If you’re dreaming of a festive appetizer that brings together the warmth of chicken sausage with the bright, tangy notes of cranberry and aromatic sage, you have to try this Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls with Cranberry Sage Filling Recipe. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings, delivering flaky puff pastry wrapped around a savory-sweet filling that feels both comforting and celebratory. These sausage rolls aren’t just delicious—they’re fun to make and guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite everyone will ask for year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role—adding layers of flavor, texture, and festive color that come together effortlessly to create something truly delightful.
- 1 lb chicken sausage (or ground chicken): The protein base that’s juicy and flavorful, providing that classic sausage roll heartiness.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture and keeps the filling tender and moist.
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped: Adds a fragrant grassy note that perfectly complements the sausage and cranberry.
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (or dried cranberries): Brings a festive burst of sweetness and color to brighten every bite.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Deepens the flavor with savory sweetness when cooked.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a subtle, aromatic kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Offers a gentle tang that elevates the filling complexity.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying): Used to soften the onion and garlic, releasing their flavors beautifully.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade): The flaky, buttery shell that encases the savory filling perfectly.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a golden, shiny crust when baked.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls with Cranberry Sage Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step softens the aromatics and forms the flavor foundation for your filling.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, add the chicken sausage, breadcrumbs, chopped fresh sage, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and the sautéed onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then mix everything together until well combined. The cranberry sauce should be evenly distributed, giving the filling pockets of sweet-tart joy.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet just enough to smooth any creases. The puff pastry acts as the crisp, buttery envelope that makes these rolls delightfully flaky.
Step 4: Assemble the Sausage Rolls
Spread the sausage mixture evenly along one edge of the puff pastry sheet, shaping it into a long, even log. Carefully roll the pastry over the filling and press to seal the edge using a little beaten egg to glue it shut. Cut the long roll into bite-sized pieces—about 12 for this recipe.
Step 5: Brush and Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the cut rolls onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a glossy finish that bakes into a gorgeous, golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls with Cranberry Sage Filling Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle freshly chopped sage or a few fresh cranberries on top right before serving. This adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh aroma that complements the warm, baked flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these sausage rolls with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or serve alongside tangy cranberry chutney to amplify the holiday spirit on your plate. Mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables also make wonderful companions for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, serve the sausage rolls on wooden boards lined with festive parchment paper. Arrange mini skewers through each roll for easy grabbing, or place them in decorative pastry baskets to add charm and convenience for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while preserving their wonderful flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled and wrapped sausage rolls before baking. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready, just bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the sausage rolls back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again on the outside. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of chicken sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken sausage for pork, turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative depending on your preference. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but all work well with the cranberry sage filling.
Is fresh sage necessary, or can I use dried?
Fresh sage offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor that really shines in this recipe, but if you only have dried, use about one-third of the amount as it is more concentrated. It will still taste great, just slightly different.
Can I make these sausage rolls gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free puff pastry. Many stores offer ready-made gluten-free pastry options that work perfectly in this recipe.
How far ahead can I prepare these sausage rolls?
You can prepare the filling and assemble the rolls up to a day in advance. Just keep them wrapped tightly in the fridge and bake them fresh right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve them warm with toothpicks or mini skewers for easy handling. Pair with festive dips like mustard or cranberry sauce, and place alongside other finger foods for a crowd-pleasing holiday spread.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls with Cranberry Sage Filling Recipe—combining that flaky, buttery crust with a filling bursting with cozy herb and holiday cheer. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug in every bite, easy enough to prepare but special enough to impress. I can’t wait for you to try making these for your next celebration and watch how quickly they disappear from the tray!
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Easy Christmas Chicken Sausage Rolls with Cranberry Sage Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Christmas, British
Description
These Easy Christmas Sausage Rolls with Chicken are a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with savory chicken sausage, fresh sage, and a touch of cranberry sauce for a seasonal twist, all wrapped in golden puff pastry. Easy to prepare and delicious to serve, these sausage rolls combine classic holiday flavors in a convenient finger food.
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
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 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chicken sausage (or ground chicken) to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture with breadcrumbs, chopped fresh sage, cranberry sauce (or dried cranberries), and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Cut the pastry into two equal rectangles.
- Assemble the Sausage Rolls: Divide the sausage filling evenly between the two pastry rectangles, spreading it into a log shape along one edge of each piece. Roll the pastry tightly around the filling, sealing the edges by pressing gently. Brush the seams with beaten egg to help seal, and place seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Apply Egg Wash and Cut: Brush the tops of the sausage rolls evenly with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baked. Use a sharp knife to make small diagonal slashes on top for decoration and to allow steam to escape. Cut each long roll into 6 pieces to make 12 sausage rolls total.
- Bake: Bake the sausage rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the sausage rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving warm as a delicious holiday appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken sausage with ground turkey or pork if preferred.
- Cranberry sauce adds a festive sweetness; dried cranberries are a good alternative if sauce is unavailable.
- Make sure the filling cools before assembling to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- Egg wash gives a glossy finish but can be omitted for a vegan version.
- These sausage rolls can be prepared ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
