Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying snack, these beef and cheese sausage rolls are the perfect choice. Flaky puff pastry envelops a savory filling of minced beef, crunchy pickled jalapeños, and gooey cheese, making them an ideal treat for parties, game day, or even a family dinner. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful interior, these rolls are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 small onion, peeled and whole
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
500g (1 lb) beef mince (ground beef), preferably with higher fat content
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
1 beef stock cube, crumbled, or 1/2 teaspoon cooking salt/kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cooking salt/kosher salt (adjust for table salt or flakes)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup pickled jalapeño, roughly chopped (~3mm)
1 1/2 cups (150g) cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup (50g) parmesan cheese, shredded
2 sheets frozen puff pastry (24cm / 9.5″ squares), preferably butter-based
1 egg, separated into yolk and white
Sesame seeds for sprinkling
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C/425°F (180°C fan-forced).
Step 2: Prepare the Onion and Breadcrumbs
Grate the onion into a bowl, including the juices. Add panko breadcrumbs and mix to moisten.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add beef mince, egg, minced garlic, crumbled stock cube, salt, pepper, and chopped jalapeño to the bowl. Mix thoroughly using your hands.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheeses
Crumble the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses into the mixture with your fingers to prevent clumping. Mix well to combine.
Step 5: Thaw Puff Pastry
Slightly thaw the puff pastry sheets until just pliable. Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions and shape each portion into a log.
Step 6: Assemble the Rolls
Place each meat log onto a puff pastry sheet and roll tightly, sealing the edge with egg white. Position seam-side down and trim any excess pastry.
Step 7: Cut and Decorate
Cut each roll in half to create four pieces. Make three diagonal slashes on top of each roll. Brush with egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Step 8: Bake the Rolls
Place the sausage rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35 minutes.
Step 9: Final Baking Stage
Transfer the rolls onto a rack to elevate them out of the fat and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the pastry is deep golden and the underside is crispy.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Allow to cool on the rack for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with tomato sauce or ketchup.
Notes
Note 1: Choosing Beef Mince
For best results, use beef mince with a higher fat content to ensure moisture and flavor.
Note 2: Puff Pastry Handling
Be careful not to over-thaw the puff pastry to maintain its flakiness during baking.
Note 3: Jalapeño Adjustment
Adjust the amount of pickled jalapeño according to your spice preference.
Note 4: Baking Time
Monitor the baking process closely, as ovens may vary; the pastry should be golden and crisp.
Cook techniques
Grating Onion
Grating the onion maximizes its flavor and moisture, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the meat mixture without large chunks.
Mixing Meat Mixture
Using your hands to mix the beef, seasonings, and other ingredients ensures an even distribution of flavors and prevents overmixing that can make the meat tough.
Incorporating Cheese
Crumbling shredded cheese into the mixture with your fingers prevents clumping, enabling an even melt and flavor throughout the sausage rolls.
Preparing Puff Pastry
Thawing the puff pastry just until pliable makes it easier to roll without tearing. This retains its structure and helps create a flaky texture.
Sealing the Pastry
Using egg white to seal the edges of the pastry ensures that it stays closed during baking, keeping all the juices and flavors inside.
Cutting and Slashing
Cutting the rolls in half and making diagonal slashes on top allows steam to escape and promotes even cooking, while also creating an appealing presentation.
Brushing with Egg Yolk
Brushing the pastry with egg yolk adds a lovely golden color and shine, enhancing the visual appeal of the finished rolls.
Cooling on a Rack
Allowing the sausage rolls to cool on a rack elevates them from excess fat, preventing a soggy bottom and ensuring crispy pastry all around.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda if you prefer different flavors or textures.
What can I do if I don’t have puff pastry?
You can use phyllo dough or make a simple pastry from scratch, though the texture and flavor will differ from puff pastry.
How can I make these rolls spicier?
To increase the heat, add more pickled jalapeños or incorporate finely chopped fresh chili peppers into the meat mixture.
Can I freeze these sausage rolls?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked rolls. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic before placing them in a freezer bag.
What can I serve with these sausage rolls?
These rolls pair well with condiments like tomato sauce, ketchup, or even a spicy dipping sauce for added flavor.
Conclusion
The combination of ground beef, cheeses, and the crunch of panko breadcrumbs, enveloped in buttery puff pastry, results in a delectable treat that is sure to impress. These savory sausage rolls are versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. The added jalapeños provide a delightful kick, making them a flavorful choice for any gathering or celebration.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cheesy Meatball Puff Pastries
Replace the beef mince with a mixture of beef and pork for a different flavor profile and shape the mixture into small meatballs. Encase each meatball in puff pastry and bake until golden.
Jalapeño Popper Sausage Rolls
Incorporate cream cheese and finely diced bacon into the meat mixture for a rich, creamy filling that captures the spirit of jalapeño poppers.
Herbed Chicken and Cheese Rolls
Substitute the beef mince with ground chicken or turkey and add fresh herbs like parsley and thyme for a lighter twist.
Vegetarian Cheese Rolls
Swap the meat for a mixture of grated vegetables like zucchini and carrots mixed with ricotta and mozzarella cheese, creating a delicious vegetarian option.
Spicy Chorizo Puff Pastries
Use chorizo instead of regular ground beef for a spicy and flavorful variation that adds a distinctive taste to the rolls.
BBQ Pulled Pork Rolls
Fill the pastry with shredded BBQ pulled pork for a smoky flavor that is perfect for casual get-togethers or game-day snacks.
