Sausage Rolls

My Mom's Famous Sausage Rolls: A Quick and Easy Breakfast Treat

As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick and easy breakfast options that the whole family will enjoy. This recipe for sausage rolls is a lifesaver! It’s a slightly adapted version of my own mom's classic roll dough recipe, one I've cherished and tweaked over the years to perfectly suit our family's busy mornings.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The dough comes together quickly, requiring minimal effort and ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The addition of savory sausage elevates these rolls from a simple breakfast bread to something truly special. They're perfect for grabbing on the go, packing for lunchboxes, or enjoying with a hearty country gravy on a lazy weekend morning. The aroma alone is enough to wake up even the sleepiest of teenagers!

My kids absolutely adore these sausage rolls. They're far healthier than many store-bought options, and I love knowing exactly what goes into them. No artificial flavors, preservatives, or questionable ingredients here—just wholesome goodness in every bite. And let's be honest, the satisfaction of making something so delicious from scratch is an added bonus. It's a recipe that brings a sense of comfort and home, a connection to my childhood memories baking with my mom. The process itself is almost therapeutic, a brief respite from the chaos of daily life.

Tips and Variations:

I've experimented with this recipe over the years, and here are a few tips to ensure perfectly golden, fluffy sausage rolls:

• Don't skip the second rise: Allowing the rolls to rise properly after shaping is key to achieving a light and airy texture.
• Use quality sausage: The flavor of the sausage really shines through in this recipe, so opt for a good quality, flavorful sausage. I personally love using sage sausage, but feel free to experiment with other varieties.
• Brush with butter: Brushing the baked rolls with melted butter helps to keep the crust soft and adds a lovely sheen.
• Get creative with fillings: While I love the classic sage sausage, you can easily customize these rolls with different fillings, such as cheese, ham, or even spinach and feta.
• Make ahead: These sausage rolls freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option for busy mornings.

Beyond breakfast, these sausage rolls are surprisingly versatile. They’re a fantastic addition to brunch, a delightful snack for a game day gathering, or a comforting side dish to a hearty soup or stew. Their adaptability makes them a welcome addition to any meal, any occasion.

So, next time you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious breakfast or snack, give these sausage rolls a try. You won't be disappointed! The recipe is straightforward, the result is immensely satisfying, and the memories you create in the kitchen will be priceless. It's a taste of home, a touch of tradition, and a whole lot of deliciousness, all rolled into one.

Ingredients you'll need: (The exact measurements can be found in the original recipe).

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Shortening
• Egg
• Milk
• Rapid-rise yeast
• Water
• Butter
• Cooked sausage

Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Combine yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Stir and set aside for 5 minutes.
• In a large mixing bowl, coat with cooking spray and set aside.
• In a medium-size mixing bowl, add flour, sugar, and salt; mix well with a whisk. Add the shortening and cut it in with a pastry cutter. Add the yeast and stir well. Add the egg and milk; stir.
• Place dough onto a floured countertop and sprinkle with flour. Knead until smooth and elastic like (bounces back when pinched), about 3 minutes. Add flour as needed.
• Place the dough into the large mixing bowl coated with cooking spray. Spray a coat of cooking spray onto the top of the dough. Cover the bowl lightly with a sheet of plastic wrap and then top it with a light dish towel. Place the bowl in a warm dry area and let it rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until doubled.
• Place the dough onto a floured countertop and lightly knead once more to remove air bubbles. Roll out into a rectangle. Coat with 1/2 cup softened butter. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the butter. Roll into a log and slice into 1" rolls.
• Place each roll onto a sheet pan covered with parchment paper, about 2" apart. Let them stand and rise for about 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from oven and brush with a coat of the melted butter to keep the crust soft.
• Cool completely and store in an airtight container.