around that long at my place!

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. After assembling the wreath but before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. This trick has saved me on busy holiday days more times than I can count.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers and keep that glorious crispiness, I pop slices in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving unless you don’t mind losing the flaky texture—there’s nothing better than a reheated sausage roll that’s still crunchy on the outside.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for the Sausage Roll Wreath Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen puff pastry is perfectly fine to use here, just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before rolling it out – this ensures the pastry doesn’t tear and it puffs up beautifully when baked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the wreath and chill it in the fridge for up to a day before baking, or freeze it after assembly for longer storage. Just thaw it completely before baking to get that perfect puff pastry texture.
What can I serve with the sausage roll wreath?

I usually serve it with cranberry chutney or sauce for a wonderful sweet and tangy contrast. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables make great sides too, especially if you’re serving this as the centerpiece at a meal.
Can I substitute the sausage for a different kind?

You can! Sweet Italian pork sausage is traditional and delicious, but you can use spicy sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian alternative if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the seasoning as you may need to adjust herbs and salt accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Roll Wreath Recipe has become one of my go-to appetizers whenever I want to impress with minimal fuss. Its festive shape and irresistible flavors never fail to draw compliments, and I love that it’s straightforward enough for a weekday treat or a holiday showstopper. I sincerely hope you have as much fun making and eating this as I do—go ahead, try it out and bring a little delicious warmth to your table!