If you love the idea of classic sausage rolls but crave a little kick of sweetness and spice, then you’re going to adore this Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe. It’s one of those fan-freaking-tastic snacks that perfectly balances savory sausage, flaky puff pastry, and a drizzle of hot honey that makes every bite sing. I’ve made these countless times and each batch disappears in a flash—seriously, you’ll want to keep some extras hidden away!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Sweet and Spicy Combo: The hot honey drizzle gives a surprising, addictive kick that elevates these sausage rolls beyond the ordinary.
- Herby Freshness: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aromatic layer that pairs beautifully with the savory sausage and sharp cheddar.
- Perfectly Flaky Puff Pastry: Using puff pastry keeps things light and flaky, making the sausage rolls irresistible and easy to handle.
- Simple to Make: With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, it’s a fantastic recipe for cooks of any level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The combination of juicy breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar, and fresh thyme is pure magic here, with breadcrumbs to help bind everything just right. Remember, using good quality puff pastry really makes a difference, so grab a fresh or well-frozen one from the store.
- Breakfast pork and sage sausage: I prefer fresh from the butcher if possible — the sage adds such a nice earthy flavor that complements the thyme.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Opt for freshly grated cheese for the best melt and punch of flavor; you can skip it if you want dairy-free.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These give structure without getting soggy, which keeps your sausage rolls perfectly tender.
- Eggs: Divided for both binding the filling and brushing the pastry to get that golden finish.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and acts as a sticky layer to seal the pastry gently.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Don’t underestimate the power of this herb — it brightens everything up.
- Puff pastry sheets: I use the two-pack size for convenience—just make sure it’s thawed before rolling.
- Everything but the Bagel seasoning: This adds an extra savory crunch on top, making these rolls next-level delicious.
- Hot honey: My secret weapon—Nature Nate’s is my go-to brand. It brings lovely heat balanced with natural sweetness.
Variations
I like to mix things up depending on the occasion or what’s in my fridge. This Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe is super versatile — don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors and textures!
- Cheese-Free: If you’re dairy-free or just avoiding cheese, omit the cheddar and add an extra pinch of fresh herbs or a bit of smoked paprika for depth.
- Spicy Boost: I once added finely chopped fresh jalapeños to the sausage mixture for a fiery version that my spice-loving friends devoured!
- Different Herbs: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage if you want to experiment with different herb profiles — both work beautifully.
- Sweet Variation: Drizzle with maple syrup instead of hot honey for a milder sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory sausage.
How to Make Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Flavorful Sausage Filling
Start by combining the breakfast pork and sage sausage with sharp cheddar, panko breadcrumbs, one egg, and fresh thyme in a bowl. I always mix gently by hand so the mixture stays tender and doesn’t get too dense. Make sure everything is evenly combined so every bite has a balanced flavor.
Step 2: Prep the Puff Pastry and Egg Wash
On a floured surface, unroll your thawed puff pastry and gently roll it out just a bit to soften it—this helps when you wrap it later on. Cut each sheet into two long strips. Meanwhile, whisk the remaining egg with a tablespoon of water to create your egg wash — this will give those sausage rolls their irresistible golden hue.
Step 3: Assemble the Sausage Rolls like a Pro
Divide your sausage mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a sausage log that’s as long as your pastry strips. Place one log down the center of each pastry strip, then brush one side with Dijon mustard and the other with egg wash before rolling tightly. Use the egg wash as glue to seal the edges well — trust me, you don’t want these opening up mid-bake! Flip each roll seam side down on your parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Score, Slice, and Season
Score some small slits on top to help steam escape, then cut each long roll into 1½-inch sausage roll sections. Brush the tops with more egg wash and sprinkle everything but the bagel seasoning generously for that extra crunch and flavor boost.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 18-20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the sausage is cooked through. You’ll want to check for a nice even color and that delicious aroma filling your kitchen — that’s your cue they’re ready.
Step 6: Final Touch—Drizzle with Hot Honey
Once the sausage rolls are slightly cooled but still warm, drizzle them generously with hot honey and sprinkle a little extra fresh thyme on top. The sweet heat combined with fresh herb aroma makes these rolls seriously addictive — I always have to stop myself from eating the whole batch!
Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe
- Don’t Overfill: I learned early on that too much sausage makes rolling tricky and pastry prone to splitting; keep your sausage logs nice and skinny for easy wrapping.
- Egg Wash Twice: Brushing the pastry twice—once before rolling and again after cutting—helps seal edges and gives a beautiful sheen.
- Chill if Needed: If your kitchen’s warm, pop the sausage logs in the fridge before rolling to keep the pastry firm and prevent melting sausage.
- Use Parchment Paper: Baking directly on a greased sheet can cause stickiness; parchment keeps rolls intact and cleaning effortless.
How to Serve Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe
Garnishes
I love fresh thyme sprigs on top, not just for looks but because the extra herbal aroma is just so inviting. A light drizzle of more hot honey at serving time amps up the flavor and heat, especially if you like things spicy.
Side Dishes
These hot honey sausage rolls pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or even a bowl of spicy tomato soup—comfort food that’s elevated. For brunch, I like them alongside scrambled eggs and roasted tomatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve served these at parties, I like to space them on a large wooden board with small bowls of different dipping sauces like extra hot honey, grainy mustard, or even a tangy yogurt dip. It turns a simple snack into a fun sharing platter everyone wants to dig into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating in the oven to keep the pastry crisp instead of using the microwave, which can make it soggy.
Freezing
These sausage rolls freeze really well. I like to assemble them fully, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes for cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. This brings back the pastry’s crispiness and warms the sausage evenly without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect flaky texture.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While breakfast pork and sage sausage works wonderfully, you can swap in other sausages like Italian, chorizo, or even chicken sausage to change the flavor profile. Just make sure the sausage is uncooked and removed from casings for easy mixing.
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What can I use if I don’t have everything but the bagel seasoning?
If you’re missing that seasoning, try a pinch of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and a little flaky sea salt as a homemade alternative. It won’t be exactly the same, but it captures that nutty, garlicky flavor well.
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How spicy is the hot honey drizzle?
Hot honey generally has a gentle warm heat that builds gradually—it’s not overwhelmingly spicy but adds a lovely zesty sweetness. If you prefer more heat, you can drizzle more or serve extra on the side.
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Can I make these sausage rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and assemble the sausage rolls, then refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. This makes them great for entertaining. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe manages to feel both indulgent and fresh—perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The hit of hot honey might sound exotic, but trust me, it’s so simple to pull off and becomes your new favorite topping. Give it a try next time you want a snack that’s bursting with flavor and flaky goodness—I promise your friends and family will be begging you for the recipe!
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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 are a savory and sweet twist on the classic snack. Made with spiced breakfast pork and sage sausage, sharp cheddar, and fresh thyme wrapped in flaky puff pastry, then baked to golden perfection and finished with a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey. Ideal for parties, brunch, or an indulgent appetizer.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 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 sausage mixture)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves plus extra for garnish
Pastry and Seasoning
- One 17.3 oz 2 pack box puff pastry
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 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 ensure the pastry does not stick and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Sausage Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the pork and sage sausage, grated cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and fresh thyme leaves. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg and 1 tablespoon of water until well blended. Set this aside for later use as a sealing and glazing agent.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Unroll one sheet of puff pastry on a floured surface. Lightly roll it out to soften and create a large rectangle. Cut the pastry in half lengthwise into two long strips. Repeat with the second sheet so you have four equal long strips total.
- Assemble the Sausage Rolls: Divide the sausage mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a long sausage log. Place each log lengthwise along the center of each puff pastry strip. Brush one side of each pastry strip with Dijon mustard, then brush the other side with egg wash. Carefully roll the pastry around the sausage logs, using the egg wash as glue to seal the edges. Flip so the seam is on the bottom to secure it closed. Score small slits into the top of each roll and cut into 1½-inch individual sausage rolls.
- Brush with Egg Wash and Season: Arrange the sausage rolls seam-side down on the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with Everything but the Bagel seasoning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed, and the sausage is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
- Serve: Allow the sausage rolls to cool slightly on a wire rack. Drizzle each warm roll with hot honey and garnish with extra fresh thyme. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, savory, and flaky flavors.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheddar cheese.
- You can substitute the pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage if preferred.
- Use fresh thyme for the best herb flavor; dried can be substituted but use less.
- Ensure the puff pastry is adequately chilled before rolling for best results.
- Hot honey adds a sweet heat; adjust quantity based on spice tolerance.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer for best texture retention.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sausage rolls (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 85mg