Ultimate Cheesy Jalapeño Beef Sausage Rolls
Ultimate Cheesy Jalapeño Beef Sausage Rolls
Introduction
Get ready to elevate your snack game with our Ultimate Cheesy Jalapeño Beef Sausage Rolls! Imagine a delicious filling of seasoned ground beef, perfectly melded with the kick of jalapeños and the creamy goodness of melted cheese, all encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. These savory rolls are an absolute dream for parties, game days, or a satisfying family meal. They're surprisingly simple to make and guarantee smiles all around. Let's get baking!
Ingredients
- 2 sheets (approx. 10x10 inches each) ready-rolled puff pastry
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat, leave for more)
- 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-Monterey Jack blend)
- 1/4 cup (30g) plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, plus 1 extra for egg wash
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely diced onion, minced garlic, diced jalapeños, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, one egg, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly until well combined, but do not overmix.
- Unroll one sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface or directly onto its parchment paper. Cut the pastry sheet lengthwise in half, creating two long rectangles.
- Divide half of the beef mixture evenly between the two pastry rectangles. Form the mixture into a long sausage shape down the center of each rectangle, leaving a small border on one long edge and a wider border on the other.
- In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg to create an egg wash. Brush the longer pastry border with the egg wash.
- Carefully fold the unwashed side of the pastry over the beef mixture, meeting the egg-washed edge. Press down firmly to seal the seam. You can use the tines of a fork to create a decorative crimped edge.
- Repeat the process with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining beef mixture.
- Cut each long sausage roll into 6-8 individual rolls (about 2 inches long). Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
- Brush the tops of all the sausage rolls generously with the remaining egg wash. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the filling is cooked through. The internal temperature of the beef should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving warm.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Chill the Filling: If your beef mixture feels too soft to handle, cover it and chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This will make it easier to shape into logs.
- Don't Overfill: While it's tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, leave enough pastry border to ensure a good seal. Overfilling can lead to bursting during baking.
- Seal It Tight: A well-sealed seam is crucial to prevent the filling from escaping. Press firmly along the seam, and the fork crimp not only looks good but adds extra security.
- Adjust the Spice: For less heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For more heat, you can add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Make Ahead & Freeze: You can assemble the rolls, brush with egg wash, and then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to an airtight bag. Bake from frozen (add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time) or thaw first.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 380-420 kcal
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 25-30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10-12 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
- Fiber: 1-2 g
- Sodium: 400-500 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use different ground meat? A: Absolutely! Ground pork, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork would work wonderfully. Adjust cooking times if necessary.
- Q: How can I make these less spicy for kids? A: For a milder version, omit the fresh jalapeños entirely or substitute them with finely diced bell pepper (any color) for flavor without the heat.
- Q: Can I bake these in an air fryer? A: Yes, you can! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Q: What's the best way to reheat leftover sausage rolls? A: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. An air fryer also works great for quick reheating.