- How do you make a sausage roll?
- Push it down Hill.
As a lover of all things pastry, I went on a quest to find the best baked goods, specifically the best Sausage Roll available in the Dandenong Ranges.
The humble Sausage Roll is an Australian staple at social gatherings, weddings, wakes, and parties. Everyone loves them, even those that are morally or culinarily opposed to a meaty filling can enjoy a nice vegetable, or spinach and ricotta version. I am no different, and over the years have been obsessed with finding the absolute best to fulfil my ever increasing, gluttonous craving for more.
One thing the Dandenong Hills are not short of is Bakeries. Each, no doubt have their merits but there is no denying that some are far superior to others. I’m not going to comment on the origins of the many bad Sausage Rolls available, overly dry or flaky pastry and too much onion or extraneous cardboard like filler is a death knell. There is a place reserved in hell for those who dare too charge too much and provide too little. The pastry should be tender and firm with just the right amount of buttery flake, the filling a creamy light and meaty concoction. Food designed for the gods.
After much searching, my prayers were answered. Listed below are my top 5 Sausage Rolls in the Hills.
1. Star Bakery, Burwood Hwy, Belgrave
Star Bakery provide a good Sausage Roll for the price, they serve a tasty version with firm pastry and nicely spiced sausage filling. They have some of the best, cheapest Pies in the Hills area and I highly recommend the freshly made Cambodian style Roast Pork Roll. This family ran business provide colourful and friendly service along with their excellent food.
2. Emerald Village Bakery and Café, Kilvington Drive Emerald
Wildly popular, Emerald Bakery is a large, successful business, and their reputation is well deserved. Every morsel of baked goods that come out of this establishment is worth every cent. With a huge range of food on offer, they cater well for vegetarians, with some of the best cakes and biscuits anywhere. The drool worthy Sausage Rolls are outstanding with buttery pastry and tender sausage filling, they are delicate and delicious. The best available on this side of the hills.
3. Alchester Village Bakery, Alchester Crst, Boronia
Nestled at the bottom of Mt Dandenong is Alchester Bakery. These humble premises provide simple but great fresh food and efficient service. They serve very cheap midsized Sausage Rolls with soft firm pastry, and sausage filling infused with a smattering of carrot. These rolls are the perfect sneaky breakfast or snack. The best choice for the price.
4. Mount Dandenong Bakery & Pattiserie, Mount Dandenong Rd, Olinda
This boutique bakery deliver a unique array of pastries, breads and cakes. Everything they sell in this shop is world class, but in particular their Sausage Rolls. Worth the price, they are a huge, soft and delectable example of perfect pastry making. The filling is generous and delicate. I would drive to Olinda anytime, just for one of these.
5. Gemco Players Theatre Company, Kilvington Drive, Emerald
Gemco Players are not a Bakery. They are a Theatre Company that present outstanding community theatre, events and culture to the wider Hills community. One of the best things about this volunteer ran company is the supper provided after each show. An institution at Gemco, is Front of House Manager, Margie Gemmell’s famous Sausage Rolls. Not available for retail sale, you have to see a show to get one of these perfect morsels. Bite sized, with handmade pastry and delicious home style sausage filling, they are only available for the audience. But be quick after the show, they go fast.