Have you ever wanted to bake something easy that looks like it took hours to make? This Mary Berry-inspired Sausage Plait is just the recipe for you! It’s simple, delicious, and looks amazing on the table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a small get-together, this dish is sure to impress.
Let’s get started and learn how to make it step by step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes Amazing: Juicy sausage, fresh herbs, and golden flaky pastry – what’s not to love?
- Looks Fancy: The plait (braid) design looks beautiful and professional, even if you’re a beginner.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything special – just basic items from your local store.
- Quick to Make: Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish.
- Great for Any Meal: Serve it for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend brunch.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s everything you need to make your sausage plait:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon (adds a fresh flavor)
- 1.25 lbs sausage meat (choose a good quality sausage)
- 1.5 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 3 oz sun-blushed tomatoes, chopped
- 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry
- 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing on top)
- A little flour, for dusting
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, chopped onion, lemon zest, thyme, sun-blushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until everything is combined.
Step 3: Roll the Pastry
Sprinkle a little flour on your table or board. Unroll the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle shape.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Place the sausage mixture down the middle of the pastry in a long strip. Leave some space on the sides.
Step 5: Cut and Plait
Cut diagonal strips on both sides of the pastry (about 1 inch wide). Fold the strips over the sausage from each side, one by one, to make a plait (braided) pattern.
Step 6: Brush with Egg
Use a brush to coat the top of the plait with the beaten egg. This will help it turn golden and shiny.
Step 7: Bake
Put the plait in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let it cool for 5 minutes. Slice it up and enjoy while it’s warm!
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Sausage Plait
- Avoid Soggy Pastry: Don’t add too much wet filling. Drain tomatoes well.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the plait, wrap it, and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready.
- Go Veggie: Use vegetarian sausage or a mix of mushrooms, cheese, and breadcrumbs for a meat-free version.
- Add Cheese: A little grated cheddar inside the filling adds extra flavor!
Storage & Reheating
- To Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge in a closed container. Eat within 2 days.
- To Reheat: Warm it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes. Avoid the microwave – it makes the pastry soft.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade pastry?
Yes! If you love baking, you can make your own puff pastry. But store-bought is quick and works perfectly.
Q: What kind of sausage should I use?
Use your favorite – pork, beef, or chicken. You can also try flavored ones like garlic or herb.
Q: Can I freeze the sausage plait?
Yes. You can freeze it before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Nutritional Info (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 450–500
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 30g
Note: This will vary based on the type of sausage and pastry you use.
🎉 Final Thoughts
This Mary Berry Sausage Plait recipe is the perfect mix of easy and elegant. You don’t need to be a pro chef to make it look and taste amazing. The flaky golden pastry with juicy sausage filling is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start baking – your family and friends will thank you!
