Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken Recipe
There’s just something magical about holiday baking that brings everyone together, especially when fragrant, golden pastries are involved. These Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken are my secret for making gatherings extra special (while barely breaking a sweat in the kitchen). Imagine tender, flavorful chicken filling wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry—seasoned with festive herbs, a touch of mustard, and topped off with a sprinkle of seeds for crunch. These rolls are wonderfully simple, yet every bite says “celebration!” Whether you’re hosting a bustling Christmas party or just want a comforting treat to share, these sausage rolls will quickly win hearts and empty plates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken lies in the small list of everyday ingredients coming together to create big holiday flavor. Each component plays its role: the chicken is juicy and mild, the herbs are woodsy and warm, and that puff pastry? Pure flaky bliss. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single item!
- Ground chicken (1 pound): Makes for a lighter, juicy filling that soaks up all the delightful spices.
- Small onion, finely diced (1): Brings natural sweetness and a little crunch to the mix.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds irresistible aroma and tangy depth to every bite.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Infuses an earthy, classic holiday flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Dried sage (½ teaspoon): Lends a cozy, traditional warmth—a must for that festive touch.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Just a hint promises subtle, spicy-sweet complexity.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers gentle heat and boosts the other spices.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Zings up the filling with a bright, tangy note—so good!
- Egg, lightly beaten and divided (1): Binds the filling and adds a golden gloss to the pastry.
- Puff pastry sheet, thawed (1): Flaky, buttery, and the key to that irresistible crispness.
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds lovely texture and makes these sausage rolls truly party-ready.
How to Make Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Taking a moment to prep your workspace sets a festive, stress-free tone for your Christmas baking.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your ground chicken, finely diced onion, minced garlic, thyme, sage, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and half of your beaten egg. Gently mix everything together until perfectly combined, but don’t overwork it; you want a tender sausage roll, not a dense one!
Step 3: Shape and Roll
Unroll your puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and slice it lengthwise into two even strips. Divide the chicken filling in half and shape each portion into a log down the middle of each pastry strip. This preparation ensures your Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken look uniform and bake beautifully.
Step 4: Seal and Slice
Fold each pastry strip over its filling and firmly press the edge to seal—no one wants exploding sausage rolls! Flip the rolls so the seam is down, then cut each long log into 6 to 8 bite-sized pieces. Arrange them with enough space on your lined tray so they can puff up without sticking together.
Step 5: Egg Wash & Sprinkle
Brush the tops of each sausage roll with the remaining beaten egg for that gorgeous golden finish. If you love a little crunch or nuttiness, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds generously on top—optional, but oh-so-pretty!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pop the tray into your heated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the filling reaches at least 165°F inside. The aroma that fills your kitchen? Pure Christmas joy!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the sausage rolls cool just enough so they’re easy to handle. Serve them warm or at room temperature with your favorite festive dips—ketchup, mustard, or even cranberry sauce.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken
Garnishes
To set the scene for a holiday gathering, try arranging your sausage rolls on a platter and finish with extra fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a touch of green. A few bright pomegranate seeds or festive dried cranberries on the side make every plate pop and put everyone in a cheerful mood.
Side Dishes
Pair these Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken with a crisp winter salad—think mixed greens, apple slices, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette—or offer roasted root veggies for a lush, comforting spread. Even a selection of pickles or chutneys adds zing and balances the richness of the pastry.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pile the rolls into a “wreath” shape on a large round tray, tucking festive greens between them for a playful centerpiece. Or serve them in individual paper cups for easy, mingle-friendly snacking. Placing little flags or toothpicks makes these perfect finger food for the bustling Christmas crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover sausage rolls cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days—if they last that long! These stay surprisingly crisp and flavorful, so you’re only a quick reheat away from another festive snack.
Freezing
One of the beauties of Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken is that you can freeze them before baking. Just assemble, cut, and arrange on a tray, then freeze until firm and transfer to a freezer bag. When you need them, bake right from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time for easy holiday entertaining.
Reheating
For best results, pop leftover sausage rolls into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, until heated through and the pastry crisps back up. The microwave works too (30–45 seconds on high), though the pastry may soften a bit instead of staying crisp.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken for these sausage rolls?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and adds another layer of festive flavor. Just follow the exact steps and ingredient ratios—your rolls will still be juicy and delicious.
What dips go best with Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken?
Classic choices like ketchup and mustard are always welcome, but for something truly festive, try cranberry sauce or a sweet chili dip. Even a simple honey mustard or horseradish cream makes a crowd-pleasing addition to your platter.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. That way, assembling and baking your Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken becomes a breeze when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to ensure a crispy, golden pastry?
Make sure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cool when you work with it. And don’t forget the egg wash—it gives each roll that irresistible bakery-shop shine and crunch.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! Stir in some finely chopped dried cranberries, a handful of grated apple, or even a little crumbled feta for extra color and flavor. Customize the filling to match your holiday mood and guests’ tastes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress this holiday season with a crowd-pleasing classic, you truly can’t beat these Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken. They’re flaky, flavorful, and fabulously simple—just the thing to bring a little extra sparkle (and a lot of smiles) to your celebration. So gather your ingredients and let’s roll into the merriest feast yet!
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Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken are a festive twist on a classic appetizer. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these savory pastries are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 egg, lightly beaten, divided
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, diced onion, garlic, thyme, sage, nutmeg, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and half the beaten egg. Mix well.
- Assemble the Rolls: Unroll puff pastry, cut into strips. Shape chicken mixture into logs on each strip. Fold pastry over the filling, seal, and cut into pieces.
- Bake: Brush with remaining egg, sprinkle with seeds. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature with condiments of choice.
Notes
- These rolls can be made ahead and frozen before baking. Thaw and bake when needed.
- Add chopped dried cranberries or apple to the filling for a festive twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
