Homemade Dutch Saucijzenbroodjes: The Ultimate Crispy Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Dutch saucijzenbroodjes (sausage rolls) are more than just a snack; they’re a comforting staple, a delicious memory, and a true favorite in my household. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden, crispy puff pastry shell, only to discover a tender, juicy, and perfectly spiced meat filling inside. It’s a culinary experience that’s hard to beat, especially when they’re homemade.
Unlike their store-bought counterparts, homemade Dutch sausage rolls offer an unparalleled freshness and depth of flavor. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, allowing you to prepare them ahead of time for stress-free entertaining or even freeze them for a quick, delicious treat whenever a craving strikes. Trust me, once you experience the flaky perfection and savory goodness of these homemade saucijzenbroodjes, you’ll never look back!
The Heartwarming Tradition of Homemade Dutch Sausage Rolls
There’s something uniquely special about these crispy puff pastry sausage rolls. When my children were young, making saucijzenbroodjes was a beloved holiday tradition. Whether it was for Christmas brunch, Easter morning, or New Year’s Eve, they were always the star of our festive table. I can still vividly recall the irresistible aroma wafting from the oven, filling our home with a warm, cozy scent that signaled celebration and comfort. And yes, I admit, I sometimes couldn’t resist sneaking one before our guests even arrived!
The secret lies in the exquisite balance of flavors within the meat filling. A blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with a careful selection of spices and a subtle kick from a touch of sambal, creates a truly unforgettable taste. This rich, savory filling is then lovingly enveloped in buttery, flaky puff pastry, brushed with egg yolk until it bakes into a beautiful golden-brown masterpiece. The result is a visually stunning and incredibly delicious snack that always earns rave reviews.
These saucijzenbroodjes aren’t just food; they’re an experience, a memory in the making. They’re perfect for a quick lunch, a festive appetizer, or a delightful party snack. Once you try crafting them yourself, you’ll discover how rewarding it is to bring this authentic Dutch flavor into your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Dutch Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the true essence of traditional Dutch saucijzenbroodjes, bringing a taste of the Netherlands right to your kitchen.
- Crispy & Juicy Perfection: The combination of flaky puff pastry and a moist, flavorful meat filling is simply divine.
- Versatile Snack: Ideal for parties, holiday brunches, lunchboxes, or a satisfying savory snack anytime.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meat filling or even assemble the rolls in advance, saving you time when you need it most.
- Freezer-Friendly: Both baked and unbaked saucijzenbroodjes freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep and spontaneous cravings.
- Better Than Store-Bought: Homemade means fresh ingredients, custom seasoning, and a taste that far surpasses any pre-made option.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Saucijzenbroodjes
The magic of these Dutch sausage rolls comes from a thoughtful blend of ingredients:
- Ground Meat: A combination of ground beef and ground pork provides the best texture and flavor. The beef offers richness, while the pork adds juiciness and a tender quality.
- Spices: Black pepper, nutmeg, and onion powder form the aromatic base. These classic Dutch spice profiles are essential.
- Coarse Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth, cutting through the richness of the meat.
- Kecap Manis: This sweet Indonesian soy sauce is a non-negotiable ingredient in many Dutch-Indonesian dishes, including these rolls. It provides a unique umami and slight sweetness that elevates the flavor.
- Sambal Oelek: For that signature hint of spice. Adjust the amount to your preference – a little goes a long way to add warmth without overwhelming.
- Fresh Parsley & Shallot: Fresh herbs and finely chopped shallot contribute freshness and a delicate oniony bite.
- Egg & Breadcrumbs: These act as binders, ensuring the meat filling stays together and remains moist. Don’t skip the breadcrumbs, as they absorb excess moisture, preventing a wet filling.
- Puff Pastry: Opt for all-butter puff pastry if possible. It yields the flakiest, most delicious results. Ensure it’s thawed according to package instructions before use.
- Egg Yolk (for brushing): Mixed with a little milk, this creates that beautiful golden-brown, glossy crust that makes saucijzenbroodjes so appealing.
Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.
Need more inspiration?
- You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
- And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon coarse mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Kecap Manis
- ½ teaspoon sambal oelek
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 egg, size m
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
Other
- 10 sheets puff pastry, 4 x 4 inch / 10 x 10 cm, thawed
- 1 egg yolk, for brushing
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
-
Preheat your oven to 390 ℉ (200 °C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork with all the remaining filling ingredients: black pepper, nutmeg, onion powder, coarse mustard, salt, Kecap Manis, sambal oelek, chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped shallot, egg, and breadcrumbs. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until well combined. This ensures even flavor distribution.¾ pound ground beef, ½ pound ground pork, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon coarse mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Kecap Manis, ½ teaspoon sambal oelek, 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, 1 shallot, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
-
Lay a thawed puff pastry sheet flat on a clean surface. Divide the meat mixture into 10 equal portions and shape each into a thick sausage or log, slightly shorter than the pastry sheet.10 sheets puff pastry
-
Place one sausage-shaped portion of the filling onto the center of a puff pastry sheet. Fold one side of the pastry over the filling to meet the other side. Firmly press the long edge with a fork to seal the pastry, creating a decorative edge while ensuring the filling is completely enclosed. Repeat for all remaining sheets and filling.
-
Carefully transfer the prepared sausage rolls to the baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk (not mentioned in ingredients, but commonly used for egg wash) to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of each roll with the egg wash for a beautiful golden sheen. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the meat filling is cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).1 egg yolk
-
Remove the saucijzenbroodjes from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents burns. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely amazing!
Notes
2. How do I stop the filling from being too wet? The breadcrumbs are key here! They absorb any excess moisture from the meat and other ingredients, ensuring the mixture remains firm and doesn’t make the pastry soggy. Make sure your shallot is very finely chopped as well. Don’t overmix the meat, just enough until combined to keep it tender.
3. Variations for every taste:
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, feel free to add 1 extra teaspoon of sambal oelek or a pinch of red chili flakes to the meat mixture.
- Cheesy Delight: For a richer flavor, mix in about ¼ cup of finely grated Gouda cheese (or your favorite hard cheese) with the meat filling.
- Italian Inspired: Give your saucijzenbroodjes an Italian twist by adding 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs (like oregano and basil) and a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: For a plant-based alternative, you can try using a finely chopped mushroom mixture, lentils, or a good quality vegetarian mince mixed with similar spices.
- Sweet & Savory Glaze: Instead of plain egg wash, mix a tiny bit of honey or maple syrup into your egg wash for an even sweeter, glossier finish.
4. Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Convenience:
- Refrigerator Storage: Leftover baked saucijzenbroodjes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes to crisp up the pastry.
- Freezing Baked Rolls: Once fully cooled, wrap individual baked rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake them from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Freezing Unbaked Rolls: This is an excellent option for meal prepping! Assemble the rolls but do not brush with egg wash. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 1 month. To bake, transfer directly from the freezer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake at 390°F (200°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Ahead (Refrigerated): You can prepare the meat filling up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, assemble the entire rolls, place them on a baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Brush with egg wash and bake just before serving for the absolute best results.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Serving Suggestions for Your Saucijzenbroodjes
These versatile Dutch sausage rolls can be enjoyed in many ways:
- As an Appetizer: Serve them warm with a side of coarse mustard, ketchup, or even a flavorful garlic aioli for dipping. Cut them into smaller segments for easy finger food.
- For Lunch: Pair them with a fresh green salad for a satisfying and easy lunch.
- Party Food: They are always a hit at gatherings! Make a large batch and watch them disappear.
- Breakfast/Brunch: A classic for Dutch holiday breakfasts, they go wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dutch Sausage Rolls
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying saucijzenbroodjes:
- Can I use only one type of ground meat? Yes, you can. However, the blend of beef and pork provides the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If using only one, consider using ground pork for tenderness or a higher fat content beef.
- My pastry isn’t very crispy. What went wrong? Ensure your oven is fully preheated and you’re not opening the door too frequently. Also, always use good quality, all-butter puff pastry and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can trap steam and prevent crisping.
- How do I prevent the bottom of the rolls from getting soggy? The breadcrumbs in the filling are crucial for this. Also, bake them on parchment paper, and make sure your oven is hot enough to quickly crisp the pastry.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free puff pastry (which is becoming more widely available) and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- What if I don’t have Kecap Manis or Sambal Oelek? Kecap Manis is quite unique, but a mix of soy sauce with a touch of brown sugar or molasses can be a substitute in a pinch. For sambal, any chili paste or a tiny bit of finely minced red chili can work, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
Making these homemade Dutch saucijzenbroodjes is a rewarding culinary journey that results in a truly delightful treat. Their crispy exterior, savory filling, and ease of preparation make them a perfect addition to any meal or gathering. Enjoy the process, savor the aroma, and delight in the incredible taste of these traditional Dutch sausage rolls!
More Delicious Lunch Ideas
Looking for more inspiration to elevate your midday meals? Here are a few other fantastic recipes:
- Easy Dutch Pannenkoeken from Scratch
- Easy Apple Raisin Muffins
- Creamy Cauliflower Rice with Spinach and Leek