Sausage Rolls are classic British fare that are as versatile as they are easy to make. You can serve them hot or cold, in small pieces as an appetizer or a quick snack, or in a big roll for lunch, brunch, or a main course.
In addition, the unbaked sausage rolls can be frozen for later use. Also, the cooked sausage rolls can be refrigerated and reheated at a later time.
Regardless of how you serve this classic British sausage roll, you’re in for a real treat.[feast_advanced_jump_to]
The key to a good sausage roll is good savory pork sausage. British sausage tends to be different from American sausage in several ways.
First, British sausage often has a bread crumb or rusk filler, while its American counterpart doesn’t. Also, British sausage tends to have a finer grind and consistency than American sausage.
The sausage roll – a quintessential British snack consisting of sausage meat baked in pastry – enjoys great popularity in the UK and other Commonwealth nations. However, this savory treat remains relatively obscure in the United States. So what do Americans call this beloved meaty pastry? The answer may surprise you.
A Tale of Two Treats
While Americans don’t use the term “sausage roll,” they do enjoy a similar sausage-filled snack. In the US, bite-sized sausages wrapped in pastry are known as “pigs in a blanket.” This whimsical name refers to the visual similarity between the dough-wrapped sausages and blanketed piglets.
Despite the different names, some key differences exist between British sausage rolls and American pigs in blankets. Traditional sausage rolls consist of spiced sausage meat hand-rolled into puff pastry. Pigs in blankets feature tiny cocktail franks or mini smoked sausages wrapped in pre-made dough, like crescent roll dough or biscuit dough. The dough lends a slightly sweeter flavor versus traditional savory shortcrust pastry.
Regional Variations Abound
While “pigs in a blanket” is the most common national term, regional variations on the name exist too. In parts of the South and Midwest, sausage rolls go by the Czech name “kolache” (also spelled klobasnek or kolacky). This nod to the Czech immigrants who popularized the dish reflects the ethnic influences on American food culture.
Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Dutch have their own version called “pigs in the blanket.” Fun fact these actually contain scrapple in addition to sausage wrapped in dough. As you can see the name for sausage rolls in America depends largely on where you live and local culinary tradition.
Sausage Rolls by Any Other Name…
Regardless of regional names, Americans do enjoy dough-wrapped sausages, whether called pigs in blankets, kolaches or something else entirely. These convenient, bite-sized treats often appear at potlucks, holiday parties, and other social gatherings. They strike the perfect balance of savory sausage and soft, pillowy dough.
While the British may prefer a hand-rolled sausage in flaky pastry, Americans opt for easy prep processed sausages in refrigerated dough At the end of the day, both variations satisfy cravings for the satisfying combination of meat and pastry.
A Melting Pot of Food Culture
The different versions of sausage rolls found in America provide insight into the diversity of influences that shape American food culture. Immigrant groups from around the world brought their recipes and terminology, which blended with existing food traditions. America’s unique food landscape owes much to these varied cultural impacts.
As a nation of immigrants, the US features a dynamic mix of global food influences. So while the sausage roll is not as ubiquitous as in the UK, America has embraced its own pork-filled pastries. The popularity of dishes like pigs in blankets and kolaches proves the versatility of the classic sausage and dough combo. By any name, rolled up sausage baked in pastry remains finger-licking good.
A Sausage Roll by Any Other Name…
While Americans may not use the term “sausage roll,” they enjoy similar treats with endless regional variations. Here are some of the unique names for sausage rolls across the US:
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Pigs in a Blanket – The most common national name, these use small sausages in refrigerated crescent roll dough.
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Kolaches – A Texan treat using sausage wrapped in a sweet dough, from Czech immigrants.
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Pigs in the Blanket – A Pennsylvania Dutch version with scrapple and sausage in dough.
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Klobasneks – The Czech version of kolaches popular in the Midwest.
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Sausage Bundles – A simple descriptive name used primarily in the Midwest.
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Sausage Roll-ups – Popular on the East Coast, denoting the rolled shape.
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Breakfast Roll-ups – Used in some regions to highlight it as a breakfast food.
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Lil’ Piggies – A cute variation popular at children’s parties.
No matter what you call them, dough-wrapped sausages have become an American favorite!
Tips for Making Sausage Rolls
To make delicious sausage rolls at home, follow these simple tips:
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Use high-quality sausage with a meat to fat ratio of 80:20 for the best flavor. Breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or bratwurst work nicely.
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Season the sausage with spices like sage, pepper, garlic, and thyme before wrapping in dough.
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Chill the wrapped sausage rolls before baking so the dough firms up. This helps them hold their shape better.
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Brush the tops with egg wash or milk for a glossy sheen and enhanced browning.
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Bake at 400°F on a parchment lined baking sheet until golden brown, about 18-22 minutes.
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Let the sausage rolls rest 5 minutes before serving so the filling can firm up.
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Slice each sausage roll and serve warm alongside mustard, ketchup, or other dipping sauces.
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For a fun spin, wrap sausages in cinnamon roll dough and top with icing after baking. Delicious!
Now that you know what sausage rolls are called in America, it’s time to start enjoying these mighty meaty treats. Just be prepared for the sausage vs. dough debate to start up – which component reigns supreme?
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Here’s How I Made the Sausage
- I put ground pork, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, dried sage, nutmeg, mace, and water in the bowl of my food processor with a steel blade to make the sausage. The easiest way for me to make the sausage is with a food processor.
- I processed the sausage mixture for about 20 seconds. It tasted good, so I took a small piece, microwaved it for about 20 seconds, and saw if it needed more seasoning. The Master Taste Tester said that it was perfect!.
Next, I continued processing the mixture for another 30 seconds, until it reached the proper consistency. If the mixture seemed too dry, I could have added a little water.
See how finely ground it is – almost like a pâté, which is how we like it.
That’s it – British sausage with the food processor doing all the work!
Experimentation for the Perfect British Sausage
Over time, I’ve experimented with trying to replicate British sausage. I think that I finally have a winner that’s super easy to make and absolutely delicious!.
Initially, I made the British sausage by using a combination of bulk American sausage and ground pork. I used the recipe I made with American sausage and ground pork when I wrote about British sausage rolls for the first time on my blog in 2017.
Over time, though, I kept trying new things until I finally decided to leave out the American sausage and make the sausage filling with only ground pork and spices.
This post is updated to include the British sausage made without adding any American sausage. I’ve also added better photos, text, and a Web Story that shows how I make my own sausage and these tasty sausage rolls.
If you’re still interested, my original recipe from 2017 that used both American and British sausages had the following in it:
- 1 pound (16 ounces, 454 grams) of ground pork
- ½ pound (8 ounces, 227 grams) hot bulk sausage
- ½ cup (2.65 ounces, 75 grams) dry bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup (2.65 ounces, 75 grams) of water
- 1 ½ teaspoons (0.35 ounces, 10 grams) Kosher salt
- 2 Tablespoons (0.25 ounces, 7 grams) fresh sage, chopped
When Dad tries to find a sausage roll…in America
FAQ
What is the American version of sausage rolls?
What is another name for a sausage roll?
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pasties
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pastry
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pie
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turnovers
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meat pies
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Cornish pasties
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Do they sell sausage rolls in America?
What do you call sausage in a roll?
What is a sausage roll?
A sausage roll is a savoury dish, popular in current and former Commonwealth nations, consisting of sausage meat wrapped in puff pastry. Although variations are known throughout Europe and in other regions, the sausage roll is most closely associated with British cuisine.
What is a California roll?
California roll is a type of inside-out sushi roll in which vinegared rice forms the outside of the roll, usually encompassing cucumber, crab and avocado.
Where did sausage rolls come from?
Sausage rolls have been a beloved snack for centuries, with their origins traced back to Western Europe. The concept of wrapping seasoned meat in pastry has been a part of culinary traditions in various cultures, but the modern sausage roll as we know it today is commonly associated with British cuisine.
Are there different types of sausage rolls?
Yes, there are variations of sausage rolls in different cuisines. For example, in British cuisine, sausage rolls are commonly made with pork sausage meat, while in Australian cuisine, they often include a combination of pork and beef. Can sausage rolls be made with alternative ingredients for dietary restrictions?