Authentic Dutch Sausage Rolls (Worstenbroodjes) Recipe: A Taste of Brabant Tradition
Sink your teeth into a warm, crispy Dutch sausage roll, known locally as “Worstenbroodjes.” This iconic snack, featuring a flavorful, perfectly seasoned sausage encased in a tender, golden bread dough, is more than just food; it’s a beloved tradition in the Netherlands. Once you taste these homemade delights, you’ll instantly understand why they hold such a special place in Dutch culinary culture.
Hailing from the picturesque southern province of Noord-Brabant, Worstenbroodjes are a quintessential part of Dutch heritage, especially celebrated during festivals and as a comforting treat. Imagine a golden-brown, slightly sweet, and utterly soft bread bun, perfectly enveloping a succulent, savory sausage. This isn’t just a snack; it’s an experience – crunchy on the outside, warm and tender within, with a delicious, aromatic filling that truly steals the show. The best part? Recreating this authentic taste of the Netherlands is surprisingly simple to do right in your own kitchen.
While traditionally made with seasoned ground pork, our recipe offers a versatile option using ground beef. This not only provides a fantastic flavor profile but can also be a slightly lighter alternative for those looking to manage calories without compromising on taste. Whether for breakfast, a hearty lunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these homemade Dutch sausage rolls are guaranteed to satisfy and bring a touch of Dutch warmth to your table.
The Story Behind Worstenbroodjes: A Beloved Dutch Delicacy
The tradition of Worstenbroodjes dates back centuries, with their origins firmly rooted in the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant. Originally considered a festive treat, especially enjoyed during the Carnival season and at New Year’s, these savory buns have evolved into an everyday favorite. They represent comfort food at its finest, a simple yet deeply satisfying combination of a well-made bread and a generously seasoned meat filling. Making Worstenbroodjes at home connects you to this rich history, allowing you to experience a truly authentic Dutch flavor.
What makes a Worstenbroodje truly special is the perfect harmony between the soft, airy yeast dough and the intensely flavorful sausage. The dough is often slightly sweet, providing a beautiful contrast to the savory meat. The sausage itself is typically made from finely ground meat, seasoned with a unique blend of spices that often includes salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg, giving it its distinctive Dutch character. Learning to make them yourself ensures you get the freshest, most delicious version every time, far superior to any store-bought alternative. This recipe guides you through each step to achieve that perfect balance of textures and flavors.
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📖 Recipe
VIDEO
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C
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Ingredients
The secret to exceptional Worstenbroodjes lies in fresh, quality ingredients for both the tender yeast dough and the succulent meat filling. Gather these items to begin your delicious journey towards baking a traditional Dutch favorite.
Dough
- 250 grams flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 2½ teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 125 mL milk
Filling
- 500 grams ground beef
- 1 beschuit, Crumbled or three teaspoons breadcrumbs
- 1 egg , size L
- salt
- ground black pepper, freshly ground
- nutmeg , grated
Egg wash
- 1 egg, size S
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Crafting your own batch of authentic Dutch Worstenbroodjes is a rewarding culinary journey. Follow these precise steps to ensure your homemade sausage rolls turn out perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Pay close attention to dough handling and temperature for the best results, just like a true baker from Brabant!
Preparation
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Put a pan on the stove and heat the milk and butter until the butter is melted.
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Allow to cool to lukewarm, 100 degrees Fahrenheit( about 37 degrees Celsius).
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Measure the ingredients and put them at your counter.
Dough
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Mix the flour, salt and sugar in a bowl.
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Then add the yeast, egg and milk mixture.
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Mix with the dough hook for 10 minutes. If you want to knead by hand, then that’s possible too.
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Divide the dough into 6 pieces and make balls of them.
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Let stand for 10 minutes under a slightly wet cloth.
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Meanwhile put, in a second bowl all the ingredients for the filling and mix well.
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Divide the meat mixture into six and make a role of every part equal thickness and length.
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In a small bowl beat the egg with a fork. Put aside
Preparing the sausage rolls
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Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
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Grab a ball of dough and roll it thinly with a rolling pin.
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The dough piece must have the size that you easily can fold the meat into the dough about 14 cm ( 5 inch) diameter.
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Then put the meat roll on it and brush the edge of the dough with the egg yolk.
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Fold the sides inward and then fold the top and bottom inside. Press the seam tight.
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Place the buns seam side down on the baking sheet.
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Repeat for all six rolls.
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Cover the rolls and let rise for 1 hour.
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Pre-heat the oven in the last 10 minutes to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
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Brush the top of the rolls with the egg mixture and slide the baking plate in the oven.
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Bake for 30 minutes.
Notes
- Dough Moisture is Key: When allowing your dough to rest and rise, always cover it with a slightly damp kitchen towel. This simple step prevents the surface of the dough from drying out and forming a crust, which can inhibit proper rising and result in a less tender bun.
- Achieving an Airy Texture: The magic of yeast dough lies in its ability to rise multiple times. Each resting and rising period allows small air bubbles to form and become trapped within the gluten structure of the dough. This process is crucial for creating the light, fluffy, and airy texture that makes Worstenbroodjes so enjoyable. Don’t rush these resting times!
- Yeast Temperature Sensitivity: Yeast is a living organism, and its activity is highly dependent on temperature. For optimal activation without killing the yeast, ensure your milk and butter mixture cools down to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) before incorporating it into your dry ingredients. Temperatures above this can inactivate the yeast, preventing your dough from rising.
- The Versatile Egg Wash: A beaten egg serves a dual purpose in this recipe. Initially, it acts as a natural “glue” to seal the edges of the dough around the seasoned meat filling, ensuring your sausage rolls stay intact during baking. Any remaining egg wash should be generously brushed over the tops of the formed buns just before they go into the oven. This creates that beautiful, golden-brown, glossy finish that is characteristic of authentic Worstenbroodjes.
- Meat Mixture Consistency: When preparing your meat filling, be sure to mix it thoroughly but avoid overworking it. Over-mixing can result in a tough sausage. The “beschuit” (Dutch rusk) or breadcrumbs are essential for binding the meat and retaining moisture, leading to a juicier and more tender sausage.
- Even Baking: For uniformly baked sausage rolls, ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature. If using a convection oven (fan-assisted), remember to reduce the temperature by about 30°F / 20°C to prevent over-browning and ensure even cooking throughout.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 141mg
Sodium: 602mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Vitamin A: 405IU
Iron: 4mg
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Once baked to golden perfection, these homemade Dutch sausage rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Their comforting aroma fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to partake in this delightful Dutch tradition. Whether you serve them as a satisfying breakfast, a quick and easy lunch, a party appetizer, or a cozy evening snack, Worstenbroodjes are always a crowd-pleaser.
Pair them with a simple green salad for a balanced meal, or enjoy them on their own as a fulfilling treat. They also make excellent packed lunches and are fantastic for meal prepping – simply bake a batch, let them cool, and freeze for a quick snack later. Reheat gently in an oven to bring back their crispy exterior and warm, flavorful interior.
We hope this detailed guide empowers you to successfully create these authentic Dutch sausage rolls in your own home. Share the joy of Worstenbroodjes with family and friends, and experience a truly unique taste of the Netherlands!