If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s both savory and a little bit sweet, you’re in for a real delight with this Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe. I absolutely love how these crispy puff pastry rolls come together with juicy, herbed turkey and that punch of tangy cranberry sauce. Whether you’re prepping snacks for a party or a cozy lunch, these sausage rolls are sure to become a fast favorite — I promise, once you make these, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Mixing turkey mince with simple herbs and wrapping in puff pastry is straightforward and perfect for all skill levels.
- Festive Flavors: The cranberry sauce adds a beautiful tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory turkey.
- Perfect for Entertaining: These sausage rolls make excellent finger food at holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
- Healthy Twist: Using turkey mince keeps them lighter and leaner than traditional pork sausage rolls without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. When shopping, I always look for good-quality turkey mince and the freshest puff pastry I can find — it really makes a difference!
- Turkey Mince: Ground turkey is lean and mild, perfect for melding with herbs and cranberry sweetness.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: Fresh herbs always add a vibrant flavor punch compared to dried versions.
- Sea Salt: Use sea salt for a cleaner, more refined seasoning.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper gives a subtle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, savory depth without the hassle of fresh garlic.
- Ready Rolled Puff Pastry: Make sure it’s thawed but still cold for easy handling and best flakiness.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tangy spread is the secret star here — homemade or store-bought both work fine.
- Milk: Brushing the pastry with milk helps it brown beautifully and get that gorgeous golden finish.
- Spray Oil: To help the sausage rolls bake evenly without sticking, a light spray coat on the baking trays is key.
Variations
I like to mix things up depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. This Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe is super versatile, so don’t hesitate to improvise — you might discover a new favorite twist!
- Herb Swap: Sometimes I add rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a more earthy, traditional holiday vibe. It’s lovely!
- Cheese Addition: My family loves a sprinkle of shredded cheddar inside the roll before baking — it adds a rich creaminess.
- Vegetarian Version: Try a lentil or mushroom mince substitute with cranberry sauce for a meat-free alternative that still packs flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add a pinch of chili flakes into the turkey mixture for a subtle but welcome spice.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Turkey and Seasonings
I find using my hands to mix the turkey mince with fresh thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder is the easiest and most even way to season. Plus, it gives you a chance to really feel the texture and ensure everything is well incorporated. Don’t overmix though — you want your filling juicy, not dense.
Step 2: Prep the Puff Pastry and Spread Cranberry
Once your pastry is rolled out, cut it in half lengthwise. I like to spread the cranberry sauce right down the center of each strip so every bite has that lovely tang. Use just enough to cover but not overwhelm the pastry, or it might get soggy.
Step 3: Shape and Roll the Sausage Rolls
Roll the turkey into two long sausage shapes — think of it like shaping logs — then set them right on top of the cranberry on the puff pastry. Brush a thin line of milk along one edge, then carefully roll the pastry underneath and over the turkey, sealing it along the bottom. This takes a little practice but trust me, it’s worth it for that neat finish.
Step 4: Cut, Prepare, and Bake
Cut each long roll into smaller pieces—about 8 per strip usually works well. Spray your baking trays with oil and arrange the sausage rolls spaced out. Give each one a brush of milk and use scissors to snip a few cuts on top — this helps the steam escape and creates that irresistible puffed, crispy look.
Bake at 190ºC in a fan-assisted oven (or 210ºC non-fan) for 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the pastry is a gorgeous golden brown and crispy, and the turkey filling feels firm but juicy when you give it a gentle squeeze.
Pro Tips for Making Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Keep Pastry Cold: I always keep the puff pastry cold until the last moment—it’s key to flaky results and easy rolling.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much cranberry or turkey, and you risk soggy pastry or exploding sausage rolls—less is definitely more here.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme brightens the flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, dried works too—just use less!
- Cool on a Rack: Let your sausage rolls cool on a wire rack so the bottoms don’t get soggy from steam.
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe

Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt right after brushing them with milk before baking—it adds a subtle crunch and a punch of flavor. Fresh thyme sprigs on the side make for an inviting presentation and hint at what’s inside.
Side Dishes
These sausage rolls go wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted root veggies to keep things light. When I serve them at parties, a bowl of mustard dip or aioli never fails to impress guests as a delicious accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I like slicing the sausage rolls a bit smaller and serving them on a decorative platter lined with fresh rosemary or bay leaves for a festive touch. Wrapping some in parchment paper tied with twine also makes an adorable grab-and-go snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, I let the sausage rolls cool completely, then store them airtight in the fridge. They keep beautifully for up to 3 days—perfect for packing into lunches or for a quick snack.
Freezing
I often freeze the sausage rolls before baking — just shape and cut them, place on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want them, pop them straight into the oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This trick means you always have homemade snacks ready to go!
Reheating
To reheat, I find warming them in the oven at 180ºC for 8–10 minutes brings back that fresh-baked crispiness; microwaving tends to make the pastry a bit soggy, so oven reheating is my go-to.
FAQs
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Can I use regular pork sausage mince instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Pork sausage mince will work well and give a richer flavor and juiciness. Just remember you might want to reduce or skip some added seasoning since pork sausage often comes pre-seasoned.
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What type of cranberry sauce is best for this recipe?
I usually use good-quality store-bought cranberry sauce, but homemade works beautifully too. Just avoid sauces that are overly chunky or runny — you want something spreadable that stays in place without soaking the pastry.
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Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Yes! You can prepare and roll the sausage rolls up to a day ahead, keep them refrigerated, and then bake them fresh just before serving. Alternatively, freeze them unbaked and then bake straight from the freezer for effortless entertaining.
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Are these sausage rolls suitable for kids?
Definitely! The mild turkey and sweet cranberry pairing is generally a big hit with kids, especially when cut into smaller, manageable pieces.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe feels like a cozy celebration on your plate. It’s become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want that comforting homemade feel with a festive twist. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as my family and I do—they truly bring everyone together with their irresistible flavor and flakey texture. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making these your new holiday classic!
Print
Turkey Cranberry Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 sausage rolls
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls combine lean turkey mince with fragrant thyme and sweet cranberry sauce wrapped in crispy puff pastry, making for a festive and delicious snack or light meal. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a tasty, easy-to-make treat with the flavors of Christmas.
Ingredients
Turkey Mixture
- 500 g turkey mince
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Other
- 375 g ready rolled puff pastry (1 pack)
- 130 g cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)
- Spray oil (for greasing trays)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190ºC (fan assisted) or 210ºC (non fan) to prepare for baking the sausage rolls.
- Prepare Turkey Filling: In a large bowl, add the turkey mince along with thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly using your hands to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed through the meat.
- Prepare Pastry: Unroll the ready rolled puff pastry and cut it lengthwise into two equal strips. Spread half the cranberry sauce down the middle of each pastry strip.
- Form Sausage Shapes: Shape the seasoned turkey mince into two long sausage shapes and place each on top of the cranberry sauce along the center of each pastry strip.
- Seal Pastry: Brush one long edge of each pastry strip with milk. Roll the pastry over the turkey mince tightly, starting from the edge closest to you, then roll over so the sealed edge is underneath.
- Cut into Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut each long roll into individual sausage rolls approximately of equal size to yield about 16 pieces in total.
- Prepare Baking Trays: Spray two baking trays with oil, place the sausage rolls spaced apart on the trays. Brush each sausage roll with milk to aid browning.
- Score Pastry Tops: Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, make roughly three small cuts on the top of each sausage roll to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake: Bake the sausage rolls in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and transfer sausage rolls immediately to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Crispy puff pastry wrapped around flavorful turkey and sweet cranberry makes a delightful festive treat.
- Great for light lunches, snacks, or to serve at parties as finger food.
- Easy to prepare and once made, they’re sure to be requested again and again during the holidays.
- Use a sharp knife or scissors to score the pastry tops to help steam escape and ensure even baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage roll
- Calories: 173 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 23 mg

