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 recipe quickly became a family favorite every Christmas– the kids love building the tree before eating it!
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 Making this recipe brings everyone together in the kitchen, creating fun memories, especially decorating the tree with rosemary and tomatoes.
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
Calories 120, total fat 8 g, carbohydrates 8 g, protein 4 g per mini roll
Save These mini sausage roll trees add festive charm and flavor to your holiday table every year.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pastry is best for the sausage rolls?
Ready-rolled puff pastry works best as it creates a flaky, golden exterior that's easy to handle and bake.
- → How do I form the Christmas tree shape with the rolls?
Arrange mini rolls in rows starting with one at the top and increasing to six at the base, creating a triangular, tree-like pattern. Add two rolls at the bottom as the trunk.
- → Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and chill the rolls before baking to save time during your event.
- → What is a good dipping sauce to serve with these rolls?
A honey mustard dip provides a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the savory rolls.
- → Are there options for dietary preferences?
For a vegetarian option, substitute sausage meat with vegetable-based or mushroom-lentil fillings while keeping the same spices.