If you’re looking for a holiday appetizer that absolutely wows with every bite, Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls fit the bill. Juicy ground turkey is seasoned just right with aromatic herbs, sweet-tart cranberries, and wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry for a snack that tastes as festive as it looks. Whether you’re serving these at a family gathering or making them ahead for stress-free entertaining, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser — and one you’ll want on repeat all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls is how just a handful of pantry staples come together to make something truly special. Each ingredient has its own little role, from building flavor to making sure you get that perfect crunch and color.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the onions and herbs cook gently for big flavor.
- Onion (finely chopped): Brings sweetness and a savory base to the filling.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers that classic aromatic punch, not to be skipped!
- Dried thyme: Offers an earthy note that pairs perfectly with turkey.
- Dried sage: Instantly gives holiday vibes with its warm, herby flavor.
- Ground turkey: The star protein—lean, moist, and full of potential.
- Dried cranberries (roughly chopped): A touch of tart sweetness in every bite.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the filling together and gives structure.
- Egg (lightly beaten, plus 1 extra for egg wash): Binds the filling and adds shine to the pastry tops.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning the filling throughout.
- Puff pastry (thawed): That melt-in-your-mouth, buttery wrapper everyone loves.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Makes the tops extra crunchy and visually pretty.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating up your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until it’s wonderfully soft and fragrant, which takes about five minutes. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and sage, letting them sizzle together for just a minute until everything smells irresistible. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly; it will become the aromatic backbone of your sausage roll filling.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground turkey, chopped dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, one beaten egg, salt, pepper, and your cooled onion mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until everything is evenly distributed and the filling looks cohesive. Don’t overwork it to keep the rolls tender!
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Slice each one in half lengthwise, creating four long rectangles in total. These will soon be filled, rolled, and transformed into Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls that are both adorable and delicious.
Step 4: Shape and Roll
Divide your turkey mixture into four equal portions. With damp hands, shape each portion into a log along one long edge of each pastry rectangle. Roll the pastry over the filling nice and snug, using a little bit of water to seal the edge. Place each roll seam-side down, then cut each log into four smaller rolls with a sharp knife.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the rolls to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one. Brush the tops with the extra beaten egg for a golden finish, and scatter over sesame seeds if you like that bakery-style look and crunch. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until beautifully puffed, browned, and cooked through. Let cool just enough that you don’t burn your fingers—these are best enjoyed slightly warm!
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Garnishes
Sprinkle your rolls with a handful of fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for a pop of color and an extra hit of aroma. If you want to add a touch of elegance, a tiny wedge of fresh cranberry or dollop of cranberry sauce on each roll works perfectly.
Side Dishes
These Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls play well with just about anything! Pair them with a big crisp green salad, a tangy mustard dipping sauce, or even some roasted root vegetables. They’re hearty enough to serve as a main for lunch with a bowl of soup, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, line up the rolls on a rustic wooden board with tiny bowls of assorted dips—think cranberry chutney, whole grain mustard, or aioli. You can also stack them on a tiered platter for a showstopping centerpiece, or thread mini versions onto skewers for a fun twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few extra Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls (which is rare!), simply cool them to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll make delicious snacks or quick lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
To get ahead for the holidays or busy days, assemble the rolls right up to the baking step, then pop them on a tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or box. You can bake them straight from frozen—just add about 5 more minutes to the baking time and check for a crispy, golden finish.
Reheating
For that just-baked flavor, reheat Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls in a hot oven (350°F/175°C) until warmed through and re-crisped, about 8–10 minutes. Microwaving works if you’re in a pinch, but the pastry won’t be as flaky or crisp.
FAQs
Can I make Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the baking stage, refrigerate them covered for up to a day, or freeze to bake later. This will save you loads of time during party prep or holiday meals.
Can I substitute ground chicken or beef?
Yes—you can easily swap ground turkey for ground chicken for a similar flavor and texture, or use beef for a richer, heartier result. Just be mindful of fat content, since beef may need a slightly shorter baking time.
What dipping sauces go best with these rolls?
Cranberry sauce is a classic match, but honey mustard, whole grain mustard, or even a garlicky aioli are all fantastic choices for dipping. Mix and match for a little tasting bar at your next get-together!
How can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Choose gluten-free puff pastry and swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative. Be sure to check that your sausage filling ingredients are all certified gluten-free, and you’ll be good to go.
Do Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls work as a lunchbox food?
They sure do! Once cooked and cooled, they pack up beautifully for lunches or picnics. Just store in a container and include a small ice pack to keep them fresh until it’s time to eat.
Final Thoughts
Whether you serve them at the holiday table or make them just because, Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls are the kind of treat that never fails to bring smiles. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear, and I bet they’ll become a new favorite in your lineup, too!
Print
Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Rolls are a delightful holiday appetizer featuring a flavorful mix of ground turkey, dried cranberries, and savory herbs wrapped in golden puff pastry. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or any festive occasion!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 500g ground turkey
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft. Add garlic, thyme, and sage, cooking for another minute. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, cranberries, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and the cooked onion mixture. Mix well.
- Assemble Rolls: Cut each puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise to make 4 rectangles. Divide the turkey filling into four portions and shape each into a log along one long edge of the pastry. Roll to enclose, seal the edge with water, and cut each log into 4 smaller rolls.
- Bake: Transfer to the baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired, and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken for turkey.
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the filling.
- These freeze well before baking—just bake from frozen and add 5 extra minutes to the cook time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
