Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a showstopping holiday appetizer that’s both festive and fail-proof, look no further than Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken. These bite-sized beauties feature juicy, herby chicken wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry—the kind of finger food that disappears in minutes at every gathering. With familiar flavors like Parmesan, sage, and a hint of Dijon for zing, these sausage rolls are guaranteed to be a new holiday tradition you’ll crave all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken is how every ingredient shines without overcomplicating things. Each element adds its own magic, from flavor and texture to that irresistible golden color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few smart tips to get the most out of every bite.
- Ground chicken: Lean and full of protein, this gives the filling its tender, juicy bite.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the filling together and keep it delightfully moist.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, salty depth that makes every mouthful extra delicious.
- Finely diced onion: For sweetness and a little crunch—be sure to dice it small so it blends in smoothly.
- Minced garlic: Just the right amount of aromatic punch to wake up the flavors.
- Dried sage: Classic holiday herb that gives a cozy, traditional vibe to the rolls.
- Dried thyme: Lends earthiness and a subtle floral note to balance the sausage mixture.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: For a gentle kick without overpowering the herbs.
- Large egg: Helps bind the filling so your rolls don’t fall apart when you slice them.
- Puff pastry sheets (thawed): The secret to that gorgeously golden, flaky exterior—let them thaw completely for best results.
- Dijon mustard: Spread down the center for a tangy pop that cuts through the richness.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed over the pastry for a picture-perfect shine.
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional): A sprinkle on top adds extra crunch and makes them look bakery-worthy.
How to Make Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken
Step 1: Make the Chicken Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your rolls won’t stick. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and egg. Don’t overmix; just stir until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should look a little sticky but hold together when pressed. This step is where all those classic holiday aromas start coming together!
Step 2: Prep the Puff Pastry
Gently roll out your thawed puff pastry sheets just enough to smooth any creases, then cut each sheet into two long rectangles. The puff pastry is what makes these Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken so flaky and irresistible, so try to handle it gently to keep the layers intact. If your kitchen is warm, work quickly so the pastry doesn’t get too soft.
Step 3: Add Mustard and Fill
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard down the center of each pastry strip. This adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the chicken filling. Next, take portions of the chicken mixture and shape them into logs along the mustard line. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even—once you roll it up, it will all come together beautifully.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Fold the pastry over the filling, pressing the edges together to completely seal the sausage rolls. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or simply press with your fingers. This step locks in all the juicy filling and gives you that classic sausage roll look. If you like, turn the seam side down for a neater finish.
Step 5: Finish and Bake
Brush each roll with the beaten egg to give the pastry a glossy, golden finish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for a little extra crunch and a festive look. Using a sharp knife, slice each long roll into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden and the filling is cooked through. Serve warm for maximum holiday cheer!
How to Serve Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme just before serving adds a burst of color and a hint of herby freshness. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a few pomegranate seeds for a pop of holiday red. These little touches make your Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken look as special as they taste.
Side Dishes
These sausage rolls are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with a bowl of cranberry sauce or spicy mustard for dipping takes things to the next level. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables—perfect for a holiday brunch or buffet.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken onto a wooden board with little bowls of dip, or arrange them in a wreath shape for a truly Instagram-worthy holiday centerpiece. For cocktail parties, skewer each roll with a festive toothpick so guests can grab and go. However you serve them, these rolls always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pastry will keep its flakiness surprisingly well, and the flavors meld together even more.
Freezing
One of the best things about Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken is that you can assemble them ahead and freeze them unbaked. Simply arrange the rolls on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight from the freezer into a preheated oven—just add an extra five minutes to the baking time for perfect results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the sausage rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. If you’re serving a crowd, you can reheat a whole batch at once and they’ll taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well as chicken in this recipe, giving you a slightly different flavor but the same moist, juicy texture. It’s a great way to use up holiday leftovers, too.
What other herbs can I use if I don’t have sage or thyme?
Feel free to experiment with rosemary, parsley, or even a little tarragon for a twist. Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning also work well if you want to keep things simple.
Can I make Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken gluten-free?
Yes—just swap in your favorite gluten-free puff pastry and breadcrumbs. The rest of the filling is naturally gluten-free, making it easy to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Why is my puff pastry not rising?
This is usually because the pastry was too warm before baking. Keep it as cold as possible before it hits the oven for maximum puff. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated for that instant lift!
What’s the best way to keep the rolls crisp if making ahead?
Let the rolls cool completely before storing, and reheat them in a hot oven right before serving. This brings back the crispness and makes them taste just like freshly baked.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress your friends and family with a holiday appetizer that’s as easy as it is irresistible, give Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken a try. Every bite is packed with comfort and cheer—just the way Christmas should taste!
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Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 small rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken are delicious, savory bites perfect for holiday gatherings or festive snacks. Made with ground chicken, aromatic herbs, and wrapped in flaky puff pastry, they offer a lighter twist on the classic sausage roll. Simple to prepare and bake, they make a great appetizer or party finger food that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
Pastry & Toppings
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with easy clean-up.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, finely diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and one large egg. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined to keep the mixture tender.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets slightly on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into two long rectangles to create four strips total.
- Add mustard and filling: Spread a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard down the center of each pastry strip. Shape the chicken mixture into a log along the length of the mustard on each strip.
- Seal the rolls: Fold the pastry strips over the filling, encasing the sausage mixture, and press the edges together firmly to seal. Use a fork or your fingers to pinch the edges to ensure no filling escapes during baking.
- Add egg wash and toppings: Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg to get a golden shiny finish after baking. Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top if desired for extra texture and flavor.
- Cut and bake: Cut the long rolls into bite-sized pieces (about 24 in total) and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until golden: Bake the sausage rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the filling is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving warm, ideally with cranberry sauce or spicy mustard for a festive touch.
Notes
- These sausage rolls can be prepared ahead of time and frozen unbaked. To bake from frozen, add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve with cranberry sauce or spicy mustard for an extra festive flavor boost.
- Ground chicken can be substituted with turkey or pork if preferred.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and puff pastry.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
