Few snacks are as loved in New Zealand as the humble sausage roll. Found in bakeries, cafés, and at family gatherings, they’re a true Kiwi staple. In fact, sausage rolls have become part of everyday culture here – you’ll see them at school fairs, weekend sports matches, or simply shared over a cuppa with friends. They’re comfort food that everyone, from kids to grandparents, enjoys.
This pork and apple sausage rolls recipe brings together the sweetness of apple with the richness of fresh pork mince, wrapped in buttery puff pastry for a flaky, golden finish. It’s a modern Kiwi twist that feels both familiar and special.
Even better, with Chicken n Things fresh pork mince, you’re starting with meat that’s cut and ground fresh on the very same day it’s delivered – never frozen, never old stock. That means your rolls will be juicier, more flavourful, and far more satisfying than anything from the supermarket.
Ingredients
- 500 g fresh pork mince (available from Chicken n Things)
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith works well), peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped (optional, gives it a herby lift)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (half for the mixture, half for brushing)
- 2 sheets ready-rolled puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds, for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the filling
- Warm a splash of oil or butter in a small pan.
- Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant, then set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine pork mince, grated apple, thyme, sage (if using), breadcrumbs, half the beaten egg, and the cooked onion mixture.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, then mix until it comes together into a rich, aromatic filling.
(Beginners tip : Don’t overfill. Too much filling can make the pastry burst. Aim for neat sausage shapes, about 2–3 cm thick)
2. Shape the rolls
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C). Line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Place one sheet of puff pastry on a board and cut it in half lengthwise.
- Spoon a line of pork mixture down the centre of each strip.
- Fold the pastry over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal. Repeat with the remaining sheet of pastry.
(Beginners Tip : Press pastry edges firmly (or crimp with a fork) to keep rolls closed while baking.)
3. Cut into portions
- Flip the rolls so the seam is underneath.
- Cut each long roll into 4 pieces (you’ll have about 16 rolls in total).
- Place them evenly spaced on the baking tray.
4. Glaze and bake
- Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden, and the filling is cooked through.
- Let them cool slightly before serving – the filling will be very hot!
(Beginners tip : Check for doneness - The pork should be no longer pink in the centre. Without a thermometer, cut one roll open – the juices should run clear.)
Serving Tips & Suggestions
These golden sausage rolls are at their best straight from the oven — flaky pastry, juicy filling, and that irresistible pork-and-apple aroma. But they’re just as good at room temperature, which makes them a winner for lunchboxes, parties, or sideline snacks at Saturday sport.
The sweetness of the apple loves a tangy partner — served with tomato chutney, plum sauce, or even a sharp relish for contrast. For a true Kiwi spread, add potato salad, crunchy coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
Want them on hand anytime? Freeze the rolls before baking. Just assemble, glaze, and freeze on a tray until solid, then store in a freezer bag. When the craving hits, bake straight from frozen — just add 5 minutes to the cooking time. That way, you’ll always have a quick, homemade Kiwi classic ready to go.
Closing
Homemade shouldn’t be hard — and with these pork & apple sausage rolls, it isn’t. Mix, roll, bake, and you’ve got golden pastry packed with fresh, juicy flavour. It’s comfort food the Kiwi way: simple, satisfying, and made with real ingredients you can feel good about.
With Chicken n Things fresh pork mince — cut and ground the same day it’s delivered — your sausage rolls turn out fresher, tastier, and worlds apart from anything in the supermarket freezer.
Ready to give this pork and apple sausage rolls recipe a go? Order pork meat delivery today and enjoy premium, locally sourced pork delivered to your door. Fresh, convenient, and perfect for your next batch of rolls.