Introduction
Welcome to our delectable recipe for Weight Watchers Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls! These savory, golden-brown rolls are a perfect choice for a low SmartPoints snack or appetizer. By using light puff pastry and a flavorful sausage filling, this recipe maintains delicious taste while keeping your Weight Watchers plan on track. Our detailed guide includes all the necessary steps, ingredient measurements, nutritional information, and valuable tips to ensure you achieve perfect results every time.
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Ingredients
To make these scrumptious sausage rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Sausage Filling:
- Lean Sausage Meat: 12 ounces (340 grams) (choose a lower-fat variety or use ground turkey as a substitute)
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped (approximately 70 grams)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Fresh Thyme: 1 teaspoon, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams)
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram)
- Egg White: 1 (for binding and moisture)
For the Puff Pastry:
- Light Puff Pastry Sheets: 2 sheets (each approximately 8.5×10 inches, 21×25 cm) (check for reduced-fat options)
- Egg Wash: 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (for brushing)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your oven is at the optimal temperature for baking the sausage rolls evenly and achieving a golden, crispy finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean sausage meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The sausage meat should be well-seasoned and have a uniform texture.
Step 3: Bind the Mixture
- Add the egg white to the sausage mixture. The egg white will help bind the filling together and add moisture. Mix until the egg white is fully incorporated into the sausage mixture.
Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Unroll the light puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. If the pastry sheets are not pre-rolled, roll them out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 millimeters). Aim for a rectangular shape to facilitate easy rolling and cutting.
Step 5: Assemble the Sausage Rolls
- Divide the sausage mixture evenly between the two puff pastry sheets, placing the filling in a log shape along one edge of each pastry sheet. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed and leaves a small border around the edges.
- Gently roll the puff pastry over the sausage filling, starting from the edge with the filling and rolling towards the opposite edge. Seal the edges by pinching them together, and ensure the seam is on the bottom.
Step 6: Cut the Rolls
- Using a sharp knife, cut each rolled pastry into 6 equal pieces, creating a total of 12 sausage rolls. For even baking, make sure the pieces are uniformly sized.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
- Place the sausage rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Brush the tops of each roll with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful, golden-brown color as they bake.
Step 8: Bake the Sausage Rolls
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the sausage filling is cooked through. If you’re unsure whether the sausage is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the sausage rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. This will help them set and make them easier to handle. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information
Each sausage roll (1/12th of the recipe) provides the following nutritional benefits:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 8 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 1 gram
- Fat: 6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 30 milligrams
- Sodium: 250 milligrams
WW SmartPoints
These sausage rolls are designed to be low in SmartPoints, making them a great option for those on the Weight Watchers program. The estimated SmartPoints value per sausage roll is:
- Freestyle SmartPoints: 4
- PointsPlus: 4
- Beyond the Scale SmartPoints: 4
Please note that the SmartPoints value may vary slightly depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.
Additional Tips
1. Ingredient Substitutions
- Sausage Meat: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken sausage. You can also use plant-based sausage if preferred.
- Puff Pastry: Light puff pastry is recommended for reducing SmartPoints, but ensure it is fully thawed before using. If you prefer, you can use regular puff pastry, but it will increase the SmartPoints value.
2. Freezing and Reheating
- Freezing: These sausage rolls can be prepared in advance and frozen before baking. Arrange the uncooked rolls on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
3. Serving Suggestions
- These sausage rolls make an excellent party appetizer or snack. They can be served with a side of mustard, ketchup, or a light dipping sauce. Pair with a fresh salad or vegetable sticks for a complete meal.
4. Variations
- Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to customize the flavor. For example, add a pinch of cumin or fennel seeds for a unique twist.
- Try adding finely chopped vegetables to the sausage filling for extra nutrition and texture. Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are great options.
5. Baking Tips
- For an extra crispy finish, preheat your baking sheet in the oven before placing the rolls on it. This helps achieve a crispier bottom.
- If you find the pastry hard to roll, lightly dust your rolling pin and surface with flour to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
The Weight Watchers Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls offer a deliciously savory treat that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers plan. With a flavorful sausage filling wrapped in light puff pastry, these rolls are both satisfying and low in SmartPoints. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal, they provide a perfect balance of taste and nutrition.
