Italian Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry (Easy Savory Appetizer)
These Italian Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry are a simple yet irresistible appetizer made with flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around seasoned Italian sausage and baked until golden brown. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they're perfect for holiday parties, game day, brunch, or as a delicious snack. Serve them with marinara, spicy mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce for an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot), casings removed
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- 1 tbsp Dijon or spicy brown mustard
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp fennel seeds, lightly crushed (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or flaky salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, combine the Italian sausage, Parmigiano Reggiano, mustard, garlic, parsley, fennel seeds, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork the sausage.Roll Out the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll each sheet of puff pastry slightly to smooth seams and create an even rectangle. Cut each sheet lengthwise into two long strips.Fill and Roll
Spoon a line of sausage filling down the center of each strip. Brush one long edge with egg wash, then roll the pastry over the filling, seam-side down.Chill for Clean Cuts
Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This helps the pastry firm up and makes slicing easier.Slice and Bake
Cut each roll into 1½–2-inch pieces. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or flaky salt if desired. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 22–25 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden.