If you’re anything like me, the holidays call for snacks that are cozy, festive, and utterly irresistible. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls with Cranberry and Sage Recipe with you. It’s a perfect blend of juicy chicken sausage wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, with bright bursts of cranberry and fragrant sage adding just the right festive touch. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want a comforting treat with a twist, these sausage rolls turn simple ingredients into a celebration on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of flavor and texture in these sausage rolls starts with a straightforward but thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each item plays a special role in building layers of taste and that satisfying holiday vibe.
- 1 lb chicken sausage or ground chicken: The juicy, tender base for your sausage rolls, giving them hearty flavor without heaviness.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the sausage mixture while keeping it light and moist.
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped: This herb brings a warm, earthy note that perfectly complements the chicken and cranberries.
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce or dried cranberries: Adds subtle sweetness and a burst of holiday cheer inside every bite.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a gentle savory sweetness that softens the overall flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds just a hint of depth and aroma without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Brings a slight tanginess which balances the richness of the sausage and pastry.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying): Used to soften the onion and garlic beautifully without browning too much.
- 1 sheet puff pastry: The star of the show; wrapped around the filling to create a light, buttery crunch.
- 1 egg, beaten: This egg wash gives the rolls their gorgeous golden shine and helps seal the edges.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the filling perfectly, so every bite sings.
How to Make Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls with Cranberry and Sage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the filling
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and gently soften the chopped onion and minced garlic, just until fragrant and translucent—this builds a subtle sweetness that blends perfectly with the sausage.
Step 2: Mix the sausage filling
In a large bowl, combine the chicken sausage meat (or ground chicken), softened onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, freshly chopped sage, cranberry sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season well with salt and pepper, then mix until everything is evenly incorporated—the filling should be moist but firm enough to shape.
Step 3: Roll out the puff pastry
Carefully unfold your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently if it feels thick, aiming for an even thickness that’s ready to wrap around your filling.
Step 4: Assemble the rolls
Divide the sausage mixture into two equal portions and shape each into a long log down the center of the pastry sheet. Fold the pastry over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal, trimming any excess pastry for neatness. Give the rolls a gentle press to ensure they hold together well.
Step 5: Brush and score
Gently brush the rolls with beaten egg to give that beautiful golden finish you crave. Using a sharp knife, score the top lightly into individual portions—this makes cutting easier after baking and adds a charming detail.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden and the filling is cooked through. The kitchen will smell like holiday magic in no time!
How to Serve Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls with Cranberry and Sage Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the festive feel, scatter some fresh sage leaves over the plate or a few extra cranberries around the rolls as a pop of color. A light drizzle of honey mustard or cranberry sauce on the side makes a delightful dipping sauce that brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Side Dishes
These sausage rolls pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a warm bowl of spiced pumpkin soup, making the meal feel even more seasonal and satisfying. Roasted root vegetables also complement the herbaceous notes in the rolls perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange individual rolls on a festive platter with sprigs of rosemary and sage tucked between them for a charming table centerpiece. If you’re serving at a party, consider wooden boards or rustic trays for easy grab-and-go fun, complete with dipping bowls of mustard or chutney on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful, making for an easy snack or quick lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead of time, assemble the rolls but don’t bake them yet. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh for that just-made crispness and warmth.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, place the sausage rolls on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10 minutes. This keeps the pastry crisp and the filling deliciously juicy—microwaving can lead to sogginess, which we definitely want to avoid.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage instead of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken keeps these sausage rolls light and fresh, pork or turkey sausage make lovely alternatives if you prefer a richer or slightly different flavor profile.
Is it okay to use dried cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Yes, dried cranberries work wonderfully and add a nice chewy texture. Just soften them a little by soaking in warm water beforehand so they blend well with the sausage mixture.
Can I make these sausage rolls gluten-free?
To keep this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and puff pastry. There are plenty of excellent store-bought options available that won’t compromise the deliciousness.
How do I know when the sausage rolls are fully cooked?
The pastry will be golden and puffed, and the internal temperature of the filling should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of nutmeg can add extra warmth to these sausage rolls, but sage and cranberry remain the classic festive combo that makes this recipe so special.
Final Thoughts
Making these Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls with Cranberry and Sage Recipe has truly become one of my favorite ways to usher in the holiday season. They’re simple to whip up, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try them—you might just find these rolls becoming your signature festive treat!
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Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls with Cranberry and Sage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken combine savory chicken sausage, aromatic sage, and a hint of cranberry sweetness wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as a festive appetizer or snack, they are easy to prepare and deliciously festive.
Ingredients
Sausage 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
Other Ingredients
- 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 finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the chicken sausage (or ground chicken), cooking until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Combine ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken mixture, breadcrumbs, fresh chopped sage, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Prepare puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangular shape approximately 12×10 inches. Spread the sausage filling evenly along one long edge of the pastry, leaving some space at the edges.
- Roll and seal: Carefully roll the pastry over the filling to form a log. Seal the edges by pressing gently with a fork. Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them seam side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the tops of the sausage rolls with the beaten egg to give a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the sausage rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy these festive sausage rolls as a delicious appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles.
- Ensure the pastry is chilled before rolling to help it puff up nicely when baked.
- Cranberry sauce adds a festive sweetness, but dried cranberries can be used as a substitute for texture.
- These sausage rolls can be prepared ahead and frozen before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
