Healthy Spiral Sausage Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed if frozen
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash

Steps to Cook:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, salt, black pepper, fennel seeds, dried thyme, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

2. Lay the puff pastry sheet out on a lightly floured surface. Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

3. Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the pastry up, jelly-roll style, to create a spiral log. Pinch the seam and the ends to seal.

4. Transfer the spiral sausage log to a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down. Use a sharp knife to make shallow diagonal cuts across the top of the log, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This will help the sausage spiral open up as it bakes.

5. Cover the spiral sausage with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to help it firm up.

6. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

7. Brush the top and sides of the chilled spiral sausage with the egg wash.

8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the sausage is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

9. Remove the spiral sausage from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cook’s Note:

• For a flakier pastry, you can use a homemade puff pastry recipe instead of store-bought.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
• Serve the spiral sausage with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or barbecue sauce.
• Leftover spiral sausage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 400
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 25g

This healthy spiral sausage recipe is a delicious and visually appealing dish that can be enjoyed for a variety of occasions. The combination of ground pork and beef, along with a flavorful blend of spices, creates a savory and satisfying sausage filling. The puff pastry wrapping adds a flaky and crispy texture, making it a perfect dish for both casual gatherings and special events.

One of the key features of this recipe is its versatility. The spiral shape not only looks impressive but also allows for easy slicing and serving. The shallow diagonal cuts made on the top of the spiral sausage log help it open up as it bakes, creating an eye-catching presentation.

To ensure the healthiness of this dish, the recipe uses a balanced ratio of lean ground pork and beef, which provides a good source of protein without excessive fat content. The use of fennel seeds, dried thyme, and oregano adds a delightful blend of aromatic flavors, while the optional crushed red pepper flakes can be adjusted to suit individual preferences for a touch of heat.

For those looking to make a homemade version, the recipe also suggests using a homemade puff pastry recipe instead of the store-bought option. This can result in an even flakier and more indulgent pastry crust, though the store-bought variety is also a perfectly acceptable and convenient choice.

When it comes to serving, the spiral sausage can be accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or barbecue sauce, which can further enhance the flavors and provide a delightful contrast to the savory sausage.

Leftover spiral sausage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months, making it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying as a quick and satisfying snack.

Overall, this healthy spiral sausage recipe is a delicious and visually appealing dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutritional value, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.