Soft Pastry Recipe

While traditional sausage rolls boast a flaky, buttery pastry, sometimes you crave something a bit different—something softer, more tender, yet equally delicious. Enter soft pastry sausage rolls, a delightful variation on the classic recipe that promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create sausage rolls with a soft pastry exterior that will elevate your snacking game to new heights.

 

Ingredients: For the Soft Pastry:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) high-quality sausage meat (pork, beef, or a combination)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the sour cream until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive ball.
6. Roll out the pastry dough into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
7. In another mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
8. Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the pastry rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the pastry and sausage filling into a log shape.
10. Cut the log into smaller pieces, about 2 inches in length, and place them seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
12. Once baked, transfer the sausage rolls to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

 

Tips:

• Keep the butter and sour cream cold throughout the pastry-making process to ensure a tender, flaky texture.
• If the dough becomes too soft or sticky while rolling, place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up before continuing.
• Don’t skimp on the filling! A generous amount of flavorful sausage mixture ensures each bite is packed with deliciousness.
• For added flavor, brush the tops of the sausage rolls with melted butter before baking, or sprinkle them with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for an extra crunch.

 

Variations:

• Herbed Soft Pastry Sausage Rolls: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or rosemary into the pastry dough for a fragrant twist.
• Cheesy Soft Pastry Sausage Rolls: Sprinkle grated cheese over the sausage filling before rolling up the pastry for an extra indulgent treat.
• Breakfast Soft Pastry Sausage Rolls: Add cooked and crumbled bacon or scrambled eggs to the sausage mixture for a hearty breakfast-inspired version.

 

Soft pastry sausage rolls offer a delightful departure from the traditional flaky pastry variety, providing a tender, buttery canvas for the savory sausage filling. With this recipe in hand, you can easily whip up a batch of these irresistible treats to enjoy at any time of day. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, these soft pastry sausage rolls are sure to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavorful filling.