Venetian Sausage Bites Recipes

SAUSAGE BITES

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 12x10-inch rectangle. Cut into 3 (3-inch) strips.
• Divide the sausage into thirds. Shape each into a cylinder the same length as the pastry. Place 1 piece sausage on the long edge of each pastry rectangle. Roll up the pastry around the sausage and press the seams and pinch the edges to seal.
• Cut each roll into 12 (1-inch) slices, making 24 in all. Place the slices, cut-side down, onto a baking sheet.
• Bake for 15 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and the sausage is cooked through. Remove the pastries from the baking sheet and let cool on wire racks for 10 minutes.
• Tip: You can substitute Italian sausage (casing removed) for the bulk pork sausage.
• Tip: To make ahead, place the unbaked slices onto a baking sheet. Cover and freeze until firm. Remove the frozen slices from the baking sheet and store in a gallon size resealable plastic bag in the freezer for up to 1 month. Bake the frozen slices on a baking sheet at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the sausage is cooked through.

VENETIAN SAUSAGE BITES

Steps:

• Fill a large, deep skillet 1/2 way with water. Bring the water to a steady simmer and add the sausages. Poach the sausages for 6 to 7 minutes, until firm.
• Drain the sausages and slice into bite-size pieces. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. When hot, add the sausage and cook until brown. Drain off the fat and add the balsamic vinegar. Simmer until vinegar is reduced and syrupy. Serve immediately.

SPICY SAUSAGE BITES

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil to the pan, followed by the sausages. Sear the sausages on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove to a plate and let cool to room temperature.
• Cut the sausages into 1 1/2-inch pieces and roll the each piece in a strip of puff pastry. Place the wrapped sausages, seam side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the rolls with egg and sprinkle with the caraway seeds. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before baking.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
• While the rolls bake, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mint and salt. Let the flavors marry for at least 5 minutes before serving alongside the sausage bites.