These sausage rolls are the perfect make-ahead appetizer. They are quick, easy, and delicious served hot or cold. Flaky puff pastry wrapped around savory pork sausage and baked to golden brown perfection? Yes, please!.
Ah sausage rolls. These savory little bites remind me of growing up in England. There were always a lot of them around Christmas, but they also showed up at other times of the year. They are the perfect finger food for a crowd or just you and your family. You can serve them hot or cold.
Think about biting into warm, buttery puff pastry and then taking a deep, flavorful bite of perfectly seasoned sausage. The whole kit-and-kaboodle almost melts in your mouth and causes your taste buds to beg for more. These English sausage rolls are so quick and easy to make. What are you waiting for? [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Sausage rolls are a delicious savory snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. Their combination of flaky pastry and spiced sausage filling makes them a favorite for potlucks, parties, and quick meals alike. But like any food, sausage rolls have a limited fridge life. Knowing proper storage and handling is key to keeping sausage rolls fresh and safe to eat.
This full guide will tell you everything you need to know about how long sausage rolls can be kept in the fridge. You’ll find out how long prepared and store-bought sausage rolls stay fresh, how to spot rolls that have gone bad, and the best ways to heat them up again. If you store sausage rolls the right way, you can enjoy this tasty snack until the very end.
How Long Do Fresh Homemade Sausage Rolls Last in the Fridge?
Freshly baked sausage rolls have the shortest fridge life. According to food safety experts homemade sausage rolls last
- At room temperature: 2 hours max
- In the refrigerator: 3-4 days
- In the freezer: 2-3 months
Once baked, homemade sausage rolls should be eaten, refrigerated, or frozen within 2 hours Leaving fresh rolls out for longer allows condensation to form, creating the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow
For fridge storage, place cooled sausage rolls in an airtight container. Stored properly, homemade rolls stay fresh 3-4 days in the fridge. Beyond that, the pastry may go stale or absorb odors.
For longer storage, homemade sausage rolls freeze beautifully for 2-3 months. Let rolls cool completely before freezing in airtight containers or bags. Reheat straight from frozen in a 375°F oven until hot, about 15-20 minutes.
How Long Do Store-Bought Sausage Rolls Last Refrigerated?
Because they are pre-made and come in commercial packaging, pre-made sausage rolls can stay in the fridge for a little longer. Properly stored, store-bought sausage rolls last:
- Unopened at room temperature: 1 week past printed sell-by date
- After opening, in the fridge: 3-5 days
- In the freezer: 1-3 months
An unopened package of store-bought sausage rolls stays fresh for about 1 week past the sell-by date when stored at room temperature.
Once opened, use within 3-5 days. Keep refrigerated in original packaging or transfer to an airtight container. This prevents drying out.
For freezer storage, commercially made sausage rolls keep 1-3 months frozen. Freeze unopened in original packaging or place rolls in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How Can You Tell if Sausage Rolls Have Gone Bad?
Sausage rolls that have spoiled can make you sick, so inspect them carefully. Watch for these signs that sausage rolls have gone bad:
- Mold growing on the pastry
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Unpleasant sour odors
- Dull grayish brown color
Discard sausage rolls at the first sign of mold or if the texture seems deteriorating and slimy. An “off” odor also indicates they’ve spoiled.
If the filling is an unnatural color or the pastry seems dried out or stale, the sausage rolls are past their prime. Don’t take risks with food safety. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can You Freeze Sausage Rolls?
Freezing extends the shelf life of both homemade and pre-packaged sausage rolls. Follow these tips for freezing sausage rolls:
- Allow rolls to cool fully before freezing
- Place in single layer on baking sheet and freeze until firm
- Transfer frozen rolls to airtight container or bag
- Exclude excess air and seal
- Label with contents and freeze date
- Store frozen for up to 3 months
To reheat, bake frozen sausage rolls at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until hot. Do not microwave. Freezing stops bacteria growth that makes food spoil.
Can You Refrigerate Sausage Rolls After Baking?
It’s perfectly safe to refrigerate sausage rolls after baking. Quickly refrigerating fresh sausage rolls extends their fridge life. Follow these guidelines:
- Allow to cool no more than 2 hours after baking
- Transfer to airtight container and refrigerate
- Use within 3-4 days for best quality
- Reheat in a 375°F oven until hot; do not microwave
Getting sausage rolls into the fridge once cooled prevents moisture condensation that speeds up spoilage. Store in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Eat refrigerated rolls within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Can You Reheat Sausage Rolls?
Fortunately, it’s easy to reheat sausage rolls to crispy perfection. Here are some best practices:
- Refrigerate or freeze rolls after initial baking
- Reheat refrigerated rolls within 3-4 days
- Reheat frozen rolls within 1-3 months for best quality
- Use the oven or toaster oven; do not microwave
- Heat rolls to an internal temperature of 165°F
The oven does the best job of evenly reheating sausage rolls without making the pastry soggy. Place refrigerated rolls on a baking sheet and warm at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until piping hot. Then freeze any leftovers.
Proper storage and reheating lets you safely enjoy sausage rolls for days after baking. Frozen, both homemade and store-bought rolls keep for up to 3 deliciously convenient months.
Storing Sausage Roll Dough Before Baking
For those who prepare sausage roll dough in advance, follow these storage guidelines:
- Refrigerated dough keeps 2-3 days
- Frozen dough lasts 3 months
Wrap dough rounds well in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container before refrigerating. Use within 2-3 days for the best texture.
For longer storage, flash freeze dough rounds on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen dough stays good for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before shaping, filling, and baking.
How Long Do Sausage Rolls Last at Room Temperature?
Freshly baked sausage rolls taste best served warm. However, take care not leave them out too long. Follow these room temperature guidelines:
- Freshly baked: Serve immediately or refrigerate within 2 hours
- Store-bought: Follow package instructions; refrigerate after 2 hours once opened
- Reheated: Serve right away and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
The 2 hour room temperature rule applies to all sausage rolls. After sitting out longer, bacteria multiply quickly, making food unsafe. Always refrigerate fresh, opened, or reheated rolls within 2 hours.
Sausage Roll Food Safety Tips
Follow these important food safety practices for worry-free enjoyment of sausage rolls:
- Refrigerate or freeze fresh rolls within 2 hours of baking
- Store unopened packages properly; refrigerate after opening
- Check for mold, odd textures, foul odors indicating spoilage
- Reheat to 165°F internal temperature
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours after serving
Proper storage times, freezing, and reheating temperatures prevent harmful bacteria growth. Made and handled safely, sausage rolls can be a delicious snack any time.
FAQs
Get answers to some common sausage roll storage questions:
How can you tell if sausage rolls went bad?
Look for mold, slimy texture, foul odor, greyish color, or dried out, crumbly pastry. Discard at first signs of spoilage.
What’s the best way to reheat refrigerated sausage rolls?
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until hot. Do not microwave.
Can you freeze and reheat sausage rolls safely?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen rolls in a 375°F oven to 165°F internal temperature.
How should you thaw frozen sausage rolls?
Always thaw frozen sausage rolls overnight in the refrigerator for food safety.
Is it safe to eat sausage rolls left at room temperature overnight?
No. Discard any sausage rolls left out over 2 hours. Bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature.
How long can cooked sausage rolls be left out?
Cooked sausage rolls should be refrigerated or discarded if left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The Takeaway
When stored and handled properly, sausage rolls stay fresh in the fridge 3-4 days. Refrigerate freshly baked rolls within 2 hours and freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage. Reheat refrigerated rolls within 4 days and frozen rolls within 3 months. Discard moldy, slimy, or foul-smelling rolls. Follow these easy sausage roll storage tips for maximum convenience and food safety.
Can These Be Prepared In Advance?
Sure, they can! Just before you brush the sausage rolls with egg wash, put them in an airtight container (use parchment paper to separate any layers to keep them from sticking) and put it in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to enjoy, brush them with egg wash and pop them in the oven.
You can also freeze the pre-made sausage rolls (again, before brushing on the egg wash). Put the rolls on a sheet pan and freeze them for four hours to make them firm. This is called “flash freezing.” Then, put the rolls in a Ziploc bag and seal it. Store the sausage rolls in the freezer for up to 4 months. Brush them with egg wash and bake for 30 minutes, turning the baking sheet over halfway through the cooking time. Ready to eat?
What to Serve With Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls
These English sausage rolls are the perfect finger food for your next gathering. Even though they taste great on their own, you can serve them with your favorite dip or a tasty side dish. Here are some ideas for you.
- Dip. Add your favorite dip to these sausage rolls to make them even better. I like ranch, brown sauce, HP or Daddies, ketchup, and even ranch. But if you want to try something new, make my French Onion Dip or this Feta Pesto Sundried Tomato Dip.
- Baked beans. This is another English classic that goes well with these sausage bites.
- Veggies. My Corn Tomato Cucumber Salad or these Caprese Skewers will make the picture look a little brighter.
- Cocktails. I love making these sausage rolls for cocktail parties. They’ll be great for your guests to nibble on while they drink and talk. You could serve them with my Eyeball Rum Punch or a simple gin and tonic.