Sausage & Cheese Puff Pastry Ring

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Sausage & Cheese Puff Pastry Ring

Introduction

The Sausage & Cheese Puff Pastry Ring is a visually stunning and irresistibly tasty savory pastry dish. Imagine a buttery, flaky puff pastry hugging a juicy sausage filling, with gooey melted cheese holding everything together — baked until golden perfection. This dish works beautifully as a party appetizer, brunch centerpiece, or even a cozy dinner option. Its circular wreath-like formation makes it as much a decoration as a meal.

History

While puff pastry has deep French roots (known as pâte feuilletée), the concept of stuffing it with savory meats spans across Europe. The British have their sausage rolls, the French have their pâté en croûte, and Eastern Europeans have meat-filled pastries. The idea of forming it into a ring is more modern — popularized in home cooking circles in the late 20th century as a festive twist for gatherings.

Benefits

Aesthetic appeal – Beautiful centerpiece for holiday tables or brunch buffets.

Customizable – Can be adapted with different meats, cheeses, and spices.

Balanced flavors – Combines protein (meat), dairy (cheese), and carbs (pastry) in a single bite.

Convenience – Store-bought puff pastry cuts down prep time.

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

For the Filling:

500 g (1 lb) sausage meat (pork, chicken, or turkey — remove casings if using whole sausages)

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or fresh parsley, thyme, or oregano)

½ tsp paprika (optional, for color and warmth)

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Pastry:

1 sheet (about 250 g) puff pastry, thawed if frozen

150 g (about 1 ½ cups) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped

Instructions & Method

  1. Prepare the Filling
    • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage meat until browned.
    • Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
    • Stir in herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.
    • Let the filling cool slightly.
  2. Form the Ring
    • Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
    • Lay out the puff pastry sheet.
    • Cut into 8–10 equal triangles, keeping the wide bases touching in a circle shape (like a sun).
    • Sprinkle a little cheese on the base of each triangle.
    • Spoon the sausage mixture evenly over the cheese.
    • Top with remaining cheese.
  3. Seal & Shape
    • Fold the pastry tips over the filling toward the center.
    • Press edges gently to seal.
    • Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  4. Bake
    • Transfer to a lined baking tray.
    • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
  5. Garnish & Serve
    • Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives.
    • Serve warm — it pulls apart beautifully.

Formation

The signature wreath shape is created by arranging pastry triangles in a circle with overlapping bases, ensuring the filling is nestled inside. This not only looks elegant but also allows for easy serving by simply pulling apart sections.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximation)

Calories: ~360 kcal

Protein: 15 g

Carbohydrates: 22 g

Fat: 24 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sodium: ~560 mg

Lovers of This Dish

Brunch enthusiasts – Perfect alongside mimosas.

Party hosts – A centerpiece that doubles as finger food.

Cheese lovers – Gooey, melted goodness in every bite.

Meat lovers – Hearty and satisfying.

Conclusion

The Sausage & Cheese Puff Pastry Ring is proof that simple ingredients can create a show-stopping dish. With its rich history rooted in European pastry traditions, its visual appeal, and its crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s a recipe worth mastering. Whether for holidays, brunches, or casual get-togethers, it’s sure to be a conversation starter — and a plate-emptier.

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