There is something truly magical about sharing a plate of warm, flaky sausage rolls with friends and family during the holidays, and this Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe brings that magic right to your kitchen. Combining tender chicken sausage with festive flavors like fresh sage and cranberry sauce, wrapped in buttery puff pastry, these rolls are not only irresistibly tasty but also surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re preparing for a Christmas party or a cozy family gathering, these sausage rolls will fill your home with mouthwatering aromas and have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in creating perfect flavor, texture, and that appealing holiday twist. Every item is carefully chosen to balance savory and sweet, moist and crispy, making sure that every bite is a celebration of taste.
- Chicken sausage (1 lb / 450g): Provides a lean, flavorful base that’s lighter than traditional pork sausage.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Helps bind the filling and adds a pleasing texture.
- Fresh sage (2 tbsp, chopped): Infuses a warm, earthy note, perfect for the season.
- Cranberry sauce (1/4 cup) or dried cranberries: Adds a burst of tart sweetness balancing the savory meat.
- Small onion (1, finely chopped): Offers a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Gives a mild punch that enhances the overall taste.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Brings a creamy tang that elevates the filling.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp for frying): Used to soften the onions and garlic without overpowering.
- Puff pastry sheet (1, store-bought or homemade): Provides the golden, flaky wrapping that makes sausage rolls so irresistible.
- Egg (1, beaten for egg wash): Creates a beautiful shiny crust when brushed on before baking.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This base will add a lovely sweetness and warmth to the filling that complements the chicken sausage beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked onions and garlic with the chicken sausage meat, breadcrumbs, chopped fresh sage, cranberry sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together well.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle roughly 12 by 9 inches. If your puff pastry is pre-rolled, just give it a gentle stretch to form an even thickness. This will make wrapping the filling much easier and ensure an even bake.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Spread the sausage filling evenly along one edge of the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the pastry over the filling, sealing the edge by brushing a little water or beaten egg along the seam. Pinch to seal well and turn the roll seam-side down on your baking sheet for extra crispness.
Step 5: Cut and Egg Wash
Using a sharp knife, cut the large roll into smaller, individual sausage rolls—about 12 pieces. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between each. Brush the tops generously with the beaten egg to get that stunning golden brown color as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the sausage rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until they’re puffed up, golden, and crisp. The rich aroma will have everyone eagerly waiting to dig in!
How to Serve Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish these sausage rolls with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh sage or a few whole cranberries to echo the festive flavors inside. A little fresh parsley or rosemary sprig on the side adds a fresh herbal note and makes the presentation pop with holiday cheer.
Side Dishes
These pastries pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, roasted root vegetables, or even a bowl of homemade cranberry chutney for dipping. The freshness and acidity of these sides balance the richness of the sausage rolls perfectly, creating a harmonious meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the sausage rolls arranged on a rustic wooden board with bowls of mustard and chutney alongside for a casual party or picnic vibe. Alternatively, stack them neatly in a festive basket lined with a red and white napkin for a charming holiday appetizer display that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sausage rolls left over, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or a ready-to-go lunch during the busy holiday season.
Freezing
These sausage rolls freeze exceptionally well. To freeze, place the unbaked rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag or container. You can bake them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This trick makes the Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe a fantastic dish to prepare ahead of time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed sausage rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the pastry flaky and crunchy – nothing beats a warm oven-refresh for that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use pork sausage instead of chicken sausage?
Absolutely! Pork sausage works just as well and can add extra richness to the rolls. Just make sure to adjust seasoning as pork can vary in saltiness.
Is homemade puff pastry better than store-bought?
Homemade puff pastry can be an impressive touch if you have the time, but store-bought pastry is incredibly convenient and works perfectly for this recipe without sacrificing taste or texture.
Can I make these sausage rolls vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or a savory mushroom and nut mixture for a delightful vegetarian version with festive flair.
What can I use if I don’t have cranberry sauce?
Dried cranberries soaked briefly in warm water or orange juice work great as a substitute, providing the needed sweetness and tartness to keep the filling balanced.
How long do these sausage rolls take to bake?
Typically, they take about 20 to 25 minutes in a 400°F (200°C) oven, but keep an eye on them to ensure the pastry turns a beautiful golden brown without burning.
Final Thoughts
Making these Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe is truly a joyful experience that brings festive flavors and comforting warmth to any occasion. The combination of simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and celebratory taste makes these sausage rolls a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them a treasured part of your holiday traditions!
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Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sausage rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken combine savory chicken sausage and festive cranberry sauce wrapped in flaky puff pastry, creating a perfect holiday appetizer or snack that’s quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb (450g) chicken sausage (or ground chicken)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (or dried cranberries)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and translucent. Mix in the chicken sausage (or ground chicken) and cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in the breadcrumbs, fresh sage, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble Sausage Rolls: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Spread the cooled sausage mixture evenly along one edge of the pastry. Carefully roll the pastry over the filling to enclose it, pressing the edges to seal. Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces.
- Apply Egg Wash: Place the sausage rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Arrange the sausage rolls on a serving platter and enjoy warm as a festive snack or appetizer.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative.
- Fresh sage can be substituted with dried sage; use 1 tablespoon if dried.
- If you prefer a sweeter twist, add extra cranberry sauce or dried cranberries.
- Ensure not to overfill the pastry to prevent leakage during baking.
- These sausage rolls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
