Introduction

Sausage rolls are a popular comfort food, often enjoyed as a savory snack or appetizer. But traditional sausage rolls can be high in fat, calories, and SmartPoints, making them less ideal for those following a weight management program like Weight Watchers (WW). Luckily, with a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy this beloved snack guilt-free. Weight Watchers Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls offers a delicious, low-SmartPoints alternative, combining the crispy, flaky goodness of puff pastry with a lean sausage filling, making it a perfect snack or meal addition that aligns with your WW goals.

This recipe uses lean sausage, reduced-fat puff pastry, and a few flavorful seasonings to create a healthier version of the classic sausage roll. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re craving a savory snack, planning a party, or just looking for a meal prep-friendly option, these Weight Watchers Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls will hit the spot.

Ingredients for Weight Watchers Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients, which are portioned to make 12 sausage rolls:

  • 1 sheet of reduced-fat puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey sausage (or chicken sausage for a lighter option)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or dried thyme, 1 teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Detailed Instructions for Making Weight Watchers Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the puff pastry will bake to golden perfection and the sausage filling will cook thoroughly.

2. Prepare the Filling

In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step helps to release the aromatic flavors that will enhance the overall taste of your sausage rolls.

Next, add the lean ground turkey sausage to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. As the sausage cooks, season it with salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, and thyme. The addition of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme provides a fresh, savory flavor that elevates the sausage rolls.

Once the sausage is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes. You can also add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the mixture for a tangy kick, although this step is optional based on your flavor preferences.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry

While the sausage mixture cools, roll out the reduced-fat puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. You want to make sure it is large enough to cut into strips. If using store-bought puff pastry, you may need to join two sheets together, depending on the brand and the size of your desired rolls.

Once the pastry is rolled out to about 1/8 inch thick, cut it into 12 equal strips (about 2 inches wide). Each strip will be used to wrap the sausage filling.

4. Assemble the Sausage Rolls

Once the sausage mixture has cooled slightly, spoon a portion of the sausage mixture onto each pastry strip. Be sure to leave enough room on the edges to fold the pastry over the filling. The filling should be spread evenly along the center of the strip.

Carefully fold the puff pastry over the sausage filling, sealing the edges by pressing them gently with your fingers. If the pastry doesn’t fully seal, use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring that the filling stays inside the pastry.

5. Brush with Egg Wash

Place the assembled sausage rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Brush the tops of each roll with the beaten egg, which will give them a lovely golden color once baked. This step also helps the puff pastry achieve that crispy, flaky texture that makes sausage rolls so irresistible.

6. Bake the Sausage Rolls

Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. The sausage rolls should be cooked through, and the pastry should have puffed up nicely around the sausage filling.

For an extra touch, you can serve the sausage rolls with a small side of dipping sauce, such as a light mustard or a tangy low-calorie barbecue sauce.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the sausage rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. These rolls also make a great addition to a party platter or as a delicious lunch option.

Tips for Perfect Weight Watchers Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

  1. Use Lean Sausage: Choosing a lean ground turkey or chicken sausage helps keep the fat content low while maintaining the sausage’s flavorful taste. Avoid using high-fat sausages, which can increase the calorie count and SmartPoints.
  2. Customizable Fillings: You can experiment with other vegetables or seasonings in the filling. Adding finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can increase the fiber content of your sausage rolls without adding many calories. Additionally, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more herbs, or even a touch of chili flakes for some heat.
  3. Use Reduced-Fat Puff Pastry: Traditional puff pastry can be high in calories and fat. By choosing a reduced-fat puff pastry, you significantly reduce the overall SmartPoints without sacrificing the flaky texture. Always check the package for the calorie and SmartPoints values.
  4. Make-Ahead Option: These sausage rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled rolls for up to 2 months. Just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  5. Bake in Batches: If you’re making a larger quantity, you can bake in batches to ensure the sausage rolls are evenly spaced on the baking sheet and cook to perfection.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Sausage Roll)

Here is the nutritional breakdown for one sausage roll, based on the ingredients listed above:

  • Calories: 140
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Net Carbs: 10g
  • Sodium: 270mg
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Calcium: 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Iron: 8% of the DV
  • Potassium: 4% of the DV

SmartPoints (WW)

  • Blue Plan: 4 SmartPoints per sausage roll
  • Green Plan: 5 SmartPoints per sausage roll
  • Purple Plan: 3 SmartPoints per sausage roll

The SmartPoints values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

Why Weight Watchers Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls Are a Great Option for WW

This healthier version of the classic sausage roll is perfect for those on the Weight Watchers program. Here’s why:

  1. Low in SmartPoints: These sausage rolls are designed to be low in SmartPoints, so you can enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main meal without compromising your weight management goals.
  2. High in Protein: The lean ground turkey or chicken sausage provides a healthy dose of protein, which helps keep you full and satisfied. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and repair, making it an ideal nutrient for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
  3. Perfect for Meal Prep: These sausage rolls are an excellent option for meal prep. You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for later. When you’re ready to eat, simply pop them in the oven for a quick and delicious meal or snack.
  4. Customizable: You can easily modify the filling to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Swap out the herbs, add different vegetables, or try a different type of sausage to create your perfect sausage roll.
  5. Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. With just a few basic steps, you’ll have a tasty and satisfying dish.
  6. Great for Parties or Gatherings: These sausage rolls are a hit at parties, family gatherings, or potlucks. They’re bite-sized, easy to serve, and perfect for sharing with others. Best of all, they won’t derail your healthy eating goals!

Conclusion

Weight Watchers Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls are the perfect healthy alternative to a classic comfort food. With their flaky, golden pastry and savory sausage filling, these rolls are sure to satisfy your cravings without derailing your weight management goals. They’re quick and easy to make, highly customizable, and ideal for meal prep or a snack on the go.

This dish offers a delicious way to enjoy the rich flavors of a traditional sausage roll while keeping it light on calories and SmartPoints. Whether you’re following the Blue Plan, Green Plan, or Purple Plan, these rolls are an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor.

Try them out today and add this tasty, healthier snack to your next meal plan!