Skip to content

Sausage rolls are originally a British treat, but they have begun to develop something of a following across the pond, and in the US more and more of us are beginning to understand the delicious appeal of these mouthwatering snacks.

If you’ve never had these savory filled puff pastries it is far past time to add them to your menu, and National Sausage Roll Day is the day to do it!

Each year we celebrate this amazing little pastry and the country it came from, and this year so can you! Just delve right in and read up on where it came from, when it’s used, and how surprisingly many people have been missing out on this best of all treats… until now!

The great thing about sausage rolls is how versatile they are, both as a snack food, and as a staple part of a meal. There are a lot of things that play a part in this because it is something you need to make sure you get right.

Think about the different ways you can enjoy sausage rolls, such as at a picnic, or as part of a packed lunch. This tasty, versatile treat is rightly celebrated and revered, so let’s find out more about National Sausage Roll Day, and how you can get involved with it.

How to Celebrate National Sausage Roll Day

Well, the best and easiest way to celebrate Sausage roll day is by eating your fill of sausage rolls! If you don’t have access to a place that sells proper sausage rolls, look up a recipe!

If possible, look for one from a British recipe site to make sure what you’re getting is an authentic sausage roll. Then share them with your friends and family, so that they too can know what it means to enjoy a sausage roll, hot or cold. Then start preparing for next sausage roll day!

You could throw an event celebrating sausage rolls, and trying out some of the different sausage roll recipes online. You can experiment and get creative with these choices, and this is something you need to make sure you look into.

There are so many different things you could do to add some delicious originality to your sausage rolls, and this is something to look into. That way you can customize the sausage rolls and try out things like spices, and different fillings to enhance the flavors.

Another thing you could consider is attending a fayre, where they typically have food stalls and make sure there are sausage rolls stands.

Failing this, a picnic in which sausage rolls are the principal focus would be a wonderfully fun and tasty way of being able to indulge in delicious sausage rolls and celebrate this day with your friends.

Make sure you do what you can to get involved with National Sausage Roll Day as much as possible.

History of National Sausage Roll Day

First, we should probably just answer the question looming on your mind, “What’s a sausage roll?!” Sausage rolls are much as we’ve described them, a pleasantly spiced mixture of sausage, preferably home-made, that is then carefully wrapped in an all-butter puff pastry (which is usually store-bought these days) and baked until delicious.

That’s it, a bundle of sausage in a wrap served up to hungry Brits (And now Yanks!) everywhere.

Sausage Rolls are to Britain what cold chicken is to the America’s, the perfect picnic treat. Sports day? You’ll be having a big plate of these brought out for generalized noshing.

On the run and need a quick bite? Bet your lady packed you a sausage roll in your lunch box. Walking down the street and got a hunger? Bet you’ll be tanking up on a sausage roll (or fish and chips…), these things are everywhere and a standard part of British fair.

In fact, in some ways, it could be argued that sausage rolls are as much a part of British culinary culture as fish and chips or a Sunday roast.

There is no doubting their popularity, and this can be seen in the fact that they are available in every supermarket and bakery across the land.

Whether you want mini sausage rolls for a picnic, or you’re grabbing a large one for a mid-afternoon snack, it is important to understand the impact these tasty treats have had on Britain, and further afield as well.

Of course, apparently Americans didn’t discover them until November of 2015, much to the astonishment of a great foggy island Nor-Norwest of Spain.

It was an absolute storm of confusion and disbelief that day as our neighbors from across the pond realized that we poor fools had utterly failed to invent such a basic and miraculous thing as the savory, flaky, buttery, delicious sausage roll.

Then again, what should they think about a country that doesn’t properly know what a biscuit is?

National Sausage Roll Day FAQs

What role did sausage rolls play in British war efforts?

During World War II, sausage rolls gained popularity as a hearty yet economical snack.

Rationing made recipes simpler, using pastry scraps and limited meat. They were easy to prepare in bulk, making them ideal for feeding soldiers and civilians alike.

Why are sausage rolls considered a “working-class hero” food?

Sausage rolls became a symbol of working-class culture in 19th-century Britain.

They were cheap, portable, and filling, perfect for factory workers and laborers. Vendors sold them on streets, fueling their rise as a practical everyday meal.

What is the connection between sausage rolls and New Zealand cuisine?

New Zealand has embraced sausage rolls as a national favorite, often serving them at parties and school events.

They’ve added twists, like using lamb or venison for the filling, reflecting local tastes and ingredients.

Are there any fun superstitions about eating sausage rolls?

Some people in the UK believe eating sausage rolls on New Year’s Day brings good luck for the year ahead.

This quirky tradition likely stems from the festive association of sausage rolls with holiday celebrations.

How are sausage rolls adapted in Middle Eastern cuisine?

In Middle Eastern-inspired versions, bakers swap puff pastry for phyllo dough and season the filling with spices like cumin and coriander.

This blend of flaky pastry and aromatic flavors creates a unique twist on the classic roll.

What’s the most unusual ingredient ever used in a sausage roll?

Some chefs experiment with fillings like black pudding or haggis to create bold, unconventional flavors.

One bakery in Scotland even made a “dessert” sausage roll using sweet pastry and a chocolate filling.

How are sausage rolls celebrated in rural Ireland?

In small Irish towns, sausage rolls are a go-to food at community events like fairs and festivals.

Locals often use pork sourced from nearby farms, adding herbs like thyme and parsley for a fresh, regional flavor.

What was the sausage roll’s role in the rise of grab-and-go dining?

Sausage rolls paved the way for fast food in the UK. Their convenience and portability made them a staple of quick, on-the-go meals long before fast food chains became popular.

How do Germans interpret the concept of a sausage roll?

In Germany, the equivalent might be a sausage wrapped in pretzel dough, called “Würstchen im Schlafrock” or “sausages in dressing gowns.”

This version highlights their love for pretzels and hearty fillings.

Why are sausage rolls so common at British children’s parties?

Sausage rolls are a must-have at kids’ parties because they’re easy to eat and universally loved.

Their small, bite-sized form makes them perfect for little hands, and their savory flavor balances out sweet party treats.

See what else is happening…

There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!

Also on ...

View all holidays

Hot Air Balloon Day

Cross an item off your bucket list and sign up for a hot air balloon ride. Afraid of heights? Read or Watch “Around the World in 80 Days”, or go see a festival.

World Environment Day

Join the fight against pollution, deforestation, climate change, melting ice caps and other threats to our environment and learn how you can help stop them.

National Gingerbread Day

Indulge in the sweet and spicy goodness of a holiday treat that's perfect for any occasion, whether baked into cookies or made into a house!

National Veggie Burger Day

Looking for a healthy alternative to traditional burgers? Try a plant-based patty that's packed with protein and bursting with flavor!

View all holidays

We think you may also like...

National Quiche Lorraine Day

A shortcrust pastry, bacon, eggs, cream, milk, cheese, and a little time in the oven; that’s all it takes to make the delicious and fancy-sounding Quiche Lorraine.

-

Cornish Pasty Week

If you're looking for a portable, delicious snack, try these hand-held wonders from across the pond. Perfect for a hearty lunch on the go!

National Meatball Day

Juicy round balls of succulent meat, usually served with pasta, mashed potatoes or on their own — perfect for a cozy dinner at home!

National Glazed Spiral Ham Day

Savoring the succulence of glazed spiral ham, a delicious delight with caramelized sweetness and savory perfection.

Calendar

Join the community!

Password requirements

  • At least one capital letter
  • At least one lowercase letter
  • At least one number
  • 8 or more characters

Welcome back!

Log in to get personalized recommendations, follow events and topics you love, and never miss a day again!