Can You Deep Fry Sausage Rolls? Everything You Need to Know

Sausage rolls are a beloved snack around the world. These savory pastries, filled with seasoned sausage meat are perfect for an easy appetizer or meal on-the-go. But can you take them up a notch by deep frying them for an extra crispy, golden exterior? Let’s explore the ins and outs of deep frying sausage rolls.

What are Sausage Rolls?

A sausage roll consists of a casing of pastry dough wrapped around a sausage meat filling. The classic dough is flaky puff pastry, but other doughs like shortcrust or bread dough work too. The sausage filling contains ground pork or other meats, seasoned with herbs and spices. Common flavors include pork and sage, pork and apple, and spicy Italian style.

To make them, the dough is rolled flat the sausage filling is placed down the center, then the dough is rolled up around the filling into a log shape and sealed. Slices are cut on an angle to reveal the coiled filling inside. Sausage rolls can be baked, fried, or grilled before serving.

Why Deep Fry Sausage Rolls?

While sausage rolls are delicious baked in the oven, deep frying takes them to the next level of texture and flavor. Frying yields a super crispy, crunchy exterior that you just can’t achieve from baking alone. The high heat of the oil also intensifies flavor and colors the outside to a beautiful golden brown.

Deep fried sausage rolls are popular at festivals, fairs, and pubs because they make an easy, portable, crowd-pleasing snack. The crispy exterior and warm, savory interior is highly craveable.

Tips for Deep Frying Sausage Rolls

Deep frying sausage rolls is fairly straightforward but there are some tips to follow for best results

• Use sturdy dough – Puff pastry and shortcrust are best. Soft doughs may fall apart in the oil.

• Seal edges well – Make sure seam is tightly sealed so filling doesn’t leak out.

• Use right oil temp – 350-375°F is ideal. Too low and they’ll be greasy, too high and they’ll burn.

• Fry in batches – Don’t crowd rolls in oil or temperature will drop too much.

• Turn during frying – Roll logs for even browning on all sides.

• Drain on paper towels – Remove excess grease after frying.

• Serve hot – Sausage rolls are best straight from the fryer!

Step-by-Step Deep Frying Method

Follow these simple steps for perfectly fried sausage rolls:

1. Roll out dough into a rectangle about 1⁄4 inch thick.

2. Place sausage filling down center of dough.

3. Roll up dough around filling, pinch seam to seal.

4. Cut logs into 2-3 inch pieces.

5. Heat oil to 350-375°F in deep fryer or large pot.

6. Fry rolls in batches 3-4 minutes until golden brown, turning occasionally.

7. Remove rolls and drain on paper towels.

8. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

9. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

Choosing the Right Filling

While traditional pork sausage is most common, you can get creative with the filling. Try these delicious options:

• Italian sausage with mozzarella

• Chicken apple sausage with sage

• Spicy chorizo and pepper jack

• Kielbasa with sauerkraut

• Ground beef with cheddar

• Lentil veggie sausage

Almost any sausage and cheese combo will taste great when wrapped up and deep fried!

Coating Options for More Crunch

For extra crispy sausage rolls, you can coat them with crunchy toppings before frying:

• Breadcrumbs – Panko or fresh breadcrumbs add terrific crunch.

• Crushed crackers – Try crackers like Ritz for a buttery flavor.

• Cornflake cereal – Frosted or unfrosted flakes work great.

• Nuts – Finely chopped pecans, almonds or walnuts are tasty.

• Seeds – Sesame, poppy, caraway, and others add bite.

• Shredded coconut – Toasts up crispy and adds sweetness.

Serving Deep Fried Sausage Rolls

There are endless options for serving your crispy deep fried sausage rolls:

• On their own as finger food for parties

• With dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or hot sauce

• In bread rolls as sausage sandwiches

• On top of mixed greens for a salad

• Chopped up in pasta, eggs, pizza, etc.

• As an appetizer before stews, chili or soups

• On a breakfast plate with eggs and hash browns

However you choose to serve them, deep fried sausage rolls are sure satisfy!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Like many fried foods, sausage rolls are best enjoyed freshly fried. But you can save leftover rolls and recrisp them.

To store, let rolls cool fully then place in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 400°F oven for 4-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy. They can also be reheated in the air fryer if you have one.

Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the pastry soggy. Avoid freezing cooked sausage rolls if possible, as the dough often suffers.

Other Cooking Methods for Sausage Rolls

While deep frying makes sausage rolls ultra crispy, other cooking methods can work well too:

• Baking – The classic oven-bake method. Yields a drier, flakier texture.

• Grilling – Gives a nice char while heating through.

• Shallow pan frying – Crisp rolls in just a bit of oil in a skillet.

• Air frying – Uses hot air for a lower-fat fry with crispy results.

So while deep frying is best for maximum crunch, you have options if you want to bake or cook sausage rolls in a healthier way.

Is Deep Frying Sausage Rolls Worth It?

If you love sausage rolls and crave an ultra crispy exterior, deep frying is absolutely worth trying for a new experience. The golden browned sausage rolls hot out of the fryer will be an instant hit at your next party or game day spread. Just be aware of the extra time, oil, and calories required for deep frying. But with the right preparations and safety measures, fried sausage rolls can be a delicious indulgence.