If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that combines the savory goodness of turkey with the tart sweetness of cranberries, this Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe is an absolute must-try. Perfectly flaky puff pastry encases a juicy, flavorful filling that’s infused with warm sage and thyme, making every bite a harmonious dance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering or a festive party, these sausage rolls will quickly become your go-to appetizer everyone raves about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of carefully selected ingredients come together to create an unforgettable flavor experience. Each component plays a critical role, from the tender ground turkey providing a lean base, to the dried cranberries adding pops of sweet tartness, while fragrant herbs elevate the overall profile.
- Ground turkey: The lean protein star of the dish, lending moistness and structure.
- Dried cranberries (chopped): Add a burst of natural sweetness and a chewy texture contrast.
- Onion (finely diced): Introduces a subtle savory depth without overpowering.
- Garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth and a mild kick to the filling.
- Dried sage: A classic herb pairing with poultry that hints at earthiness.
- Thyme: Complements sage and adds a bright, herbal note.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite sing.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balances sweetness.
- Puff pastry (thawed): The golden, flaky wrapper delivering irresistible crunch.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Ensures a shiny, beautifully browned finish.
- Breadcrumbs (optional): Provides extra binding to keep the filling together perfectly.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mise en Place
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure a non-stick, easy cleanup. Having your ingredients prepped and ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped dried cranberries, finely diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs if you choose to use them. Stir gently until everything is just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense rolls, so keep it light and tender.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle approximately 10 by 12 inches. This shape gives you a perfect canvas to evenly distribute the flavorful filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Cut the pastry lengthwise into two long strips. Divide the turkey filling evenly down the center of each strip, shaping it into a tight log. Carefully fold the pastry over the filling, sealing the edges by pinching the seams firmly to keep the mixture inside during baking.
Step 5: Slice and Decorate
Place each sealed roll seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Slice each into four pieces or smaller, depending on your preferred serving size. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that golden glow, and for a decorative touch, gently score the tops lightly with a knife.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is fully cooked. Let them cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle and to avoid any burned tongues!
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
These rolls pair beautifully with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top right after baking for a fresh burst of color and flavor. You can also add a little side of cranberry sauce for extra sweetness and dipping fun.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded snack or appetizer spread, serve these rolls alongside crisp mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables. Their savory-sweet profile pairs especially well with tangy and fresh sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving bite-sized rolls on a rustic wooden platter, with small bowls of mustard and aioli for dipping. They’re also fantastic as part of a brunch buffet or as finger food during holiday parties where people can munch as they mingle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining the pastry’s crispness and the filling’s juiciness.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls by assembling them on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to an airtight container. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
To reheat, place the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Microwave reheating is possible but may soften the pastry’s flaky texture, so oven warming is preferred.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully as a substitute and will yield a similarly delicious and moist filling in your Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe.
Do I have to use dried cranberries?
Dried cranberries add a lovely tart sweetness that complements the savory meat perfectly, but you could also try fresh cranberries or even a spoonful of cranberry sauce inside for a different twist.
Can I make these rolls smaller or bite-sized?
Yes, cutting the rolls into smaller pieces makes them perfect for party appetizers or finger foods, ideal for sharing and sampling at gatherings.
What if I don’t want to use puff pastry?
Puff pastry gives the rolls their characteristic flakiness, but for a different texture, you could experiment with phyllo dough or biscuit dough, although baking times may vary.
Is this recipe suitable to prepare for holidays?
Definitely! The festive cranberry paired with comforting turkey and herbs makes this Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe a standout addition to any holiday table or special occasion.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to appetizers because it’s wonderfully flavorful yet surprisingly easy to prepare. The combination of sweet cranberries, aromatic herbs, and flaky puff pastry feels like a little celebration in every bite. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do!
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Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls are a delightful blend of savory and sweet, mixing ground turkey with dried cranberries and aromatic herbs encased in buttery puff pastry. Perfect as appetizers or party snacks, they offer a festive twist on classic sausage rolls that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped dried cranberries, diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs if using. Mix gently until just combined to keep the texture tender.
- Prepare Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a roughly 10×12 inch rectangle. This provides a perfect base to hold the filling.
- Assemble Rolls: Cut the rolled pastry lengthwise in half to make two long strips. Evenly divide the turkey mixture down the center of each strip, shaping it into a log along the length.
- Seal Rolls: Fold the pastry over the turkey filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal the seam. Place each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Cut and Decorate: Slice each roll into 4 pieces or smaller if you prefer bite-sized snacks. Brush the tops with beaten egg to achieve a golden finish and optionally score the tops lightly for decorative effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly after baking before serving to enhance flavor and handleability.
Notes
- Great for appetizers, party snacks, or holiday leftovers.
- Substitute ground turkey with chicken or sausage if preferred.
- Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce inside the filling for extra sweetness.
- Use breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture if needed, especially if using lean turkey.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
