Pin It A festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring golden, flaky mini sausage rolls arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family, always impressing guests with both its look and flavor.
Ingredients
- Pastry: 2 sheets (approx. 500 g) ready-rolled puff pastry
- Filling: 400 g quality pork sausage meat, 1 small onion, finely chopped, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt
- Assembly & Finish: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash), 2 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional), Fresh rosemary sprigs (for decoration), 1 cherry tomato or star-shaped cheese slice (for the tree topper)
- Dipping Sauce: 4 tbsp wholegrain or Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mix filling:
- In a bowl, mix sausage meat, onion, parsley, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Prepare pastry:
- Unroll the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet lengthwise into 4 strips (total 8 strips).
- Assemble rolls:
- Divide the sausage mixture into 8 equal portions. Spread one portion along the length of each pastry strip, forming a sausage shape.
- Roll and cut:
- Roll the pastry over the filling to enclose it, pinching the seam to seal. Place seam-side down and cut each long roll into 3 equal pieces, yielding 24 mini rolls.
- Arrange tree:
- Arrange the mini rolls on the prepared baking tray in a Christmas tree shape: start with 1 at the top, then 2 beneath, 3 below, and so on, forming rows (6 at the base), with 2 at the bottom as the trunk.
- Egg wash:
- Brush each roll with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- Prepare sauce:
- Mix mustard and honey for the dipping sauce.
- Decorate and serve:
- Once baked, cool slightly. Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs as branches and a cherry tomato or cheese star at the top. Serve with the honey mustard dip.
Pin It My family enjoys gathering around the table to assemble and decorate the tree together, making holiday prep a fun tradition.
Required Tools
Large baking tray, parchment paper, mixing bowl, sharp knife, and pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (puff pastry), egg, and mustard. May contain sesame (if using seeds). Contains pork. Always check sausage meat and pastry for allergens or cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 120, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 4 g per serving (1 mini roll)
Pin It 
These mini sausage roll Christmas trees add festive flair with minimal effort. They're sure to become a beloved holiday tradition.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry is best for these mini rolls?
Ready-rolled puff pastry works best to achieve a golden, flaky texture that complements the savory filling.
- → Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and chill the rolls before baking to save time during your event.
- → Are there seasoning suggestions for the filling?
The filling includes parsley, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, which add aromatic and savory layers.
- → What alternatives are there for the meat filling?
A vegetarian version can use mushroom-lentil filling or plant-based sausage as a substitute.
- → How is the tree shape formed with the mini rolls?
The rolls are arranged in descending rows, starting from one at the top to six at the base, creating a Christmas tree shape.
- → What dipping sauce pairs well with these bites?
A honey and wholegrain or Dijon mustard dipping sauce enhances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness.