What is an Australian sausage roll?
An Australian sausage roll is a log of seasoned sausage meat wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked until golden. It is a favourite bakery snack, party food and lunchbox treat, usually eaten with tomato sauce.
Sausage rolls came to Australia from Britain, where they have been eaten since at least the 1800s. In Australia, they became a staple of bakeries, service stations, school canteens and sporting events alongside the meat pie.
The filling is usually minced pork, beef or a mix, combined with breadcrumbs, onion and seasonings. Many bakeries add grated vegetables, herbs or spices for extra flavour.
Party food
Mini sausage rolls are a classic at children's birthday parties, morning teas and celebrations, often served with a bowl of tomato sauce for dipping.
Bakeries enter their best sausage rolls in national competitions, such as the Great Aussie Pie Competition, which includes a sausage roll category.
Vegetarian and vegan versions have become popular in recent years, using lentils, mushrooms or plant-based meat. Home cooks often make sausage rolls from sausage mince and ready-made puff pastry.
Did You Know?
Sausage rolls are sold in huge numbers every year at Australian bakeries, canteens and sporting venues.