If you’re looking to impress friends or simply treat yourself to a cozy, flavorful snack, then this Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. Picture tender, savory chicken sausage perfectly spiced and mixed with sharp cheddar cheese and sweet dried cranberries all wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry. Each bite offers a delightful combination of tangy, salty, and sweet – it’s truly a party of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether it’s for brunch, an appetizer, or a fun dinner idea, these sausage rolls are irresistibly delicious and wonderfully easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the flaky puff pastry to the juicy chicken sausage filling, each element is simple yet crucial.
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed: Provides the classic flaky, buttery crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- 1 pound ground chicken sausage: The savory base packed with protein and flavor that makes these rolls satisfying.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a rich, tangy kick that melts perfectly inside the sausage mixture.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Brings a burst of natural sweetness that complements the savory ingredients wonderfully.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the filling while adding a little texture.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as the glue to seal the pastry and gives a beautiful golden finish when brushed on.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle depth of flavor, elevating the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping): Adds a crunchy texture and a touch of nutty flavor on top.
How to Make Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your sausage rolls won’t stick and bake evenly with a golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken sausage with shredded cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly so that all the savory and sweet ingredients are evenly distributed. This mix is the heart of the sausage rolls, with layers of flavor in each bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets on a clean surface. Cut each sheet into two long strips, giving you four strips total. These strips will wrap around your filling and create that irresistible flaky crust.
Step 4: Shape the Sausage Logs
Divide the sausage mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a log. Place each log firmly down the center of a puff pastry strip, making sure the filling hugs the dough nicely for even baking.
Step 5: Seal and Brush
Fold the puff pastry over the sausage logs to enclose them completely, making sure the seam is on the bottom to prevent opening while baking. Press the edges down with a fork for a fun decorative seal, then brush the tops generously with the beaten egg. This egg wash gives your rolls a beautiful, shiny golden crust.
Step 6: Cut and Add Toppings
Cut each rolled pastry into four equal pieces so you get bite-sized portions perfect for sharing. If you like, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a little extra crunch and a toasted nuttiness that balances the dish.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the sausage rolls on your prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this step is simply wonderful and will surely build anticipation.
Step 8: Let Them Cool Slightly
Once baked perfectly, let your Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls sit for around 5 minutes. Cooling just enough to handle makes eating easier, and the flavors have a moment to settle, enhancing your tasting experience.
How to Serve Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, or a drizzle of honey mustard can elevate your sausage rolls and add a pop of color and additional flavor. These little accents make presentation inviting and the eating experience even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. For a cozy twist, serve alongside a warm bowl of butternut squash soup or a vibrant tomato bisque. The contrast of textures and temperatures creates a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special gatherings, arrange the Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe on a wooden board surrounded by dips such as spicy aioli, cranberry chutney, or tangy barbecue sauce. You can also skewer the slices with festive toothpicks for easy grabbing and sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain delicious and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these rolls in advance, freeze them unbaked on a tray before baking, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that flaky pastry texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made chicken sausage instead of ground chicken sausage?
You can, but for this Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe, using ground chicken sausage works best because it mixes evenly with the other ingredients, giving a consistent texture throughout.
What can I substitute for dried cranberries?
If you’re not a fan of dried cranberries, dried cherries or raisins provide similar sweetness and chewiness, which complement the savory sausage and cheese nicely.
Is it possible to make these rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or a seasoned mushroom and walnut mixture. Keep the cranberry and cheddar combination for that lovely flavor balance.
Can I prepare this recipe without puff pastry?
Puff pastry gives the rolls their signature flakiness, but you could try using crescent roll dough for a slightly different texture and still delicious result.
How do I know when the sausage rolls are fully cooked?
Look for a golden brown, puffed pastry shell and ensure the internal sausage mixture is no longer pink, which should happen after the recommended baking time of 20-25 minutes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe that invites you to enjoy every bite with warmth and joy. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family snack or a fancy party appetizer, this recipe never fails to impress with its delicious blend of flavors and textures. Give it a try, and I promise these rolls will find a permanent spot in your recipe collection and your heart.
Print
Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 sausage rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry Cheddar Chicken Sausage Rolls are a savory and slightly sweet appetizer featuring ground chicken sausage mixed with sharp cheddar cheese and dried cranberries, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry baked to golden perfection. These rolls are perfect for parties, brunch, or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound ground chicken sausage
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pastry & Topping
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken sausage, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Divide the pastry sheets. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into two long strips, giving you a total of four strips.
- Assemble the rolls. Portion the chicken mixture into four equal logs and place each log down the center of each pastry strip.
- Seal the pastry. Fold the puff pastry over each filling log so that the seam is on the bottom. Press the edges with a fork to seal them securely and prevent filling from leaking. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- Cut and add toppings. Slice each rolled pastry into four equal pieces. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and crunch.
- Bake the sausage rolls. Arrange the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool before serving. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses like gouda or mozzarella based on preference.
- Ensure puff pastry sheets are thawed completely but still cold to handle easily.
- For a crunchier texture, you can toast sesame seeds before sprinkling.
- These sausage rolls can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste, especially salt and pepper in the filling mixture.
