If you’re craving something savory with a sweet and spicy twist, wait till you try this Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe. I absolutely love how these sausage rolls are flaky on the outside, juicy and flavorful inside, with just the right kick of hot honey drizzled on top that makes every bite exciting. When I first made these, my family went crazy – and I know you’ll enjoy them just as much as we did. Let me walk you through everything you need to know so you can nail this recipe effortlessly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The thyme adds an earthy note that pairs beautifully with the spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can pull this off.
- Versatile Snack or Meal: They work as party appetizers, a cozy snack, or even a fun brunch item.
- Impressive Yet Comfortable: I’ve served these at gatherings and always get compliments, yet they feel like homey, comforting food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how these ingredients come together to give a brilliant burst of flavor and texture. Use fresh thyme if you can—it really elevates the taste. And if you’re dairy-free, the cheddar cheese is optional but adds a nice sharpness you’ll miss otherwise.
- Breakfast pork and sage sausage: Opt for good quality, and remove casings if needed for easier mixing.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds richness and a little tang; feel free to omit if avoiding dairy.
- Panko breadcrumbs: They keep the sausage mixture light and help bind everything just right.
- Eggs: Divided use—one for the filling, another for brushing the pastry to get that perfect golden crust.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tangy depth; brush it on the pastry before sealing for extra flavor.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Aromatic herb that lavishes the sausage with herbaceous notes.
- Puff pastry: Really the star here—get the all-butter version if you can; it makes all the difference.
- Everything but the Bagel seasoning: Creates a savory, salty crunch on top that’s utterly addictive.
- Hot honey: My favorite part! It’s sweet with a subtle heat that brings the whole dish alive.
Variations
I like to switch things up sometimes depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. Feel free to play around—it’s a very forgiving recipe that can handle all sorts of tasty tweaks.
- Cheese-free version: I’ve made these without cheddar when cooking for dairy-sensitive friends, and they still come out delicious with that herb and sausage combo.
- Spicy sausage swap: Using chorizo or spicy Italian sausage amps up the heat even more if you like things fiery.
- Herb changes: Sometimes I add rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different herbal kick that’s equally divine.
- Gluten-free pastry: I’ve tried store-bought gluten-free puff pastry and recommend chilling it well before rolling for best results.
How to Make Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step saves cleanup and keeps your sausage rolls from sticking. Then gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to mix without missing a beat.
Step 2: Mix the Sausage Filling
In a large bowl, combine the breakfast sausage (casings off), grated sharp cheddar, panko breadcrumbs, one egg, and fresh thyme leaves. I like to use my hands here because it’s the best way to evenly mix without overworking the meat. You want all those flavors distributed well but still keep the mixture light and fluffy.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
Whisk the remaining egg with a tablespoon of water in a small bowl. This glossy egg wash will help seal the pastry and give your rolls that irresistible golden sheen. Keep it nearby—you’ll be brushing several times as you assemble.
Step 4: Roll Out and Divide the Puff Pastry
Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. You don’t need to roll it out too thin—just gently stretch it into a large rectangle to soften it enough for easy rolling later on. Then cut the pastry sheets in half to create four long strips. Working with these long shapes makes assembling your sausage rolls straightforward.
Step 5: Assemble the Sausage Rolls
Divide the sausage mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a long log about the length of your pastry strips. Place each sausage log down the center of a pastry strip. Brush one side of the pastry with Dijon mustard and the other side with the egg wash—this dual brushing seals the roll beautifully. Roll the pastry tightly around the sausage, pressing the edges to seal with the egg wash. Flip so the seam is underneath; this helps keep everything together while baking.
Step 6: Cut, Brush, and Season
Using a sharp paring knife, carefully score some small slits on top for steam to escape (plus it looks pretty!). Then cut each log into 1½-inch sausage rolls. Place them seam-side down on your lined baking sheet—this way they won’t unravel during baking. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle generously with Everything but the Bagel seasoning for that addictive crunch.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Serve
Pop your tray into the oven for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the pastry is puffed up and golden brown, and the sausage inside is fully cooked. Let them cool just a bit—warm but not burning hot—then drizzle each roll with your hot honey and sprinkle a few extra thyme leaves on top. Trust me, that hot honey drizzle is the game-changer!
Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe
- Don’t Overfill: I learned the hard way that too much sausage makes rolling tricky and can cause the pastry to break. Keep logs slim and even for neat rolls.
- Keep Pastry Cold: If your kitchen is warm, pop the pastry back in the fridge for a bit; cold pastry puffs up better and stays flaky.
- Brush Briskly: Quick, even strokes with the egg wash give you that perfect glossy finish without sogginess.
- Use Sharp Knife: A sharp knife makes clean cuts, preventing the pastry from tearing or squishing the sausage filling.
How to Serve Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish these off with a good drizzle of hot honey and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves because it adds color and a fresh burst of aroma. Sometimes I’ll toss a few flaky sea salt crystals on top to amplify the savory-sweet contrast—it’s a little fancy touch that’s super easy.
Side Dishes
These sausage rolls pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to lighten the plate. For brunch, I love serving them alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit—makes for a balanced meal that feels like a treat. They’re also crowd-pleasers with simple change up; for parties, I serve with dips like mustard or even a creamy ranch.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange these sausage rolls on a wooden charcuterie board surrounded by small bowls of hot honey, mustard, and extra herbs. It makes for a colorful and inviting centerpiece that guests can help themselves to. Another fun idea—slice smaller bite-sized pieces and serve with cocktail picks for easy finger food at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sausage rolls keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I always make a double batch so there’s plenty for snacks throughout the week! When you reheat, they taste almost as good as fresh if you’re careful.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these sausage rolls both before and after baking. If freezing raw, freeze them on a tray first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen but add a few minutes to the cooking time. For baked leftovers, cool fully then freeze in a single layer wrapped in foil and stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring back that flaky crispiness, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes instead of the microwave. The microwave makes them soggy, and trust me, you want that crisp puff pastry to shine!
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use sausage meat without casings or remove the casings yourself. Breakfast pork and sage sausage is ideal for its flavor, but any quality sausage you like will work.
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What if I don’t have hot honey—can I substitute something else?
You can make your own by combining honey with a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne powder. Alternatively, a drizzle of honey mixed with a little hot sauce works well. The goal is to have that sweet heat to balance the savory rolls.
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How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Keeping your pastry cold before assembling and baking at a high temperature helps it puff up quickly and stay crisp. Also, avoid overfilling the sausage mixture and make sure to seal the rolls thoroughly with the egg wash.
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Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free puff pastry (many stores carry it now) and replace panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative like crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture might vary slightly but still very tasty.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and comforting at the same time. Whether it’s a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these rolls never fail to make the day a little brighter. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll love the way sweet heat and herbs come together in every flaky bite, and your family or friends will ask for seconds before you know it!
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Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 sausage rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sausage Rolls with Hot Honey and Thyme combine savory breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar, and fresh thyme wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Finished with a drizzle of spicy hot honey and everything bagel seasoning, they make a perfect warm appetizer or snack that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Sausage Roll Filling
- 1 pound breakfast pork and sage sausage, casings removed if necessary
- ½ cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (omit for dairy-free)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg (for the filling)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Pastry & Toppings
- One 17.3 oz 2 pack box puff pastry
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons Everything but the Bagel seasoning
- Nature Nate’s Hot Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Sausage Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the breakfast pork and sage sausage, grated sharp cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and fresh thyme leaves. Mix well until evenly combined for a flavorful filling.
- Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Set aside; this will be used to seal the pastry and give a golden brown finish.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a floured surface, unroll the puff pastry sheets and gently roll to slightly soften and create a large rectangle. Cut each pastry sheet in half lengthwise, resulting in four long strips total.
- Assemble Sausage Rolls: Divide the sausage mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a long log matching the length of the pastry strips. Place one sausage log along the center of each strip. Brush one side of the pastry with Dijon mustard and the other side with egg wash. Roll the pastry tightly around the sausage, using the egg wash to seal the edges. Flip the rolls seam-side down and score small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Cut into Individual Rolls: Cut each long roll into 1½-inch pieces to create individual sausage rolls. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Final Egg Wash and Seasoning: Brush the tops of the sausage rolls with remaining egg wash for a shiny finish and sprinkle with Everything but the Bagel seasoning for added flavor and crunch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the sausage is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then drizzle generously with hot honey and sprinkle additional fresh thyme leaves. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can omit the cheddar cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Make sure to use fresh thyme for the best flavor.
- To ensure even cooking, cut the sausage rolls into uniform sizes.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of hot honey drizzle.
- Serve with extra Dijon mustard or mustard-based dipping sauces if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sausage rolls (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
