Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s crispy, savory, with just the right kick of sweetness and herbaceous aroma, you’re going to love this Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe. I’ve been making these sausage rolls for a while now, and every time I serve them, my family goes crazy—and I think you will, too. The combo of flaky puff pastry, juicy sausage infused with fresh thyme, and that irresistible drizzle of hot honey? Seriously, what’s not to love? Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this fan-freaking-tastic treat yourself.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing fresh, quality ingredients really lifts this recipe — you’ll see. The fresh thyme and good pork sausage work hand-in-hand to create that rich, herby flavor, and the puff pastry brings the perfect flaky texture. Let’s get into what I use, and how you can swap in some good alternatives if you want.

• Breakfast pork and sage sausage: Opt for fresh sausage, and if the casings aren’t pre-removed, don’t forget to take them off. This sausage packs a ton of flavor!
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly grated tastes best here—avoid pre-shredded to keep the texture right. You can skip it for a dairy-free version.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These add a bit of crunch and help bind the filling without making it too dense.
• Eggs: You’ll need two—one for the filling and one for brushing to get that golden crust.
• Dijon mustard: This little boost adds tang and helps the pastry stick together.
• Fresh thyme leaves: I always grab fresh over dried for that bright, aromatic punch.
• Puff pastry: Ready-made is your friend here—thaw it gently before using so it’s pliable but not sticky.
• Everything but the Bagel seasoning: This sprinkle amps up the flavor and adds some fun texture on top.
• Hot honey: I like Nature Nate’s, but any good-quality hot honey will work—just pick one with the right heat level for you.

Variations

I love how customizable this Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe is! Over the years, I’ve tweaked it to match what’s in my fridge or suit my mood. Feel free to make it your own—you’ll find it’s very forgiving and delicious no matter what.

• Cheese-Free: If you’re dairy-free or want it lighter, just omit the cheddar—the sausage and herbs still shine through.
• Spicy Kick: Add a little cayenne to your sausage mix or pick a hotter sausage—I’ve done both, and they pack amazing heat!
• Herb Swap: Don’t have thyme? Try rosemary or sage for a different flavor twist.
• Gluten-Free: You can use gluten-free puff pastry and breadcrumbs to make this suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. It still turns out great!

How to Make Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Sausage Filling to Perfection

Start by combining your breakfast pork and sage sausage with the grated sharp cheddar, panko breadcrumbs, one egg, and fresh thyme leaves in a bowl. I like to use my hands here to make sure everything is evenly mixed but not overworked—you want the sausage to stay juicy and tender once baked. This is the flavor-packed core of your sausage rolls, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash and Puff Pastry

Whisk together the second egg with a tablespoon of water to create a shiny egg wash; this will help your pastry get that perfect golden brown color while sealing your rolls. Meanwhile, roll out your puff pastry just a bit on a floured surface—no need to be precise, just enough to loosen it up. Cut each sheet into two long strips, so you have four total. This sizing makes the perfect base for your sausage filling.

Step 3: Assemble Your Sausage Rolls

Divide the sausage mixture into four equal parts and shape each into a long, thin log. Lay each log along the center of the pastry strips. Here’s the trick I learned: brush one side of the pastry with Dijon mustard and the other with the egg wash before rolling—it gives a tangy flavor and acts like glue to seal the edges beautifully. Roll carefully and make sure the seam is on the underside. Don’t forget to score tiny slits on top of each roll before slicing into 1½-inch pieces. This helps steam escape and keeps the pastry crisp.

Step 4: Bake and Finish with Hot Honey

Place the sausage rolls seam-side down on your baking sheet lined with parchment. Brush each generously with egg wash and sprinkle with your everything but the bagel seasoning. Pop them in your preheated 400°F oven for about 18–20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden and the sausage is cooked through. Once out, let them cool slightly before giving them a generous drizzle of that spicy-sweet hot honey and a few fresh thyme leaves for garnish. Trust me, this final touch makes all the difference!

How to Serve Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh thyme leaves over the finished rolls—it adds a fresh aroma that brightens each bite. Sometimes I add an extra drizzle of hot honey for guests who want that sweet-heat to pop even more. If you’re feeling fancy, a little flaky sea salt on top just before serving is a game-changer.

Side Dishes

These sausage rolls go beautifully alongside a crisp green salad or a simple coleslaw to cut through the richness. If it’s brunch time, a side of scrambled eggs or roasted potatoes rounds out the meal perfectly. For parties? Serve with tangy mustard or aioli dips on the side; people love having options.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I arrange the sausage rolls on a wooden board with fresh herb sprigs and small bowls of hot honey and mustard for dipping. Another favorite is skewering two or three sausage rolls on decorative toothpicks for easy grab-and-go bites at a party. They also look gorgeous stacked with a scattering of edible flowers for a spring brunch vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven keeps the pastry crisp, unlike the microwave, which makes it soggy. You can also prepare the sausage logs ahead of time and keep them ready to roll in the fridge—you’ll save prep time on the day.

Freezing

These sausage rolls freeze wonderfully! Before baking, arrange the shaped rolls on a baking tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. I discovered this trick for when I want fresh-baked rolls without any prep stress.

Reheating

I reheat my leftover rolls in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes—this revives the flakiness of the puff pastry and warms the sausage through perfectly. If you drizzle a bit more hot honey right before serving, it tastes as good as fresh!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Hot Honey Sausage Rolls with Thyme Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something that feels special but is quick to whip up. I love how the hot honey drizzle brightens the rich sausage and flaky pastry and how the fresh thyme brings it all together with a lovely herbal note. Honestly, the first time I served these, my friends didn’t believe I made them at home so easily! If you’re looking to impress with minimal fuss and fantastic flavor, give these sausage rolls a try—you won’t regret it.

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