Sausage rolls are a classic snack that everyone loves. But have you ever tried making them with pork mince instead of shop-bought sausage meat?
Trust us, it’s a game-changer!
In this article, we’ll show you how to make delicious pork and apple sausage rolls that are perfect for picnics, parties, or even as a midday snack.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a gourmet treat that will impress your friends and family.
So, let’s get started!
How To Make Sausage Rolls With Pork Mince?
To make sausage rolls with pork mince, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Puff pastry (pre-made and pre-rolled works perfectly)
– Ground pork (not sausage meat)
– Bacon
– Worcestershire sauce
– Breadcrumbs (Panko work great)
– Egg
– Carrot, onion, and garlic
– Fennel and sage
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking!
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F/gas 6.
2. Wash, trim, and dice a leek. Core and dice an apple. Pick the thyme leaves. Combine the pork, leek, apple, thyme leaves, and mustard seeds in a bowl. Season and set aside.
3. Roll out the puff pastry to 1cm thick and 34cm x 30cm. Halve lengthways and place a strip of mince down the center of each.
4. Brush the edges with beaten egg, roll up, and seal. Brush with more egg, then cut each strip into three rolls.
5. Score the tops and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
And that’s it! You now have delicious pork and apple sausage rolls that are sure to impress.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you start making your sausage rolls with pork mince, it’s important to gather all of your ingredients. Luckily, most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to-access items.
First, you’ll need pre-made and pre-rolled puff pastry. This will give your sausage rolls that perfect flaky texture.
Next, you’ll need ground pork. It’s important to note that this should not be sausage meat. You’ll want your pork quite fatty, so steer clear of lean meat.
Bacon is also an essential ingredient for homemade sausage rolls. It adds texture and a delicious salty flavor.
Worcestershire sauce is another key ingredient that pairs perfectly with pork, adding a gorgeous douse of flavor.
To lock in moisture, you’ll need breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs work great for this recipe.
Egg is used to bind the meat and glaze the pastry.
Carrot, onion, and garlic are added for a great base flavor and texture.
Finally, fennel and sage are two absolute game changers that go hand-in-hand with pork.
By gathering all of these ingredients, you’ll be able to create a truly gourmet sausage roll without any real “gourmet” ingredients. Once you have everything ready, it’s time to get cooking!
Preparing The Pork Mince
Preparing the pork mince is an important step in making sausage rolls with pork mince. Start by choosing the meat cut you want to mince. It’s best to use ground pork instead of sausage meat, as it gives you more control over the flavor and texture of your sausage rolls.
Cut the pork meat into cubes about 1″ chunks, and dispose of any blood vessels or little unnecessary things. Place the pieces into a large sieve, and rinse them in cold water to wash off any blood. Leave them in the sink for any excess water to come out from the sieve for 5-10 minutes until you’re ready for the next batch.
Line a paper towel with a cloth towel or cutting board, and transfer the washed meat onto the paper towel. With a second piece of paper towel, pat dry any excess water. Cut the meat into small pieces, and put them in the freezer for 15 minutes. This will make it easier for a food processor to grind.
After 15 minutes, put the cubes of meat in a food processor and process until the meat is coarsely or finely minced, depending on your preference. Transfer minced meat into a clean bowl, and repeat this step with the remaining meat.
Once you have your minced pork ready, you can start making your sausage rolls. Combine it with bacon, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, carrot, onion, garlic, fennel, and sage to make a delicious filling for your rolls. Follow the remaining steps above to complete your sausage rolls with pork mince.
Adding Flavor With Apples And Herbs
If you want to add an extra burst of flavor to your pork and apple sausage rolls, consider incorporating some herbs and spices. Sage, in particular, is a classic pairing with pork and adds a savory note to the sausage filling. If you don’t have fresh sage on hand, you can use dried sage instead.
In addition to sage, you can also experiment with other herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your sausage rolls. Fennel seeds add a subtle licorice flavor that pairs well with pork, while nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the filling. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different combinations until you find one that you love.
When it comes to the apple component of the filling, using homemade chunky apple sauce is a great way to add texture and sweetness. Just make sure that the apple sauce isn’t too watery or runny, as this can make the sausage filling too wet. If necessary, drain off any excess liquid before mixing the apple sauce with the pork mince.
Assembling The Sausage Rolls
Assembling the sausage rolls is a simple process that requires a bit of patience and attention to detail. Here’s how to do it:
1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangular shape that is about 1/4-1/8″ thick.
2. Divide the pork mince mixture into 3 even logs, leaving an equal amount of space between each.
3. Roll the first edge of the puff pastry over the log, then cut and repeat with the remaining puff pastry. Be sure to seal the edges well to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
4. Crimp lightly with a fork to seal the edges, then cut each log into 1/3’s (or 1/4’s for slightly smaller sausage rolls).
5. Score the top of each roll with a knife in a diagonal pattern, making sure not to cut all the way through.
6. Brush each roll with egg wash (1 egg whisked with 2 tsp heavy cream), then sprinkle generously with sesame seeds or any other desired toppings.
7. Place the sausage rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about an inch of space between each one.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 17-19 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Once they are done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have delicious and perfectly assembled sausage rolls that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or party.
Baking And Serving Tips
Now that your sausage rolls are ready to bake, here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly:
1. Bake at the right temperature: It’s important to bake your sausage rolls at a high temperature of 200°C/400°F/gas 6. Any higher and the pastry will burn before the sausage is cooked through, and any lower will result in undercooked pastry.
2. Use butter puff pastry: For a more luxurious and flavorful pastry, use pre-made puff pastry that is made with butter. It’s worth the extra cost!
3. Avoid grated veggies: While grated veggies can add some extra nutrition to your sausage rolls, they can also make the pastry base soggy. Stick to diced veggies instead.
4. Crush fennel seeds: Fennel seeds are a key ingredient in this recipe, but it’s important to crush them before adding them to the pork mixture. This helps release their flavor and ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
5. Serve hot or cold: Sausage rolls can be served hot or cold, making them a great option for picnics, parties, or as a quick snack. Just be sure to store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious and perfectly cooked sausage rolls every time!
