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Leftover Bolognese Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry

 Use that leftover bolognese to make these delicious puff pastry sausage rolls and cook them in the oven or the air fryer until crispy and golden.

leftover bolognese sausage rolls

Leftover Bolognese Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry


If you're anything like me, you always make a big batch when you are making bolognese.

Instead of making a second batch of spaghetti bolognese on night two, why not make these leftover bolognese sausage rolls which are made with puff pastry?

They are absolutely divine straight out of the oven all crispy and golden.

If you need a good veggie bolognese, try my easy bolognese recipe which I've been making for decades, based on a recipe my mother-in-law passed to me.


Puff Pastry


I learned to make puff pastry at school, but life is too short and shop-bought puff pastry is really good quality, so use that.

Ready rolled is super convenient as it is beautifully even and ready to use, so I tend to use that, but you do get a better rise on a rolled-out block of puff pastry.

You decide!


Adding cheese

Usually, I will add a layer of cheese to these quick sausage rolls, but this time I left it out.


a bowl of grated cheddar.

You can either mix the cheese into the leftover bolognese sauce or add the bolognese sausage filling to the pastry then top with some grated cheese.

Cheddar (regular or vegan) is a good option to add as it melts well and gives a good flavour.

If you're looking for a pretty decent vegan cheddar, try the new Cathedral City plant-based cheese.

Of course, there are lots of other brands out there, so use your favourite cheddar.


vegan sausage rolls

What you need to make these easy sausage rolls


Here are the simple ingredients you need to make these awesome veggie sausage rolls.

I make vegan sausage rolls, but you can use your regular bolognese recipe, which is the only difference.


  • Puff pastry - ready rolled or a block rolled out
  • Bolognese - try my veggie bolognese
  • Oats - porridge oats (rolled oats)
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried parsley
  • Chilli flakes - add more if you want them spicy
  • Salt & pepper
  • Sesame seeds
If you're looking for more leftover bolognese recipes, try bolognese potato bake which is a very comforting meal, or leftover bolognese quesadillas, which are great for a delicious lunch or light dinner.

If you're serving them for dinner, why not serve them with potato wedges and mini corn cobs?

I'm sure I'll come up with more leftover bolognese ideas soon, so do bookmark tinnedtomatoes.com on your phone or PC.

Variations to this easy sausage roll recipe



Here are a few ideas for tweaking this recipe.

  1. Cheese - add grated vegan cheddar to the mixture or as a layer on top
  2. Chilli - add more chilli flakes to the mix for a bit of heat, I only added enough for warmth
  3. Hot sauce - add hot sauce to the mixture to spice it up
  4. Spinach - add a layer of spinach before adding the bolognese



puff pastry sausage rolls

Get that golden finish


The golden finish on sausage rolls is usually achieved by brushing them with an egg wash before baking, but there are other options.

I brush them with some olive oil, but you can also brush the pastry with milk. 

Just whatever you usually have in the fridge. For us, it's oat milk.

Add those seeds



Finishing sausage rolls with a scattering of seeds gives them a nice professional look, plus seeds are good for you.

You can add sesame seeds, flax seeds, mustard seeds or poppy seeds.

Just brush the pastry with oil or milk, then scatter the seeds across the tops and bake until golden and crispy.


Air fryer or oven?



With the price of gas and electricity going up and up, how you cook is definitely a consideration.

This leftover bolognese recipe can be baked in the oven or air fryer.

They bake quicker in an air fryer and it's less expensive to run, although saying that, these only take between 20-25 minutes to bake, so it's not too bad.

You can always roast a tray of veg on another shelf at the same time to save energy.


How much cheaper is an air fryer?



If you're thinking of getting an air fryer, I can only say I love mine. I have a Tower 5-1 air fryer with shelves and use it nearly every day.

So, how do you calculate how much an air fryer costs compared to an oven.

Air fryer's vary in wattage, but always use significantly less power than an oven.

Here's how you work out the energy used.


  1. Start with the wattage of the air fryer or oven and multiply that by the hours you use it in a day. Divide that number by 1,000 and now you have the daily kilowatt-hour (kWh).
  2. My air fryer is 2,000 watts (some are lower). If I use it for 30 minutes that is 1 kWh.
  3. My electric oven is 3,000 watts. If I use it for the same dish it would probably take about 40 minutes which comes out at 1.98 kWh.
  4. Average prices at the moment (September 2022) in the UK are about 34p per kWh, but that could go up again.
  5. So cooking a dish for 30 minutes an air fryer (some are lower power and so cheaper) comes in at 34p.
  6. Cooking the same dish in an oven (these also vary) comes in at 67p.
These veggie sausage rolls are ready in under half an hour, but it gives you an idea.

It's quite a difference and could really add up over the weeks, months, and year.


Storing and freezing



These easy vegan sausage rolls will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for 4-5 days.

You can also freeze these sausage rolls before baking them.

Flash freeze them on a tray, then pop them in a freezer bag or tub in the freezer for up to 3 months, then bake from frozen.

If they are pre-cooked, wrap in foil before baking, so they don't brown too much.


veggie sausage rolls on a tray


How to serve leftover bolognese sausage rolls



Here are a few ideas on how to serve these gorgeous vegan sausage rolls.

Although, I'm sure you'll have some great ideas too.

  • Hot - out of the oven, as they are
  • Cold - in lunchboxes
  • Nursery style - with mashed potato (try this Kenyan bean, corn and potato mash) and baked beans
  • Chip shop style - with chips and peas
  • Sunday dinner - serve with vegetables, roast potatoes and gravy
  • Salad - served cold with potato wedges and salad


More vegan puff pastry recipes

 

Here are a few easy, but tasty vegan puff pastry recipes for you to try next.

  1. Butternut Squash, Red Pepper & Potato Plait - perfect for Sunday dinner, Thanksgiving or Christmas served with veg, roast potatoes, and gravy
  2. Garlic Mushroom & Spinach Tart - my favourite tart
  3. Layered Burger Veggie Pies - use your favourite burgers
  4. Mini Falafel Onion Pies - Serve hot or cold
  5. Mushroom & Chestnut Sausage Rolls - so, so good
  6. Pesto Cheese Swirls - easy but very moreish
  7. Pizza Swirls - kids love these and they are great in lunch boxes too
  8. Spicy Lentil Sausage Rolls - everyone loves these
  9. Vegan Asparagus Tart with Cheese Sauce - the cheesy sauce takes this tart to the next level
  10. Vegan Haggis Sausage Rolls - a taste of Scotland
For more puff pastry inspiration check out my guide 25 Awesome Puff Pastry Recipes for Vegans.


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How to make leftover bolognese sausage rolls

Scroll down for step-by-step photos followed by a full printable recipe. 

If you don't have a printer, hit print then save as a PDF.

Making bolognese sausage rolls step 1 - the bolognese

Step 1

  • Add herbs, chilli flakes, salt, and pepper to the bolognese.
  • Then add the oats and mix in.
  • If your bolognese is wet you might need more oats and if it is slightly dry, you may need less.
  • You want it to be moist but not wet.


Making bolognese sausage rolls step 2 - the pastry & filling

Step 2

  • Unroll your puff pastry (or roll out block pastry).
  • Cut along the middle lengthways, so you have two long strips.
  • Divide the mixture along the middle of each strip in a sausage shape.
  • Brush a little water along one long edge and fold the pastry up and over the filling, joining it with an overlap of pastry along the top.
  • Flip the two long sausage rolls over (so the join is underneath.
  • Cut each long sausage roll into three even-sized sausage rolls (or mini sausage rolls).
  • Cut slits in the top of the sausage rolls so the steam escapes as they bake.
  • Brush each veggie sausage roll with oil (or milk) and top with sesame seeds.


Making bolognese sausage rolls step 3 - the bake

Step 3


  • Place the sausage rolls on a baking tray or air fryer shelf and bake until golden.
  • Serve hot or cold.
  • Enjoy!





sausage rolls. vegetarian sausage rolls, vegan sausage rolls, puff pastry, bolognese, leftover bolognese
dinner
British
Yield: 6
Author: Jacqueline Meldrum
Leftover Bolognese Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry

Leftover Bolognese Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry

Use that leftover bolognese to make these delicious puff pastry sausage rolls and cook them in the oven or the air fryer until crispy and golden.
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 30 Min

Ingredients

  • 400g (1 ¾ cups leftover) bolognese
  • 70g (¾ cup) oats (porridge oats or rolled oats), more if the mixture is too wet
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
  • 1 pinch salt & pepper
  • 375g (13.2 oz) puff pastry
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or milk), for brushing
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. If baking these sausage rolls in the oven, preheat to 180c/160c fan/350f/gas mark 4. If baking in an air fryer, it will only need to be preheated for a couple of minutes, so you can do that (same temperature) while you are brushing them and adding the sesame seeds.
  2. In a large bowl, add herbs, chilli flakes, salt, and pepper to the bolognese and mix in.
  3. Then add the oats and mix those in too.
  4. If your bolognese is wet you might need more oats and if it is slightly dry, you may need less. You want it to be moist but not wet.
  5. Unroll your (or roll your block) puff pastry.
  6. Cut along the middle lengthways, so you have two long strips.
  7. Divide the mixture along the middle of each strip in a sausage shape.
  8. Brush a little water along one long edge and fold the pastry up and over the filling, joining it with an overlap of pastry along the top.
  9. Flip the two long sausage rolls over (so the join is underneath.
  10. Cut each long sausage roll into three even-sized sausage rolls (or mini sausage rolls).
  11. Cut slits in the top of the sausage rolls so the steam escapes as they bake.
  12. Brush each veggie sausage roll with oil (or milk) and top with sesame seeds.
  13. Place the sausage rolls on a baking tray or air fryer shelf and bake on the middle shelf for 25 minutes in the oven or 20 minutes in the air fryer (middle shelf too) until golden.
  14. Serve hot or cold.
  15. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can add grated cheddar (vegan or dairy, depending on your diet) into the bolognese mix or add it as a layer on top of your bolognese mixture inside the sausage rolls.
  • Serve these hot or cold.
  • They will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
  • You can also freeze these sausage rolls before baking them. Flash freeze them on a tray, then pop them in a freezer bag or tub in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Bake from frozen.
  • If they are pre-cooked, wrap in foil before baking, so they don't brown too much.


Variations

  1. Cheese - add grated vegan cheddar to the mixture or as a layer on top
  2. Chilli - add chilli flakes to the mix for a bit of heat
  3. Hot sauce - add hot sauce to the mixture to spice it up
  4. Spinach - add a layer of spinach before adding the bolognese


Nutrition Facts

Calories

213.05

Fat (grams)

20.13

Sat. Fat (grams)

4.52

Carbs (grams)

22.58

Fiber (grams)

2.43

Net carbs

34.16

Sugar (grams)

0.6

Protein (grams)

6.25

Sodium (milligrams)

168.58

Cholesterol (grams)

2.8

This information is approximated using a nutrition and calorie calculator.

27 comments

  1. Those look amazing and I always make too much bolognese. I am deffo making these. (Ty)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ok you got my attention. How did you know I made a batch of bolognaise tonight. Sam x

    ReplyDelete
  3. These look amazing. I know my daughter will love them. Thanks for the recipe. Jill x

    ReplyDelete
  4. This was such a fun and hearty recipe! Served this for dinner and it was a hit all around the table! Easily, a new favorite dish!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Quick, easy and delicious! The perfect formula for using leftovers. We loved it! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Delicious!! I love a recipe that doesn't shy away from flavor - or using leftovers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a nice way of using leftover bolognese instead of another pot of pasta.

      Delete
  7. This is such a great way to use up leftover bolognese. My kids would love these.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes they are popular with kids. My son loves them for packed lunch.

      Delete
  8. These are absolutely wonderful to take to a small party. My friends will absolutely love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes they make good party food too and you can cut them into mini bites sized pieces

      Delete
  9. I loved the simplicity of this sausage rolls, and they were super tasty! This is exactly my type of comfort food, such a keeper! Please, keep them coming!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so welcome Gus and I am glad you enjoyed them.

      Delete
  10. What a genius idea! I often have leftover bolognese or chilli, and my kids will absolutely love these - probably far more than the original bolognese with pasta!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha well there is that. Who doesn't love a bit of warm and flaky pastry.

      Delete
  11. Oh what a delicious idea! I always make a huge batch of vegan bolognese when I make it, so this is a great way to use it up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same here. I generally make too much but do share keftovers

      Delete
  12. I always make a huge batch of vegan bolognese, so this is great for using it up apart from my usual shepherds pie. Yum!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it's nice to make something different fir a change, isn't it.

      Delete
  13. An absolute winner! Ewan ate two straight out of the oven!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That hot flaky pastry is hard to resist. I am so glad he liked them.

      Delete
  14. Hi.
    I’m so excited 😝
    I’ve just brought home my Tower 10 in 1 air fryer 🥳
    and tonight we shall have your bolognaise pies and roast potatoes.
    Thank you so much for helping me choose an air fryer too.
    I was beginning to have a melt down 🤪

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You'll have such fun with it. I use mine constantly

      Delete

I love reading comments, so thank you for taking the time to leave one. Unfortunately, I'm bombarded with spam, so I've turned on comment moderation. I'll publish your comments as soon as I can and respond to them. Don't panic, they will disappear when you hit publish. Jac x