If you are a fan of cozy, flavorful bites that combine a touch of savory with a hint of sweet, then this Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe is bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen. These delightful, golden puff pastry parcels are packed with juicy ground chicken sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and tangy dried cranberries, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. They bring an inviting warmth to any gathering, whether as an appetizer, snack, or party treat that everyone will rave about. Ready to bake up some magic? Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is as easy as pie, and each plays a starring role in making sure your Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls turn out amazing. From the flaky puff pastry to the burst of cranberry sweetness, every component adds depth and a welcoming contrast.
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed: These light, flaky sheets provide the perfect golden crust that encases all the tasty filling.
- 1 pound ground chicken sausage: The main protein, juicy and richly flavored to keep the rolls hearty and satisfying.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds creamy sharpness and melts beautifully inside the rolls.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Brings a lovely tart-sweet pop that complements the savory sausage.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture and gives a better texture to the filling.
- 1 egg, beaten: For brushing the pastry to a stunning golden shine and sealing the edges securely.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a gentle aromatic boost without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The small but essential seasoning touch to heighten every bite.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping): Adds a lovely crunch and a subtle nutty flavor to the finished rolls.
How to Make Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, get your oven heated to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your sausage rolls will bake evenly without sticking and that you’ll have less cleanup afterward.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix until well integrated so every bite will be bursting with flavor and perfectly textured.
Step 3: Cut the Puff Pastry
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets carefully and cut each sheet into two long strips. This will give you four generous pastry bases to wrap around the filling, balancing crispness with chewiness.
Step 4: Shape the Sausage Logs
Divide your well-mixed chicken filling into four equal portions and shape each into a log. Place each log neatly along the center line of a pastry strip, ready to be enveloped in that buttery pastry blanket.
Step 5: Wrap and Seal
Fold the pastry over each chicken log so it’s completely enclosed, making sure the seam is on the bottom. Press down the edges firmly with a fork to seal the rolls well and brush the tops with your beaten egg wash to give them a shine and help with browning.
Step 6: Slice and Add Toppings
Cut each wrapped log into four equal pieces, creating perfect bite-sized rolls. If you like, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra touch of texture and nutty flavor that’s just delightful when baked.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow for puff pastry expansion. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until each roll is beautifully golden brown and fragrant.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the sausage rolls cool for about five minutes right on the tray before serving. This cool-down step lets the filling set just enough so every bite stays intact and mouthwateringly delicious.
How to Serve Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Simple is best when it comes to garnishing these rolls. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled on top add a bright, fresh contrast that complements the rich filling without competing. A light drizzle of honey mustard or a tangy dipping sauce also pairs beautifully if you’re serving these as finger food.
Side Dishes
These sausage rolls shine as part of any casual or festive spread. Pair them with a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal or alongside a bowl of warming soup for a comforting lunch. Roasted vegetables or a colorful slaw can also offer a delightful crunch and freshness to balance the rolls’ richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, surrounded by small bowls of assorted dips for a fun communal vibe. You could even thread a few rolls on skewers, alternating with cherry tomatoes or mini pickles, for an unexpected and playful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps them fresh while preserving the pastry’s crisp texture as much as possible.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble your sausage rolls but don’t bake them. Place them on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months and can be baked straight from frozen with an extra few minutes added to the cooking time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftovers is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, which revives the pastry’s crispness and warms the filling evenly. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this recipe?
While ground raw chicken sausage is best for binding and flavor, you can use pre-cooked sausage if pressed for time—just be sure to crumble it finely and reduce the baking time slightly to avoid drying out.
Are there good substitutes for puff pastry?
Puff pastry provides exquisite flakiness that’s central to the rolls, but you can experiment with crescent roll dough or phyllo pastry for different textures and flavors. Just adjust baking times accordingly.
Can I add herbs or spices to the filling?
Absolutely! Fresh sage, rosemary, or thyme work wonderfully with chicken and cranberries, and a pinch of nutmeg can add a warm undertone. Just don’t overdo it so the cheddar and cranberries still shine through.
Is this recipe safe for freezing after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked sausage rolls. Just cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and reheat in the oven to restore that fresh-baked crispness.
Can I make these vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken sausage for a savory plant-based alternative or finely chopped and seasoned mushrooms with some cooked lentils or beans. The cheese and cranberries will keep the flavor vibrant!
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels both familiar and exciting, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a cozy treat. The blend of savory sausage, sharp cheddar, and sweet cranberries wrapped in a flaky shell is downright irresistible. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to favorite that you’ll thrill to make again and again!
