Quick Make Ahead Camping Sausage Rolls
How to Cook Over a Campfire or Grill
Build a medium-hot fire with a good bed of coals—about 375°F, which is when you can hold your hand five inches above the grate for about four seconds. Place the rolls on a greased campfire grate or in a cast iron skillet. Cook 12-15 minutes, turning once with tongs, until the pastry is deep golden brown and the sausage registers 160°F on an instant-read thermometer.
On a grill, preheat to medium (375°F). Cook the rolls directly on the grate, covered, for 14-16 minutes, turning once halfway. The covered grill traps heat and browns the pastry evenly. If the bottoms darken too fast, move the rolls to the cooler side of the grill for the last few minutes.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Don't crowd the rolls. Leave at least an inch between them so the heat circulates. Crowding traps steam and makes the pastry soggy. Also, don't skip the egg wash—it's what gives that burnished, bakery-style crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
These rolls keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. For longer trips, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for a month. Cook from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time. Always check the internal temperature. Keep raw rolls cold in a cooler with ice packs. Cooked rolls can be eaten warm or at room temperature, but don't leave them out more than two hours.
Takeaway
Make ahead camping sausage rolls are a simple, reliable camp dinner. The technique is straightforward: a well-sealed roll, a cold start, and a medium-hot fire. The payoff is a flaky, savory meal that feels like a treat, without the campsite mess. Build the fire, pull the rolls from the cooler, and listen for that first hiss of pastry on the grate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes. Breakfast sausage, Italian sausage (sweet or hot), or even chicken sausage work well. Adjust seasonings to match the sausage flavor.
How do I keep the rolls from burning on the campfire?
Cook over a medium-hot fire, not directly in flames. Use a grate about 6 inches above the coals. Turn the rolls every 4-5 minutes for even browning. If the outside browns too fast, move them to a cooler part of the grate or wrap in foil for the last few minutes.
Can I freeze these before cooking?
Absolutely. Freeze the assembled, unbaked rolls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen at camp, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Recipe: Campfire Sausage Rolls
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- rolling pin
- baking sheet
- heavy-duty foil
- campfire grate or grill
- tongs
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground pork sausage, 1/2 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 package (17.3 oz / 490g) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed, 1 egg, beaten (for wash)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine sausage, cheese, onion, mustard, fennel seeds, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. 2. Lightly flour a work surface. Unfold one puff pastry sheet and roll it into a 10x12-inch rectangle. 3. Cut the rectangle lengthwise into three 4-inch-wide strips. 4. Divide the sausage mixture into six equal portions. Shape each into a log about 8 inches long. 5. Place one log along the long edge of each pastry strip. Brush the opposite edge with beaten egg. 6. Roll the pastry tightly around the sausage log, sealing the edge. Pinch the ends closed. 7. Cut each roll into 2-inch pieces (or leave whole). Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 8. Brush tops with beaten egg. For make ahead: refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes, then wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours, or freeze for up to 1 month. 9. To cook at camp: Build a medium-hot fire with a good bed of coals (about 375°F / 190°C). Place the rolls on a greased campfire grate or in a cast iron skillet. Cook 12-15 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and the sausage reaches 160°F. 10. For grill: Preheat grill to medium (375°F). Cook rolls directly on the grate, covered, for 14-16 minutes, turning once halfway.