If you’re looking to add a touch of South African flair to your next meal, boerewors sausage rolls with roosterkoek dough are a must-try. These rolls combine the rich, spiced flavours of boerewors sausage with the rustic charm of bread cooked on the braai. Perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a casual dinner, this recipe brings comfort and bold flavour together in every bite.
Here’s how you can create this South African classic using simple steps and ingredients.
Roosterkoek Boerewors rolls recipe
For the Roosterkoek dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (10g) instant yeast
- 1¼ cups warm water (adjust as needed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Boerewors sausage rolls:
- 500g boerewors sausage (or more, depending on how many you’re making)
- Flour for dusting
- Optional toppings for serving (e.g., boerewors roll relish, mustard, or caramelised onions)
Step 1: Make the Roosterkoek dough
Roosterkoek is a type of South African braai bread that’s famously cooked on the grill. The dough is simple to make and provides the perfect wrap for the boerewors.
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix together sugar, yeast, and warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and frothy. This shows the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Boerewors
Boerewors is the star of this dish. Its bold, spiced flavours make it uniquely South African and perfect for this recipe.
- Keep the sausage in its coiled shape for easy handling.
- Slice the boerewors into pieces about the length of a hot dog bun. This makes it simpler to wrap them in dough.
Step 3: Assemble the Sausage Rolls
This is where the magic starts to happen:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down lightly to remove air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into smaller pieces, one for each boerewors portion.
- Roll out each piece of dough into a rectangle, large enough to wrap around the sausage.
- Place a piece of boerewors in the center of the dough, fold the edges over the sausage, and seal it tightly. Repeat with the remaining dough and sausage.
- Lightly dust the assembled rolls with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the sausage rolls
Grilling (or “braaiing”) adds a delicious smoky flavour to the rolls.
- Preheat your grill or braai to medium heat, ensuring the coals are evenly distributed for consistent cooking.
- Place the sausage rolls seam-side down on the grill.
- Turn them every few minutes to cook the dough evenly and achieve a golden-brown crust. This process takes around 15-20 minutes. The sausage inside cooks as the bread bakes, releasing flavorful juices into the dough.
- To check if the bread is done, tap it lightly—it should sound hollow when fully cooked.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Your South African-inspired sausage rolls are ready to enjoy! Serve them with classic sides like caramelized onions, a tangy tomato relish, or a dollop of mustard. For added flair, whip up a relish with grilled tomatoes, onions, and a hint of chili to complement the rich boerewors flavour.
Tips for success
- Choose quality Boerewors: The flavour of the sausage is key, so use fresh, high-quality boerewors from a trusted butcher or specialty store.
- Don’t overdo the dough: Use just enough dough to wrap the sausage, keeping it light and not overly thick.
- Control the heat: Use an even, moderate heat on the grill to ensure the bread cooks through without burning.
Why you’ll love these Rooster bread sausage rolls
These boerewors sausage rolls are a surefire crowd-pleaser. The smoky, juicy sausage combined with soft, golden bread brings the essence of South African braai culture to your table. Perfect for gatherings or as a hearty snack, they’re a delicious way to elevate your next get-together!
FinGlobal: cross-border financial specialists for South African expats
Just like a well-made roosterkoek sausage roll brings together the best ingredients for the perfect bite, FinGlobal provides a full suite of services tailored to South Africans to make it easier to handle your cross-border financial and tax affairs, all in one place.
From tax emigration to retirement annuity withdrawals and foreign exchange, our trusted, convenient services are guaranteed to deliver results and eliminate your stress.
To see how FinGlobal can help simplify your cross-border financial moves, leave your contact details in the form below and we’ll be in touch to discuss your specific requirements.