Get ready to fall in love with these Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken! This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for festive gatherings, blending juicy ground chicken, aromatic fresh herbs, and buttery, flaky puff pastry into bite-sized perfection. Whether they’re served warm straight from the oven or packed up for a holiday party, each roll delivers a little burst of comfort and flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. Light, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible, these sausage rolls will quickly become your new holiday tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a few pantry staples and some fresh herbs come together to make these rolls extra special. Each ingredient plays its role in creating the rich flavor, golden color, and tempting aroma that make Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken so festive—let’s break it down!
- Ground chicken: Lean and tender, it creates a lighter filling that still feels rich and satisfying.
- Breadcrumbs: They help bind the mixture and keep the texture soft—not crumbly!
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the filling, holding everything together with a bit of extra moisture.
- Onion (finely grated): Adds subtle sweetness and juiciness to every bite.
- Garlic: Just a touch for an aromatic punch that compliments the herbs.
- Fresh rosemary: Provides that unmistakable holiday flavor with piney, woodsy notes.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Lend delicate earthiness and keep things feeling festive.
- Ground nutmeg: The secret spice that adds warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
- Salt: Helps all those flavors shine through.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and complexity to the filling.
- Puff pastry (thawed): The buttery, flaky exterior that’s impossible to resist.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top for that beautiful golden shine.
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional): Adds crunch and eye-catching flair—choose your favorite or skip if you like.
How to Make Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tray
To get started, preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Setting up your workspace before you begin rolling means you’re ready for a seamless festive sausage roll assembly.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until just combined—you want everything evenly distributed without making the mixture tough. This is the heart of your Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken!
Step 3: Shape and Prepare the Pastry
Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice each sheet in half lengthwise, giving you 4 long rectangles. Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions, shaping each into a log and placing it along the center of each pastry strip. This creates the iconic, plump sausage roll shape.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Carefully fold the sides of the pastry over the filling, then brush a little water along one edge to help seal it closed. Press gently to secure—no one likes a roll that bursts open! Turn each roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to keep everything tidy.
Step 5: Finish and Bake
Brush the tops of your sausage rolls with beaten egg for that classic golden color, then sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if you like. Slice each log into 4 or 5 pieces, depending on your preferred size. Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the pastry is deeply golden and the chicken is cooked through. Let them cool for a few minutes, and enjoy the intoxicating aroma that fills your kitchen.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken
Garnishes
Amp up the festive look and flavor with a quick sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs over the finished rolls or a scattering of seeds before baking. Serving with bright cranberry sauce, sharp mustard, or even a tangy chutney takes these Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken to party-level perfection.
Side Dishes
For a light holiday appetizer spread, pair your sausage rolls with a crisp green salad or a platter of roasted root vegetables. If you want to host a true British-inspired feast, serve these alongside creamy mashed potatoes, or keep it simple with pickles and sliced cheeses that complement every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by stacking the rolls in a wreath shape on a platter, with a bowl of dipping sauce right in the middle. You can also skewer each sausage roll with a cocktail pick for easy, mess-free serving at a party. For a rustic touch, pile them up on a wooden board alongside fresh herbs and sliced citrus for pops of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of these Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pastry will stay surprisingly crisp if you let the rolls cool completely before storing, so don’t rush to pack them up while they’re still warm.
Freezing
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can make the sausage rolls ahead of time and freeze them unbaked. Arrange on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag or container. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding 5 to 7 extra minutes to the cooking time—they’ll come out just as flaky and delicious!
Reheating
If you’re reheating leftovers, place the sausage rolls on a baking sheet in a hot oven (about 350°F) for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the pastry crisps up nicely. This method keeps the rolls from getting soggy, so your Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken taste freshly baked every time.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and will give a slightly different flavor, but the holiday spirit and delicious results stay the same. Just use a similar ratio and mix as instructed for Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken.
How do I know when the sausage rolls are fully cooked?
You’ll know they’re done when the pastry is deep golden brown and crisp, and a thermometer inserted into the center of a roll reads 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the filling is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute gluten-free puff pastry and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Double-check the rest of your ingredients to make sure they’re gluten-free as well, and your Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken will still be a hit.
Should I serve these hot or at room temperature?
While they’re absolutely glorious straight from the oven, Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken are also delicious at room temperature. This makes them perfect for holiday buffets and potlucks where you need make-ahead snacks.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! This recipe is easy to scale up. Just prepare extra filling and pastry, and bake in batches if needed. It’s a fantastic way to ensure everyone gets their fill during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the flavor and fun of Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken when you want to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. Warm, flaky, and full of holiday cheer, this recipe is destined to be a staple for years to come. Don’t wait for a special occasion—give them a try and enjoy a little taste of festive magic anytime you like!
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Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 rolls
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken are a festive and delicious appetizer or snack that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with flavorful ground chicken and aromatic herbs, wrapped in flaky puff pastry, these rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion (finely grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Rolls:
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls: Unroll the puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet in half lengthwise. Divide the chicken mixture into 4 portions and shape each into a log down the center of each pastry strip. Fold the pastry over the filling, seal the edges, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with seeds if desired, cut into pieces, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with cranberry sauce, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Rolls can be made ahead and frozen unbaked, adding extra cook time when baking from frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
