Giant vegetarian sausage rolls recipe

Sausage rolls. The name alone conjures images of flaky pastry and savory fillings, a classic snack that’s been a British staple for generations. But as a vegetarian household, we thought sausage rolls were firmly off the menu. That was until I decided to take on the challenge and create a vegetarian version, and not just any version – a giant version! The idea was simple: everything we love about sausage rolls, but bigger, bolder, and totally meat-free. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would they be as satisfying? Would the flavour be there? The answer was a resounding YES! These giant vegetarian ‘sausage’ rolls were an absolute hit. The flaky, golden puff pastry encased a flavourful, herby, and perfectly seasoned vegetarian sausage filling that was so good, even the most skeptical family members were converted. They’re impressive to look at, incredibly satisfying to eat, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re catering for vegetarians, reducing your meat consumption, or simply looking for a delicious and crowd-pleasing snack, these giant vegetarian sausage rolls are the perfect recipe. Get ready to experience a classic treat, reimagined and supersized for maximum flavour and enjoyment!

Ingredients for Epic Giant Vegetarian ‘Sausage’ Rolls

This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients and is easily adaptable based on your preferred vegetarian sausage type and flavour preferences. Quality ingredients, especially the puff pastry, will significantly impact the final result.

For the Savory Vegetarian ‘Sausage’ Filling:

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For sautéing aromatics and vegetables. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor, but any cooking oil will work.
• 1 Large Onion, Finely Chopped: Forms the base of the savory filling. Brown or white onions are suitable.
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Adds pungent flavor. Freshly minced garlic is ideal, but pre-minced garlic can be used.
• 200g (approximately 7 ounces) Vegetarian Sausages (Good Quality, Flavorful Ones): Choose your favorite type of vegetarian sausages. Look for sausages that are flavorful and have a good texture when cooked. Brands like Linda McCartney Red Onion & Rosemary, Beyond Sausage Hot Italian (casings removed), or similar flavorful vegetarian sausages work well. Consider the flavour profile of the sausages as it will heavily influence the final taste of the sausage rolls.
• 100g (approximately 3.5 ounces) Chestnut Mushrooms, Finely Chopped: Adds an earthy, umami flavour and texture to the filling. White button mushrooms can also be used.
• 50g (approximately 1.75 ounces) Breadcrumbs (Panko or Regular): Helps to bind the filling and absorb excess moisture. Panko breadcrumbs offer a coarser texture, while regular breadcrumbs create a finer texture. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free version.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Adds freshness and a herbaceous note. Flat-leaf parsley is preferred for its flavour.
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Leaves, Chopped: Adds a classic savory and slightly lemony flavour that complements sausage rolls perfectly. Dried thyme can be used (about 1 teaspoon), but fresh is preferable.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth of flavour and enhances the savory notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Sage: Provides a traditional sausage flavour element.
• 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg, Ground: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that complements the savory filling.
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Seasons the filling. Adjust to taste throughout the preparation process.
• 1 Egg, Beaten (or 2 tablespoons Milk/Plant-Based Milk for Vegan option): To bind the filling slightly. Egg provides better binding, but milk works for vegan versions.

For the Flaky Puff Pastry:

• 500g (approximately 17.5 ounces) Ready-Made Puff Pastry (All Butter if Possible): Good quality, all-butter puff pastry will provide the best flavour and flakiness. Ensure it is properly chilled before use. Check if your puff pastry is vegetarian (some brands use animal fats). Vegan puff pastry options are also readily available.
• Plain Flour, for dusting: Used for dusting the work surface to prevent the pastry from sticking.

For the Golden Egg Wash and Glaze (Optional):

• 1 Egg, Beaten (or Plant-Based Milk for Vegan Option): For egg wash to create a golden brown and glossy finish. Plant-based milk will provide a less glossy but still golden finish.
• Sesame Seeds or Poppy Seeds (Optional): For sprinkling on top for added texture and visual appeal.

Instructions: Crafting Your Giant Vegetarian ‘Sausage’ Roll Masterpieces

Follow these detailed step-by-step instructions to create impressive and delicious giant vegetarian sausage rolls. Patience and attention to detail, especially with the pastry, will yield the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Savory Vegetarian ‘Sausage’ Filling

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
• Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown too much.
• If using vegetarian sausages with casings, remove the casings. Crumble the vegetarian sausage meat into the skillet with the onions and garlic. If using sausages without casings, simply add the sausage meat to the pan.
• Break up the sausage meat with a spoon and cook until lightly browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Add the finely chopped chestnut mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened and their moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally. This step is important to prevent the filling from becoming too wet.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld and prevents the pastry from melting when the warm filling is added.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled sausage and vegetable mixture with the breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh thyme, Dijon mustard, dried sage, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
• Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined and the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed.
• Add the beaten egg (or milk/plant-based milk) to the filling and mix again to bind the ingredients together. The filling should be moist but not wet and should hold its shape when squeezed gently. Adjust breadcrumbs if the mixture is too wet.
• Taste the filling and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, herbs, or mustard to your preference. Set the filling aside while you prepare the pastry.

Step 2: Assemble the Giant Vegetarian ‘Sausage’ Rolls

• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F, Gas Mark 6). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Lightly dust a clean, cool work surface with plain flour.
• If your puff pastry is frozen, ensure it is fully thawed but still cold. If refrigerated, take it out of the refrigerator just before you are ready to use it to keep it chilled. Cold pastry is easier to work with and will result in flakier sausage rolls.
• Unroll the puff pastry onto the floured surface. Depending on the size of your pastry block, you may need to lightly roll it out further to make it slightly larger and more rectangular. Aim for a rectangle roughly about 12-14 inches wide and 16-18 inches long.
• Cut the pastry rectangle in half lengthwise, creating two long rectangles of pastry.
• Divide the vegetarian sausage filling evenly between the two pastry rectangles.
• Shape each portion of filling into a long sausage shape down the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving a border of about 1-2 inches on all sides.
• Brush one long edge of each pastry rectangle with beaten egg (or plant-based milk). This will act as a glue to seal the pastry.
• Carefully fold one side of the pastry over the filling to meet the egg-washed edge, enclosing the filling completely. Gently press along the sealed edge to secure it.
• Turn the sausage rolls seam-side down.
• Press the edges of the pastry with a fork to crimp and seal them firmly. This not only looks decorative but also helps to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Cut each long sausage roll into your desired size. For giant sausage rolls, aim for about 4-5 large rolls per long pastry roll, resulting in 8-10 giant sausage rolls in total. You can make smaller rolls if preferred, which will increase the yield and reduce baking time slightly.
• Carefully transfer the sausage rolls to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

• Brush the top of each sausage roll generously with beaten egg (or plant-based milk) for a golden brown and glossy finish.
• If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds over the top of the egg-washed pastry for added visual appeal and texture.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up, golden brown, and cooked through, and the filling is heated through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your sausage rolls and your oven.
• Keep an eye on the sausage rolls during baking to ensure the pastry doesn’t burn. If the pastry starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil for the last part of the baking time.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

• Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the giant vegetarian sausage rolls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly further. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.
• Serve warm or at room temperature. Giant vegetarian sausage rolls are delicious served immediately while the pastry is still warm and flaky, but they are also enjoyable at room temperature.
• Serve with your favourite accompaniments and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts for Giant Vegetarian ‘Sausage’ Rolls

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific vegetarian sausages and puff pastry used, as well as serving sizes.)

Servings: Approximately 8-10 giant sausage rolls

Calories per Serving (estimated per giant sausage roll): 400-600 calories (This is a very rough estimate and can vary widely depending on ingredients)

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (estimated, highly variable):

• Protein: 15-20 grams (depending on vegetarian sausage)
• Fat: 25-40 grams (depending on puff pastry and sausage fat content)
• Saturated Fat: 10-20 grams (depending on puff pastry type)
• Cholesterol: Varies depending on egg content and sausage ingredients (Vegetarian sausages often have lower cholesterol than meat sausages)
• Sodium: 500-800 mg (can vary significantly depending on sausage and puff pastry)
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
• Fiber: 3-5 grams

These giant vegetarian sausage rolls are a more indulgent treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The nutritional content can be influenced by choosing lower-fat puff pastry and leaner vegetarian sausages.

Preparation Time for Giant Vegetarian ‘Sausage’ Rolls

• Prep Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes (includes chopping vegetables, making filling, assembling sausage rolls)
• Cook Time: Approximately 25-35 minutes (baking time)
• Cooling Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 50 minutes

While the preparation time is slightly longer due to making the filling from scratch and assembling the giant rolls, the process is straightforward and the delicious results are well worth the effort.

How to Serve Giant Vegetarian ‘Sausage’ Rolls

Giant vegetarian sausage rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, making them perfect for different occasions.

• Classic Snack or Appetizer:
  • On their own: Serve warm or at room temperature as a satisfying snack or appetizer.
  • With Dips: Offer a selection of dipping sauces like:
    • Ketchup: A classic pairing.
    • Brown Sauce: A traditional British accompaniment.
    • Mustard (Dijon, English, Honey Mustard): Adds a tangy and spicy kick.
    • Chutney (Mango, Apple): Provides a sweet and fruity contrast.
    • Sweet Chilli Sauce: For a sweet and spicy option.
    • Vegetarian Gravy: For a richer, more substantial dipping option.
• Part of a Buffet or Picnic:
  • Cold or Warm: They are delicious served cold at picnics or as part of a buffet spread.
  • Finger Food: Easy to eat with your hands, making them ideal for gatherings.
  • Transportable: They travel well, making them great for taking to potlucks or outdoor events.
• Light Meal or Lunch:
  • With Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad or a more substantial salad like coleslaw or potato salad for a light lunch or meal.
  • Soup and Sausage Rolls: Pair with a bowl of hearty soup, such as tomato soup, vegetable soup, or lentil soup, for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Party Food Centrepiece:
  • Impressive Presentation: Giant sausage rolls are visually impressive and make a statement on a party platter.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: They are generally loved by both vegetarians and meat-eaters, making them a safe bet for parties.
  • Cut into Smaller Portions: For parties, you can cut the giant rolls into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier serving and sharing.
• Serving Occasions:
  • Parties and Gatherings: Perfect for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, game day, and casual get-togethers.
  • Picnics and Outdoor Events: Ideal for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor concerts.
  • Snack Time: A satisfying and flavorful snack for any time of day.
  • Lunch or Light Dinner: Can be served as a light meal option.

Additional Tips for Perfect Giant Vegetarian ‘Sausage’ Rolls

Here are five essential tips to ensure your giant vegetarian sausage rolls are a resounding success every time:

• 1. Keep Your Puff Pastry Cold: Working with cold puff pastry is crucial for achieving flaky layers. If your pastry becomes too warm and soft, it will be sticky and difficult to handle, and the resulting sausage rolls may not puff up as well. If the pastry starts to get too soft while you are working with it, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
• 2. Don’t Overfill the Pastry: While these are giant sausage rolls, avoid overfilling them. Overfilling can cause the pastry to burst during baking, and the filling may leak out. Ensure you leave a good border of pastry around the filling to seal them properly.
• 3. Score the Pastry (Optional but Recommended): Before baking, you can lightly score the top of the pastry with a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. This not only looks decorative but also helps to control the puffing of the pastry and prevents it from bursting unevenly. Make shallow diagonal or parallel cuts along the top of each roll.
• 4. Bake at the Right Temperature: Baking at a high temperature (200°C/400°F) is essential for puff pastry to rise properly and become golden brown and flaky. Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before placing the sausage rolls inside.
• 5. Let Them Rest Slightly Before Serving: Allowing the sausage rolls to cool slightly on the baking sheet and then on a wire rack after baking is important. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy and allows the pastry to set slightly, making them easier to handle and slice.

FAQ About Giant Vegetarian ‘Sausage’ Rolls

Q1: Can I make these sausage rolls vegan?

A: Yes, you can easily make these giant sausage rolls vegan! Ensure you use vegan puff pastry (many brands are naturally vegan, but always check the ingredients). For the filling, choose vegan vegetarian sausages. Instead of the egg in the filling, use 2 tablespoons of plant-based milk or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). For the egg wash, use plant-based milk (soy, oat, almond) for brushing the pastry before baking.

Q2: Can I prepare these sausage rolls ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the sausage rolls ahead of time in several ways:
* Make the filling ahead: The vegetarian sausage filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the sausage rolls just before baking.
* Assemble ahead and refrigerate: You can assemble the uncooked sausage rolls completely, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake them directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
* Freeze uncooked sausage rolls: Assemble the uncooked sausage rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time, and ensuring they are cooked through and golden brown.

Q3: Can I use different vegetables in the filling?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetable filling to your liking. Other vegetables that would work well include:
* Finely diced carrots and celery: For added sweetness and savory notes (similar to this recipe).
* Leeks, finely sliced and sautéed: For a milder onion flavour.
* Spinach, wilted and chopped: For added nutrients and a different texture.
* Roasted red peppers, finely diced: For sweetness and smoky flavour.
* Sweetcorn kernels: For sweetness and pops of texture.

Q4: What if I can’t find vegetarian sausages I like? Can I make the filling from scratch without sausages?

A: Yes, you can make a sausage roll filling from scratch without using pre-made vegetarian sausages. You can create a flavourful base using ingredients like lentils, beans, nuts, or mushrooms, combined with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices to mimic a sausage flavour. Search online for “vegetarian sausage roll filling recipes from scratch” for numerous options and inspiration. You’ll need to ensure the filling is well-seasoned to achieve that signature sausage roll taste.

Q5: How long will leftover sausage rolls last?

A: Leftover baked giant vegetarian sausage rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving. They may lose some of their crispness upon reheating, but they will still be delicious. They are best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days of baking.

Enjoy creating and sharing these impressive giant vegetarian ‘sausage’ rolls! They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy a vegetarian twist on a classic favourite.

Print