Perfect Homemade Sausage Rolls: A Copas Farm Shop Favourite

When it comes to irresistible homemade bakes, few things can rival a tray of freshly baked sausage rolls. The buttery pastry, savoury filling, and that satisfying crunch with every bite,  it’s no wonder they’re such a crowd-pleaser. Using good-quality beef mince makes all the difference, and the Copas Beef Mince Box is a great choice if you like to keep the freezer stocked with reliable, flavourful meat.

Why Quality Mince Matters

The secret to sausage rolls that taste as good as they look is simple: start with the best mince you can get your hands on. Well-aged beef has a richness that brings depth to the filling, while pasture-reared meat tends to give a cleaner, more rounded flavour. With that as your base, all you need is a few store cupboard staples and some decent pastry to get baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a basic list (enough for about 12–16 medium sausage rolls):

• 500g high-quality beef mince
• Puff pastry (for flaky layers) or shortcrust (for a sturdier bite)
• Onion, finely chopped
• 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
• A handful of breadcrumbs or a slice of soaked stale bread
• 1 egg (half for the mixture, half for egg wash)
• Fresh herbs like thyme or sage
• Salt & pepper
• Optional extras: a little mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chilli flakes, or grated cheese

Step-by-Step: Making the Perfect Sausage Rolls

1. Mix the filling
   Combine mince, onion, garlic, herbs, breadcrumbs, half the egg, and seasonings. Mix lightly — too much handling can toughen the meat.
2. Check your seasoning
   Fry a tiny spoonful of the mixture in a pan and taste it. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
3. Shape and wrap
   Roll out pastry to about 3–4mm thick. Place a log of filling along one edge, brush with egg to seal, then roll up neatly.

Can I use frozen pastry? If you are short on time or just don't enjoy making pastry, frozen puff pastry is still great for this recipe — just make sure to thaw it according to the packet instructions. Chilled pastry just gives a little more rise and flakiness.

1. Cut and glaze
   Slice into even rolls. Brush the tops with the remaining egg for a golden finish. Seeds on top are a nice extra touch.
2. Bake
   Pop them into a hot oven — about 200°C (180°C fan) — for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Cool (just a little!)
   Leave them for a few minutes after baking so the pastry stays crisp and the filling settles.

Can I make sausage rolls ahead of time? If you want to make these ahead of time, you can assemble the sausage rolls and freeze them unbaked. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, or bake in advance and reheat gently before serving.

A Few Extra Tips

• Chill your pastry before baking for a flakier result.
• Add a teaspoon of mustard or Worcestershire sauce for a subtle kick.
• Sausage rolls freeze brilliantly — bake from frozen with just a few extra minutes in the oven.

Why You’ll Make Them Again

Once you’ve tried making your own sausage rolls, it’s hard to go back to shop-bought. With crisp pastry, a juicy filling, and the freedom to season them just the way you like, they’re a recipe worth repeating. Best of all, they’re simple enough to make whenever the craving strikes.

These these firm Copas Farm Shop favourites!