Sausage Strudel
A savory sausage and mushroom strudel wrapped in flaky filo dough, perfect as an appetizer or light meal, offering rich flavors and crispy textures that delight any crowd.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove sausage from casing; scramble and brown in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the sausage.
- Chop mushrooms very fine; sauté in 1/4 cup butter until all liquid has evaporated.
- Add chopped shallots to the mushroom mixture and cook briefly.
- Prepare filo dough according to package directions.
- Use 2 sheets of filo dough, buttered between layers, and crumble bread over the sheets.
- Spread the cooked sausage, mushroom mixture, and pieces of cream cheese over 2/3 of the length of the dough.
- Roll up the dough with the filling, folding the empty dough end on top to seal.
- Brush the rolled dough with melted butter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until lightly browned, about 35 minutes.
- Cut each roll into 8 pieces for appetizers or 4 for a main course.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute turkey sausage for sweet Italian sausage. If you want more flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano to the mushroom mixture. Ensure that the mushrooms are finely chopped and thoroughly sautéed to prevent excess moisture, which can make the strudel soggy. Using store-bought filo dough saves time, but handling it carefully is key to prevent tearing.
Serving Suggestions
Sausage strudel makes a delightful appetizer or main course. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light salad or steamed vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Antipasto On A Stick for a festive platter. You can also drizzle a balsamic reduction over the top for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover strudel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pieces on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the filo dough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Strudel contains roughly 341 calories, with 15g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (75% of the Daily Value) and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 563mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the strudel ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the strudel a day in advance. Assemble the strudel without baking it, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply brush with melted butter and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a convenient option for entertaining.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try using ricotta cheese for a lighter texture or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Both options will work well in the filling and add a unique twist to the strudel. Just ensure the consistency is similar so it spreads easily.
Can I freeze the strudel?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked strudel. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to bake, you can cook it directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).