Brie, Bacon & Cranberry Sausage Rolls - Day 1

It's officially the 1st of December which means it's the start of A Country Girls Kitchen Blogmas! During the month of December, you will find a fun and festive recipe each and every day up until the 24th. Ranging from drinks to treats, meals to snacks and sackful of fun along the way. So turn on your Christmas lights, tie up those aprons, get out those mixing bowls and get ready for 24 days of Christmas cooking and baking magic.

Savoury bakes are a beloved staple in British kitchens this time of year, offering a hearty and flavourful counterpoint to the sweet bakes often enjoyed with tea. They bring comfort and warmth, making them ideal for a variety of settings, from festive family gatherings to solo indulgences. Among these, sausage rolls are a timeless classic, beloved for their flaky pastry and mouth-watering filling. This guide will introduce you to an enhanced version of the traditional sausage roll, incorporating the luxurious creaminess of brie, the sweet tartness of cranberries, and the savoury depth of pork and bacon.

These brie and cranberry sausage rolls elevate the standard version by adding a twist that is both indulgent and sophisticated. The combination of flavours creates a balanced taste profile that surprises and delights. The rich, melty brie complements the tangy cranberry sauce, while the pork and bacon mixture provides the robust savoury base.

Savoury bakes like these are not just about taste; they also bring a sense of occasion and satisfaction. Whether served as a centrepiece at a Christmas party or as a comforting snack on a rainy afternoon, they are sure to please. Their versatility also makes them suitable for a range of dietary preferences, as you can adjust the ingredients to cater to different tastes.

In this guide, I will cover everything from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the baking process, ensuring your sausage rolls turn out perfectly every time. Get ready to create a savoury bake that will become a cherished favourite in your culinary repertoire.

For these delicious sausage rolls, you’ll need the following:

Ingredients

• 500g of good quality pork sausage meat
• 100g of finely chopped bacon
• 150g of brie, diced
• 100g of cranberry sauce
• 1 pack of puff pastry (approximately 500g)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of sage for added flavour or any herb you prefer.

When selecting your ingredients, quality is paramount. Opt for pork sausage meat with a decent fat content to ensure your rolls remain juicy and tender. Choose a creamy variety of brie that will melt beautifully within the pastry. Fresh bacon and a quality cranberry sauce will also enhance the final taste significantly. For the puff pastry, if possible, select a butter-based option to achieve that desirable flaky texture.

Having the right ingredients not only ensures the best taste but also makes the preparation process smoother. Your choice of herbs, such as sage, thyme or rosemary, can provide an additional layer of flavour, but they are entirely optional. Ensure all your ingredients are fresh and of good quality to guarantee the best results.

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the pork sausage meat and chopped bacon, seasoning with salt and pepper. If you wish, add a pinch of sage, thyme or rosemary for an extra hint of flavour. Mix the ingredients thoroughly but gently to avoid making the filling too dense.
2. Fold in the diced brie and cranberry sauce carefully. The brie will melt during baking, adding a luscious creaminess, while the cranberry sauce offers a sweet counterpoint. Aim for an even distribution, ensuring each bite delivers a balanced taste of savoury pork, creamy brie, and sweet cranberry.
3. Once combined, your filling is ready to be used in the assembly of the sausage rolls.

4. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until its your desired thickness. I usually go for around 3mm. Cut the pastry into rectangles, approximately 10cm by 15cm, but feel free to adjust the size to suit your preference. Place a generous spoonful of the prepared filling in the centre of each pastry rectangle.
5. Begin rolling the pastry over the filling from one long edge, ensuring the seam is underneath when you've finished rolling. Use a bit of the beaten egg to seal the edges, pressing firmly to keep the filling enclosed during baking. If you like, you can crimp the edges with a fork for an added decorative touch.
6. Once all the rolls are assembled, brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden finish. This not only enhances the appearance but also adds a slight crispness to the pastry.

7. Arrange the sausage rolls on the tray, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for expansion. Brushing the tops with the beaten egg will give them a beautiful golden sheen as they bake.
8. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and the pastry is puffed and crispy. To confirm they are cooked through, you can insert a skewer into the centre of one roll; it should come out hot and clean.

9. Monitor the baking process closely, as ovens can vary. You might need to rotate the tray halfway through baking to ensure even browning. If the pastry starts to brown too quickly, you can lightly cover the rolls with a piece of aluminium foil to prevent burning while allowing the insides to cook fully.
10. Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the sausage rolls cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This brief cooling period helps the pastry set and makes them easier to handle when serving.

Remember, the goal is to achieve a pastry that is crisp and flaky on the outside, with a filling that is hot and perfectly melded together. The combination of textures—crispy pastry, creamy brie, and juicy pork—will make every bite a delight.

Brie and cranberry sausage rolls lend themselves to a wide array of serving options, making them a versatile choice for many occasions. For a straightforward presentation, lay them out on a platter and add a touch of fresh herbs as a garnish. This simple approach is both elegant and inviting, perfect for a festive family gathering or an informal get-together.

For your Christmas party buffets, arrange the rolls in a tiered serving dish to add visual interest and make them easily accessible for guests. To offer a variety of flavours, you could include small bowls of dipping sauces alongside the rolls. A tangy chutney or a classic mustard dip can complement the rich flavours of the brie and cranberry, providing a delightful contrast.

Consider adding a variety of pickles and relishes to the table. These can offer additional textures and flavours that pair well with the rolls, enhancing the overall dining experience. For a festive touch, you could serve the rolls on a bed of fresh greens with a scattering of cranberries, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing.

If you make these delicious festive rolls, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*