Christmas Beef Rolls are an irresistible twist on a classic snack, combining the flakiness of puff pastry with a savory and flavorful beef filling. Perfect for the holiday season, these delightful rolls are infused with festive flavors like dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and a subtle touch of spice. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a festive spread, these beef rolls are sure to be a hit at any holiday party or gathering. They are simple to make, customizable to your taste, and ideal for sharing with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavors: These beef rolls feature a unique holiday spin with cranberries and aromatic herbs, adding a delightful twist to the traditional sausage roll.
- Simple and Quick: With just a few steps, this recipe is easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your busy holiday schedule.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you serve them as an appetizer, party snack, or side dish, they are designed to be enjoyed by guests of all ages.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your personal preferences, making them versatile for any crowd.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these beef rolls ahead of time, refrigerating or freezing them until you’re ready to bake.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets, thawed
- Beef sausage meat (or ground beef)
- Dried cranberries, chopped
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- Onion, finely diced
- Garlic, minced
- Ground nutmeg or allspice
- Salt and black pepper
- Egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Optional: Dijon mustard for extra flavor
Directions
Prepare the Filling:
Begin by placing the beef sausage meat in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped cranberries, fresh rosemary or thyme, diced onion, minced garlic, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined. The dried cranberries bring a festive touch, while the herbs infuse the beef mixture with a wonderful depth of flavor.
Roll the Pastry:
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets into large rectangles. Once rolled out, cut each sheet into strips that are about 4–5 inches wide, depending on your preference for roll size. Make sure the dough is rolled thin enough to allow it to bake evenly, but thick enough to encase the filling securely.
Assemble the Beef Rolls:
Place a generous amount of the prepared beef filling in a log shape along the center of each pastry strip. Carefully fold the pastry over the filling, overlapping slightly, and press the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring the roll stays tightly sealed during baking. The crimping technique will also create a lovely textured pattern on the edges.
Cut and Glaze:
Once all the rolls are assembled, cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 2–3 inches in length. Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg, ensuring that they get a golden, glossy finish when baked. This egg wash will also give the rolls a beautifully golden color and help them maintain a crispy texture.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the beef rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns golden brown and puffed up, while the filling is cooked through. The rolls should look perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, with the savory beef filling fully cooked on the inside. If you’re unsure whether they’re fully cooked, use a thermometer to check that the filling has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Serve:
Allow the beef rolls to cool for a few minutes after baking. Serve them warm as a perfect holiday appetizer, side dish, or snack. These savory treats pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or even a tangy chutney.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12–16 rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: For a plant-based alternative, substitute the beef sausage meat with a plant-based sausage or create a filling with lentils, mushrooms, and cheese for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Cheese Upgrade: Add some grated cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère cheese to the filling to create an extra layer of flavor and richness. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese complements the savory beef and enhances the overall taste of the rolls.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle chili flakes into the beef mixture for a spicy kick. The heat from the chili will balance out the sweetness of the cranberries, creating a unique flavor profile.
- Sweet and Savory: Try drizzling a bit of honey or spreading a spoonful of cranberry sauce inside the roll before sealing it. The sweetness from the honey or cranberries will enhance the savory flavor of the beef and add a delicious contrast.
- Mini Rolls: For bite-sized versions, cut the puff pastry into smaller sections before assembling. Mini beef rolls are perfect for parties and can be served as a quick snack or appetizer.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: After you’ve enjoyed the beef rolls, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To keep the puff pastry crispy, reheat the beef rolls in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This method will help the rolls regain their golden, flaky texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked beef rolls for later use. Simply place the rolls on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a storage bag or container. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time. This makes them a convenient option for holiday parties or family gatherings.
Christmas Beef Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 lb beef sausage meat (or ground beef)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg or allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing)
- optional Dijon mustard for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beef sausage meat, chopped cranberries, fresh rosemary or thyme, diced onion, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets. Cut the pastry into long strips, about 4–5 inches wide.
- Spread the beef mixture in a log shape along the center of each pastry strip. Fold the pastry over the filling and seal the edges. Crimp the edges with a fork to ensure the rolls are securely closed.
- Cut the rolls into 2–3 inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.
- Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is cooked through.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as cranberry sauce or honey mustard.
Nutrition
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought sausage meat?
Yes, you can use pre-seasoned beef sausage meat to save time. However, for an extra festive touch, consider adding cranberries and herbs to enhance the flavors of the filling. - What type of pastry is best for these rolls?
Puff pastry works best due to its flaky, airy texture, which creates a light and crispy outer layer. If you prefer, you can use shortcrust pastry as an alternative. - Can I make these beef rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, then refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a great option for preparing in advance for holiday meals or parties. - How can I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure that the filling is not too wet. If the beef sausage meat contains excess moisture, pat it dry before mixing. It’s also best to bake the rolls immediately after assembling them. This will help achieve a crispier finish. - Can I add cheese to the filling?
Yes! Adding cheese, such as cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère, enhances the flavor and adds a creamy texture to the beef rolls. It pairs wonderfully with the savory beef and adds richness to the filling. - What are some good dipping sauces for these rolls?
Dipping sauces like cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or a spiced chutney are great choices. They balance the richness of the beef rolls with a hint of sweetness or spice. - How do I know when the beef rolls are done?
When fully baked, the pastry should be golden brown and puffed. The filling should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), which ensures it is cooked through. - Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these beef rolls gluten-free by using gluten-free puff pastry. Be sure to check that the beef sausage meat does not contain any gluten-based fillers. - Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Adding finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or grated carrots can make the filling more hearty and flavorful. These vegetables will add texture and nutrients to the rolls. - What’s the best way to seal the pastry?
For a secure seal, use a little beaten egg or water along the edges of the pastry. After folding over the filling, crimp the edges with a fork to prevent the rolls from opening up while baking.
Conclusion
Christmas Beef Rolls are a festive and delicious addition to any holiday spread. Their golden, flaky pastry filled with savory beef and aromatic herbs makes them an irresistible treat for guests of all ages. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or part of your main meal, these beef rolls will undoubtedly become a holiday favorite. Enjoy the warmth, flavor, and joy they bring to your Christmas celebrations!
