Savory Sausage Bites
These bites were inspired by a recipe my dear sister brought to a Christmas Eve gathering. Both the kids and adults devoured them, leaving no trace behind. This is my version made with fresh herbs, a touch of apple cider, and a homemade dipping sauce. They are perfect for any occasion whether it is a Christmas get together, New Year celebration, or game day. Using frozen puff pastry makes this a delicious appetizer that is easy to pull together, letting you focus on the celebration and the joy of being together.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 box frozen puff pastry (17.3 oz)
Sausage Filling
- 1 lb. mild pork sausage
- 1 egg
- ½ c. plain dry bread crumbs
- ¼ tsp. fresh cracked pepper
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- 2 tbsp. apple cider or juice
- 1 tbsp. minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 6 sprigs of thyme (leaves only)
- 6 sage leaves, minced
- 6 chive stalks, minced
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp. water
Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce
- ¼ c. mayo
- 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp. honey
- ½ tsp. Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions (it should be pliable but still cold).
- Combine pork filling ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- On a flat surface, unfold both sheets of puff pastry. Roll each sheet into an 11-inch-long rectangle, then cut into thirds lengthwise (you’ll have 6 pieces total).
- Place the sausage mixture slightly off-center on each pastry strip. Fold the pastry over the filling to enclose it, then use a fork to seal the edges.
- Cut each log into 2-inch pieces and space 1 inch apart on your baking sheets. Make a single diagonal slit across the top of each sausage bite.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Brush the tops and edges of each sausage bite with the egg wash.
- Bake until the sausage is cooked through and the pastry is golden brown, about 25 minutes. While they cool, whisk together the ingredients for the dipping sauce in a small bowl. Serve the bites with the sauce and enjoy!
