Remember when I used to visit my grandparents every Thanksgiving? Those were such special times filled with delicious home-cooked meals and lively family gatherings. One of my all-time favorite dishes was my grandma’s famous Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls. The combination of savory turkey, tangy cranberries, and flaky pastry was absolutely heavenly. I can still smell the aroma wafting through the house as they baked to golden perfection.
Grandma would let me help with the prep work, and I loved rolling out the dough and carefully assembling the rolls. She always said the secret was in the careful seasoning of the turkey and the perfect balance of sweet and savory. To this day, those Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls remind me of the warmth and comfort of family traditions.
Why This Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are sure to become a new holiday classic in your home. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of hands-on prep work, you can have a batch of these flaky, flavor-packed rolls ready to serve. The combination of juicy turkey, tart cranberries, and fragrant herbs is simply irresistible.
The Secret Behind Perfect Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
The key to these Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls is in the careful seasoning of the turkey filling. By incorporating a blend of warm spices, fresh herbs, and a touch of maple syrup, you’ll achieve a truly crave-worthy flavor profile. And the buttery, golden-brown pastry crust? It’s the perfect foil to the savory-sweet filling, creating a delightful textural contrast in every bite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground turkey: The backbone of these Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls, choose a high-quality, freshly ground turkey for the best flavor.
- Fresh cranberries: Tart and tangy, these little ruby-red gems add a wonderful pop of flavor.
- Maple syrup: Just a touch of this natural sweetener helps balance the acidity of the cranberries.
- Sage: Earthy and aromatic, dried sage is the perfect complement to the turkey and cranberries.
- Puff pastry: Flaky, buttery, and easy to work with, store-bought puff pastry sheets make assembling these rolls a breeze.
Step-by-Step Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Instructions
Preparing Your Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls come together quickly, with just a bit of hands-on prep work. In about an hour, you can have a batch of these savory-sweet rolls ready to bake and serve. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet for this recipe.
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, fresh cranberries, maple syrup, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
3- Unfold the puff pastry sheets and roll them out on a lightly floured surface to a 12×16-inch rectangle.
4- Spoon the turkey-cranberry mixture down the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on the long sides.
5- Fold the long sides of the pastry over the filling, then roll the pastry up tightly, sealing the seam and ends.
6- Cut the roll into 1-inch slices and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is piping hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- For a more uniform shape, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the roll evenly.
- Don’t overstuff the pastry, or the filling may ooze out during baking.
- Brush the tops of the unbaked rolls with a bit of beaten egg for an extra-shiny, golden-brown finish.
- Keep a close eye on the rolls during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Serving and Storing Your Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Perfect Pairings for Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are the perfect appetizer or snack for holiday gatherings. They pair beautifully with a variety of sides, from simple green salads to roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce. And don’t forget the cranberry or apple cider – the tart, fruity flavors are a natural match for these savory-sweet rolls.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the rolls and freeze them before baking. Simply prepare the rolls according to the recipe, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen rolls to an airtight container or resealable bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Creative Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on these Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls. Try adding diced apple or pear for a touch of sweetness, or swap in fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herb flavor. You could also experiment with different types of cheese, like crumbled feta or shredded cheddar, for a melty, gooey filling.
Making Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls Diet-Friendly
To make these Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free puff pastry or pie dough in place of the regular version. For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, you can skip the pastry altogether and bake the turkey-cranberry filling in a muffin tin or as a crustless quiche.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well as turkey in these sausage rolls. The flavor profile will be a bit different, but still delicious.
Q: How long do these Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls take to bake?
A: The rolls should bake for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Q: Can I make the turkey-cranberry filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the rolls.
Q: How many sausage rolls does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 20-24 individual sausage rolls, depending on how you slice the log.
Q: What should I do if the bottom of the rolls are browning too quickly?
A: If the bottoms of the rolls are browning before the tops, simply place a piece of aluminum foil or a baking sheet underneath the rolls to prevent the bottoms from over-browning.
Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 12
Description
Delightful Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are the perfect holiday appetizer or snack. Flaky puff pastry is wrapped around a savory turkey and tart cranberry filling, creating a mouthwatering bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped cranberries, brown sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. 3. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and roll out slightly to a 12×9-inch rectangle.
4. 4. Cut the pastry in half lengthwise to create two long strips.
5. 5. Spoon the turkey-cranberry mixture onto the center of each pastry strip, leaving a 1-inch border on the long sides.
6. 6. Fold the long sides of the pastry over the filling and press to seal. Cut each roll into 6 equal pieces.
7. 7. Place the sausage rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash.
8. 8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
9. 9. Serve the Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls warm.
Notes
For a flakier crust, chill the unbaked rolls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. Swap out turkey for chicken or pork if desired. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are sure to become a new holiday favorite in your home. With their irresistible combination of savory turkey, tangy cranberries, and flaky, buttery pastry, they’re the perfect appetizer or snack for any festive gathering. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the same warm, comforting flavors that I remember from my grandma’s kitchen. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
