Easy Italian Sausage Rolls

Italian sausage rolls, also known as calzone or stuffed pizza pockets, have become incredibly popular due to their versatility and deliciousness. These savory pies filled with a variety of ingredients can be enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer. In this article, we will explore how to make these flavorful sausage rolls in your very own kitchen.

The preparation time for these rolls is approximately 30 minutes, and the total cooking time is around 25 minutes. You can yield about 6-8 servings from one batch of dough.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (you can also use chicken or turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cups pizza dough (store-bought is fine if you don't have time to make your own)
• 1 egg, beaten (for the glaze)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for brushing

Steps to Make Italian Sausage Rolls

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside once done cooking.

1. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes or until the onions become translucent. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
2. Once the vegetables are softened, mix in the cooked sausage along with the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season it all with salt and pepper according to your preference. This mixture will serve as the filling for your sausage rolls.
3. On a lightly floured surface or countertop, roll out one sheet of pizza dough into a large rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Ensure that it’s even so that each portion is uniform in size and shape. Repeat this process with all the remaining pieces of dough.
4. Divide the sausage filling equally among each piece of rolled-out dough. Place approximately ⅓ cup of the mixture onto half of each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges to allow for sealing.
5. Gently fold over the other side and pinch together the edges with a fork or your fingers to seal tightly. Make sure there are no loose ends that could unseal during baking.
6. Place each assembled roll on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they're not touching one another; this allows air to circulate properly around each roll as it bakes.
7. Egg wash the tops of all your sausage rolls by brushing them lightly with beaten egg. This gives them a shiny finish when baked and helps lock in moisture during cooking.

Baking Instructions

Place the baking tray into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Rotate the tray halfway through if your oven has hotspots to ensure even browning all over each roll.

When they're done, let them cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce or just plain with a side salad and fresh vegetables for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.

Tips & Variations

• Cooking Tips: To prevent the edges from burning while they're still raw in the center, you can cover them loosely with foil during baking.
• Variations: You could substitute different types of cheese like mozzarella or provolone. For a vegetarian version, use an assortment of vegetables instead of meat in your filling.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The exact nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used but here’s a general guide:

• Calories: ~400 kcal
• Total Fat: ~35g
• Saturated Fat: ~10g
• Cholesterol: ~85mg
• Sodium: ~600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Fiber: ~4g
• Sugar: ~3g
• Protein: ~20g

Italian sausage rolls are not only a delightful treat but also incredibly easy to prepare. With this simple recipe, you can impress family and friends with homemade pastries that are both delicious and satisfying.