Sausage Octopus: A Fun and Yummy Appetizer Idea

If you’ve ever wanted your snack to smile back, or at least look this playful, then you need to make the Sausage Octopus dish. These whimsical baked bites combine soft bread, sausages, and a cheesy parmesan crust.

Ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or just a cozy afternoon craving, this appetizer is more than just eye-catching, it delivers on flavor too. The dough is enriched with condensed milk for a hint of sweetness, balanced by the salty pop of parmesan and the savory bite of sausage.

What Is a Sausage Octopus?

Despite the name, no sea creatures were harmed in the making of this appetizer. Sausage octopus is a playful, homemade baked treat where sausages are wrapped in a soft, buttery dough, cut and shaped to resemble octopuses, yes, with tentacles and all.

This idea draws inspiration from Japanese bento culture where food is made to look cute (kawaii!) to delight kids. But this dish went the extra mile by using homemade bread dough.

Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Octopus

• The condensed milk gives the dough a touch of sweetness and makes it super soft and tender. It’s the secret to that slightly sweet, bakery-style bun.
• After adding the butter, give the dough a solid 10-minute knead. This builds gluten strength, making the final bun chewy and resilient enough to wrap around those sausages without tearing.
• If your sausages are too soft or oily, pop them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before wrapping them. This makes shaping cleaner and helps them cook evenly without oozing out.
• When shaping the dough around the sausage, don’t roll it too thin. A snug-but-not-tight wrap ensures the dough expands beautifully without bursting in the oven.
• These are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the bread is warm and the cheese is still melty and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely! If you're in a pinch, pizza dough or crescent roll dough will work just fine, though homemade gives a fluffier, richer result.

What kind of sausages should I use?

Classic hot dogs work great, but you can use any fully cooked sausage you like, such as chicken, beef, turkey, or even veggie sausages if you’re feeling inclusive.

Can I add other toppings?

Yes! Try sprinkling sesame seeds, oregano, or smoked paprika over the Parmesan for extra flavor.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, once baked and cooled, you can freeze them and reheat them in the oven.

How do I make the “octopus legs”?

Once your dough-wrapped sausage is shaped, slice the bottom half vertically into strips (4–6) before baking. The dough will puff up and the legs will curl.

How to Store Sausage Octopus

You can store them at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven to restore their softness.

How to Make Sausage Octopus

Step 1

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F. In a bowl, whisk together the warm milk, condensed milk, egg, and dry yeast.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F. In a bowl, whisk together the warm milk, condensed milk, egg, and dry yeast.

Step 2

Step 2

Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to form a shaggy dough, then knead until smooth and cohesive. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to form a shaggy dough, then knead until smooth and cohesive. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 3

Step 3

Once time has elapsed, knead in the softened butter for 10 minutes.. Form into a smooth ball, cover, and let it rise for 2 hours.

Once time has elapsed, knead in the softened butter for 10 minutes.. Form into a smooth ball, cover, and let it rise for 2 hours.

Step 4

Step 4

Divide the dough into 6 pieces and roll each piece into an oval shape,

Divide the dough into 6 pieces and roll each piece into an oval shape,

Step 5

Step 5

Take each sausage and, using a sharp knife, slice the bottom half into 4–6 vertical strips. These will fan out and curl slightly when baked, giving your octopus its signature wiggly legs. Leave the top half uncut.

Take each sausage and, using a sharp knife, slice the bottom half into 4–6 vertical strips. These will fan out and curl slightly when baked, giving your octopus its signature wiggly legs. Leave the top half uncut.

Step 6

Step 6

Now take your piece of rolled dough and wrap it snugly around the uncut top half of the sausage, this becomes the octopus's round little head.

Now take your piece of rolled dough and wrap it snugly around the uncut top half of the sausage, this becomes the octopus's round little head.

Step 7

Step 7

Spritz the dough lightly with water and roll the top in grated Parmesan.

Spritz the dough lightly with water and roll the top in grated Parmesan.

Step 8

Step 8

Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment and bake for 20 minutes.

Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 9

Step 9

Once cooled slightly, add tiny mayonnaise dots for eyes and a little ketchup smile to bring your octopus friends to life. They’ll look so cute you might hesitate to eat them… for about two seconds.

Once cooled slightly, add tiny mayonnaise dots for eyes and a little ketchup smile to bring your octopus friends to life. They’ll look so cute you might hesitate to eat them… for about two seconds.