If there is one thing that Brits can collectively agree on, it’s that the sausage roll is a true British icon. The sausage roll is woven into the national identity, a staple in all high street bakeries and the centrepiece of every buffet.

In this guide, we’ll take you through what makes them so great, how best to serve them and how to create the perfect British sausage roll at home in the US.

A bite-sized history: What exactly are sausage rolls?

To fully appreciate a British sausage roll, you need to forget the American pig in a blanket - completely different things. An authentic sausage roll is a glorious cross between a savoury meat pie and a handheld pastry. It features high-quality, juicy pork meat wrapped in layers of buttery puff pastry. 

The sausage roll has a similar back story to pies and pasties; it first came about when workers in London needed a hot, hearty, portable meal. What started as a cheap working-class go-to has now become a staple of British cuisine found in every supermarket, lunchbox and party spread up and down the UK. 

Jolly Posh Sausage Rolls

Our iconic range of bake-at-home sausage rolls come in three distinct flavours and are enjoyed by Expats and Anglophiles across the USA.

Traditional Sausage Roll: Keep it simple and classic with a traditional sausage roll. Rich, seasoned pork encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. It’s a British staple for a reason. 

Cumberland Sausage Roll: Inspired by the distinctive Cumberland sausage, this modern twist on a classic brings a peppery taste to the table.

Beef Sausage Roll: Made with traditional beef flavourings of onion and garlic, this is a hearty alternative to the classic delicate pork.

When is the right time to eat sausage rolls?

Spoiler alert: always. 

One of the greatest things about sausage rolls is that they are so versatile. They can be eaten hot or cold, on the go, as part of a buffet and as a stopgap between meal times.

Over the years, the size, flavours and variety of sausage rolls available has changed massively, meaning there truly is a sausage roll for every occasion. 

Typically in the UK, there are three times you can guarantee a sausage roll is involved:

• A buffet: Whether it’s a children’s birthday party, a christening, or just a family gathering, sausage rolls are top of the guest list. They have long cemented their place at the buffet table; you can even get bite-sized sausage rolls designed just for party spreads. 

• Picnics: A quintessential British summer picnic isn’t complete without a sausage roll. When the sun's out, and nobody fancies cooking, pile together some sausage rolls, cold cuts, cheese, scotch eggs and crisps, and you’ve got yourself a whole meal.

• On the go: The ultimate hand-held comfort food. Easy and filling to eat on the go, it’s a must-have for kids post swimming lessons or a snack for the whole family on a road trip. 

Whether you opt to keep it simple with a traditional sausage roll, mix things up with a Cumberland sausage roll or fancy something a little meatier with our beef sausage roll, they all have their place reserved at the table, whatever the occasion. 

What do you serve with English sausage rolls?

Can you eat a sausage roll completely plain? Absolutely. But if you want the full-throttle British experience, you need the right condiments. Because puff pastry and sausage meat are naturally rich, you want a sauce with a bit of acid, tang, or heat to cut through it.

• HP Sauce: The British choice. This brown sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and spiced with tamarind. It is the ultimate companion to a hot pork sausage roll.

• Colman’s English Mustard: This is sharp and punchy, perfect with any of our sausage rolls. A tiny smear adds a spectacular kick.

• Branston Pickle or Chutney: A sweet, chunky, vinegary chutney brings a beautiful texture and flavour contrast, especially if you are serving your sausage rolls cold as part of a buffet.

• Marmalade: Pork sausages go surprisingly well with tangy orange flavours of a good marmalade. Brush a little Tiptree 'Tawny' Orange Marmalade over a sausage roll whilst it’s still warm from the oven for a sweet, sticky twist. 

• Bisto Chicken Gravy: Drenching a sausage roll in British-style chicken gravy became a recent social media phenomenon, similar to enjoying gravy on your fries. It is a uniquely British comfort food hack that won thousands of converts. Make sure to use brown Bisto Chicken Gravy and not American-style grey gravy!

Jolly Posh Bake at Home Sausage Rolls 

Fill your home with the aroma of freshly baked, buttery, flaky, fresh puff pastry and traditional high quality sausage meat with our range of bake-at-home sausage rolls. Arriving frozen, they are ready to be cooked and served up fresh from the oven to give you an instant taste of home. Browse our full range of sausage rolls online today.