Copycat Greggs Vegan Sausage Roll Recipe

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When Greggs launched their plant-based twist on the classic British favourite, it wasn’t just vegans who got excited—it became a nationwide sensation. But what if I told you that you could recreate this Greggs Vegan Sausage Roll in your very own kitchen? That’s right—no queues, no bakery opening hours, just you and warm, golden, freshly baked vegan sausage rolls whenever the craving strikes.

How to make Greggs Vegan Sausage Roll

The Greggs Vegan Sausage Roll is a plant-based version of the classic British sausage roll sold by the popular UK bakery chain.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• Vegan Sausages: 4 store-bought vegan sausages (e.g., Quorn Vegan Sausages, Linda McCartney’s, or your favourite brand). Alternatively, use 250g of vegan sausage meat or a homemade blend.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon (optional, for extra savoury depth).
• Sage: 1 teaspoon (dried) or adjust to taste.
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (optional).
• Salt and black pepper: To taste.

For the Pastry:

• Puff Pastry: 1 sheet of ready-to-roll vegan puff pastry (many store-bought puff pastries, like Jus-Rol, are naturally vegan – double-check the label).
• Non-Dairy Milk: 2-3 tablespoons (e.g., soy, almond, or oat milk, used as an egg wash substitute).

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. If using whole vegan sausages, remove the casings or mash them in a bowl until crumbly to replicate sausage meat. If they’re pre-seasoned, you may not need additional spices.
2. Add sage, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mashed sausage mixture. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry

1. Lightly flour your kitchen surface and roll out the ready-made puff pastry sheet to about 3mm thick (if it’s not already pre-rolled).
2. Cut the pastry into 4 equal rectangular strips—one for each sausage roll.

Step 3: Assemble the Sausage Rolls

1. Place a line of sausage filling down the centre of each pastry strip, ensuring it remains evenly spread and compact.
2. Fold one side of the pastry over the filling, then roll the remaining pastry to seal. Gently press down along the seam to seal the roll.
3. Use a fork to crimp the edges, which helps seal the rolls and gives them a finished look.
4. Place the sausage rolls seam-side down on a lined baking tray.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch

1. Brush the tops of the rolls with non-dairy milk to help them turn golden-brown and glisten in the oven.
2. With a sharp knife, lightly score diagonal slashes into the top of each roll—just like the ones at Greggs!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C fan (220°C conventional) / Gas Mark 7.
2. Bake the sausage rolls in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
3. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before tucking in (though it’s hard to resist!).

Tips for the Best Results

• Use Cold Pastry: Always work with puff pastry straight from the fridge. Warm pastry can tear easily and won’t puff up as nicely.
• Customise the Flavour: Add some chilli flakes, smoked paprika, or mustard to the filling mix to personalise your sausage rolls.
• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to stuff the pastry with loads of filling, too much can cause the rolls to burst while baking. Keep it balanced!
• Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls and refrigerate them (uncooked) up to a day in advance. Just bake them fresh when needed.
• Freezing Tip: These sausage rolls freeze brilliantly. Assemble and freeze them uncooked; bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time.

What to serve with

The Greggs Vegan Sausage Roll is an absolute delight on its own—warm, flaky, and savoury. But pairing it with the right sides or accompaniments can elevate it from a simple snack to a truly satisfying meal.

Option 1: Classic Dips and Sauces

Greggs Vegan Sausage Rolls are perfect for dipping! Pair them with a flavourful sauce for that extra zing.

• Ketchup (Tomato Sauce): A childhood classic that’s still just as good as ever.
• Brown Sauce: Nothing feels more British than a splash of HP Sauce alongside a Greggs Vegan Sausage Roll for a tangy-sweet hit.
• Dijon Mustard or Wholegrain Mustard: Add a sharp, slightly spicy kick to every bite.
• Vegan Mayo: Creamy and indulgent—especially if you opt for flavoured versions like garlic mayo or sriracha mayo.
• Chutney: A dollop of caramelised onion or tomato chutney adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savoury richness.
• Vegan Gravy: If you’re aiming for hearty comfort food, drizzle some hot vegan gravy over your sausage roll or use it as a dip.

Option 2: Serve as a Meal with Sides

To make your sausage rolls more filling, adding sides can turn them into a delightful lunch or dinner.

1. Salad

Lighten things up with a fresh salad:

• Garden Salad: Crisp lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion with a light vinaigrette.
• Coleslaw: Make a vegan coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy non-dairy mayo dressing.
• Potato Salad: A creamy vegan potato salad with chives and dill complements the pastry perfectly.
• Beetroot Salad: Sweet and earthy beetroot pairs well with the savoury sausage filling.

2. Chips or Crisps

For a proper British treat, serve your sausage roll with a side of:

• Chunky oven chips, drizzled with vinegar and sprinkled with sea salt.
• Crisps (potato chips), especially ready salted or cheese-and-onion flavours for balance.

3. Roasted Veggies

• A colourful mix of roasted vegetables (carrots, courgettes, peppers, and red onions) pairs well with sausage rolls. They add warmth and a slight sweetness to the plate.

Ingredients Substitutes

When recreating Greggs Vegan Sausage Rolls at home, you might not always have access to certain ingredients—or you might want to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences.

1. Vegan Sausages / Sausage Meat Substitutes

The filling is the star of the show, so if you don’t have vegan sausages, you can easily make your own or use alternatives:

• Homemade Sausage Mix: Blend cooked lentils, chickpeas, or mashed white beans (e.g., cannellini beans or butter beans) with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for a flavourful homemade sausage mixture.
• Tofu Crumbles: Crumble firm tofu and season it well with spices like sage, thyme, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast. Add a splash of soy sauce for depth.
• Meat Alternatives: Brands like Beyond Meat, Impossible, or Richmond’s Meat-Free Sausage Meat can be used if Quorn isn’t available.
• Vegetables as Filler: Grated mushrooms, carrots, or courgettes mixed with breadcrumbs and seasoning can provide a lighter, veggie-based filling.
• Vital Wheat Gluten (Seitan): For a chewy, meaty texture, make a homemade seitan sausage meat by mixing vital wheat gluten with vegetable broth, spices, and soy sauce.
• Nut-Based Filling: Ground walnuts mixed with breadcrumbs, vegetable broth, and seasoning make a rich, nutty alternative.

2. Vegan Puff Pastry Substitutes

Puff pastry provides the characteristic flakiness of the sausage roll, but if you don’t have ready-made vegan puff pastry available, here’s what you can use:

• Shortcrust Pastry: Vegan shortcrust can still give a buttery, crumbly texture, though it won’t puff up as much. It’s a good option for a pastry that’s easier to make from scratch.
• Homemade Puff Pastry: If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make a vegan puff pastry from scratch using plain flour, vegan margarine or coconut oil, and cold water. Be prepared for some folding and rolling!
• Filo Pastry: Thin layers of vegan filo pastry, brushed with oil, can be wrapped around the sausage filling for a crisp, flaky alternative.
• Vegan Gluten-Free Pastry: For gluten-free options, look for ready-made vegan pastry or make your own with gluten-free flour blends, vegan butter, and xanthan gum.

3. Non-Dairy Milk for Brushing

Non-dairy milk is used as a vegan alternative to egg wash to give the pastry its golden finish. If you don’t have vegan milk on hand, here are other ideas:

• Olive Oil: Brush the pastry lightly with olive oil for a shiny finish.
• Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk works well, giving a golden crust (though it may lend a slight coconut flavour).
• Aquafaba (Chickpea Water): Brush a small amount of aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas)—it mimics an egg wash and gives a nice sheen.
• Soy Cream or Vegan Creamer: Plant-based cream substitutes create richness and a golden-brown colour on the pastry.

4. Seasoning Substitutes

If you’re missing a seasoning or spice, here are alternatives to enhance the sausage roll filling:

• Sage Substitute: Use thyme, marjoram, or rosemary if sage isn’t available—it won’t be identical but will still work for that robust, savoury flavour.
• Garlic Powder Substitute: Use freshly minced garlic, garlic granules, or skip it entirely if you don’t want to add garlic.
• Onion Powder Substitute: Finely chop and lightly sauté fresh onions for natural onion flavour, or use onion granules.
• Smoked Paprika Substitute: Use regular paprika, or add a small pinch of liquid smoke for a smoky depth.

5. Breadcrumbs

If breadcrumbs are required to bind or bulk up the filling, here are alternatives:

• Crushed Crackers: Blitz some plain crackers to a breadcrumb consistency for a quick substitute.
• Oats: Finely ground oats can act as a filler, providing texture and helping hold the mixture together.
• Flour: Add a small amount of plain flour if you’re out of breadcrumbs, though it won’t give the crunch and texture.

Final Thoughts

That’s it—you’ve just made your very own Greggs vegan sausage rolls! Pair them with a cup of tea for true British vibes, or enjoy them on the go as the ultimate portable snack. 

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