A deliciously simple recipe for chicken and feta sausage rolls. They make the perfect party food and are great for lunchboxes (they freeze well too).
** Don't judge this recipe by the terrible 10 year-old photos I have. They taste seriously delicious. I will redo the photos ASAP!
When I was in primary school my sister and I were allowed tuckshop for lunch on Fridays.
I used to love writing out my order on a brown paper bag and adding the money to it.
It was also a serious privilege to be on ‘tuckshop duty’ where you got to take your class’s box of bags down to the tuckshop in the morning and collect it just before lunch.
I’m sure they don’t do it this way anymore which I think is sad.
I used to have the same order every week – a sausage roll no tomato sauce.
I can’t remember what I had to drink.
The options weren’t that vast back then but I always stuck with the sausage roll.
I still love them and if I see them at a party I make a bee-line for them.
When I saw someone make sausage rolls with chicken and fetaI thought it would be the perfect twist on an old favourite.
They’re super tasty and what’s even better is you can make them ahead (which only takes about 15 minutes) and freezer them so you just have to throw them in the oven when guests arrive, or when you want a little snack.
Ingredients
To make these delicious mouthfuls you will need:
- Chicken mince - if you can't buy it, you can make your own by whizzing chopped chicken in a food processor or Thermomix.
- Small shallot - finely chopped
- Lemon zest - grated
- Rocket - or use baby spinach
- Breadcrumbs - use fresh breadcrumbs or store bought. Here's how to make your own sourdough breadcrumbs.
- Chilli flakes - optional (or use a little bit of black pepper)
- Feta cheese - crumbled. Preferably use a firm feta but any will do.
- Ready-rolled puff pastry - you could make your own but for sausage rolls, I prefer store-bought.
- Milk - for brushing
Note that the shallot was pulled straight out of the garden. I’m just a little bit proud.
Instructions
Start by making the filling.
Combine all the filling ingredients (the list minus the milk and pastry).
I put some gloves on and used my hands to squish it all together.
It’s much easier than using a spoon.
Lay out the ready-made puff pastry sheets and cut each on in half down the middle.
Divide the filling between the 4 halves and shape the sausage meat to form a long log.
Make sure you extend it the full length of the pastry (don't get a little stingy towards the ends or you won’t be able to use those bits).
I wouldn’t mind cause I love puff pastry even on its own.
Roll up the pastry to enclose the filling.
Now it’s time to chop them all up.
The recipe was for larger sausage rolls but I like party size.
I cut each log into 10 pieces.
Use a serrated knife and ‘saw’ through them so you don’t squash out the filling.
You’ll also need a wet cloth to wipe the knife after every few cuts otherwise it will get very messy.
Freezing instructions
If you’re going to freeze them, line a container with freezer go-between.
If you don't have that you can use baking or parchment paper.
Place the sausage rolls in the container leaving a little bit of space between each one.
If you are going to make a few layers, use a sheet of go-between between each layer.
Put the lid on and freeze.
Alternatively, you can freeze them with no lid and once solid, pop them all into a zip lock bag.
Then you can just take out however many you want to cook at at time.
How to bake from fresh or frozen
To bake the sausage rolls, lay them on a lined baking tray and brush each one with a little milk or egg wash.
I personally can't bare to waste an egg for egg wash so just use milk.
If you want to be extra fancy, you can sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake them at 220C for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
If you’re cooking them from frozen, add another 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
There’s no need to defrost to room temperature first.
Let them cool slightly on the tray.
Serve them up. Enjoy!
Recipe
Chicken and feta sausage rolls - make ahead freezable party food
Ingredients
- 500 g 1lb chicken mince
- 1 small shallot finely chopped
- grated zest of ½ a lemon
- 4 tablespoon chopped rocket I used baby spinach
- 4 tablespoon breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon chilli flakes
- 100 g 3.5oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 sheets ready rolled puff pastry
- milk for brushing
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 220C(428F) fan-forced and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Lay out the pastry in single layers to defrost.
- Combine the rest of the ingredients (except the milk) in a bowl and squish it all together. I find it easier to do this with my hands rather than a spoon.
- Cut each sheet of pastry in half and then divide the chicken mixture between the 4 halves, shaping it into a log down the middle of each one, lengthways.
- Roll the pastry up to form a log.
- Cut it up into pieces. I prefer mini sausage rolls so cut each log into 10 pieces.
- Lay them out on the baking tray and brush with milk.
- Bake the sausage rolls for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden.
- Let them cool slightly then serve.
- To freeze: freeze the rolls in a container with a little space between each one. If you use a few layers make sure you lay something like freezer go-between between each layer. They can be cooked from frozen. Add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Jessica Comes To Eat says
Oh my goodness you have just reminded me of my wonderful childhood. I too loved tuckshop duties and putting money and my order into/on brown paper bags. It's so sad they don't do this anymore. They really should carry on traditions :'(
Claire says
Isn't it sad? Teaches them about money too which they don't really do anymore if the parents preorder and pay online!
Sharon Paton says
I had some chicken & feta in my fridge needing to be used so googled and your website came up with this recipe, I liked the looks of it and decided to make them yesterday.... they were a huge hit, for me and my hubby! Thanks for the recipe :)
Claire says
You're welcome Sharon. So glad you liked them!
Kirsten Campbell says
I made these and they were a big hit! Thanks for the recipe :)
Kirsten (Miss Foodie) says
I'm going to try these little gems for a high tea I'm going to. I have to bring a couple of savoury things along :) Can you post your original sausage roll recipe already lol
Claire says
Oops did I promise that? Will have to get on it! You'll love these ones though!
Kenzie Bruce says
Do you slice the rolls before freezing? Would like to make theses for a graduation celebration.
Claire says
Hi Kenzie. Yes it would be best to slice them before freezing.
Cassandra says
Hi Claire. I have to say I needed comfort food. Someone mentioned party food and the first thing I thought of was sausage rolls. I remembered you had a couple on here. I only had a veal and pork mince in the freezer so quick I thought defrost that and off I went. Mine worked out to be about 50cal/little roll so I only had a couple. But it SURE met my expectations. You are an amazing cook. Cass
Claire says
Oh yum that sounds good. You'll have to tell me what you put in them!
Celia says
Claire, homemade party pies and sausage rolls! Perfect for Christmas, thanks! :)
Claire says
You're welcome Celia!
Inspired2cook says
Looks like a great holiday appetizer!!! Yum!
Claire says
They are indeed!
Tina says
This looks really yummy and very easy! I am going to try it for a holiday party! Thanks for sharing! I would love if you stopped by my page, we seem to have very similar cooking styles! My page is http://www.keyrecipes.wordpress.com! I will tell you how the rolls turn out! mmmm I love Feta!
Claire says
Thanks for visiting Tina. I'd love to check out your blog. Good luck with the sausage rolls. I'm sure they'll be a hit.
The Café Sucré Farine says
Such a cute story Claire and your giving me an education too - I didn't know that word tuckshop! I can just imagine you so proud of your responsibility!
Oh, and these rolls look delicious! Don't you love puff pastry - makes all of us into fancy chefs! Thanks for your great tutorial and photos too!
Claire says
I'm glad I could teach you something. Tuckshop was a highlight in primary school, especially when your mum was on tuckshop!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Ooh yes tuck shop time! I used to go for the sausage rolls too! It was just once a week but it was such a treat and I ate it so slowly! :D
Claire says
Me too. I was also really strange and only ate about 3/4 of the sausage. The last 1/4 I would just eat the pastry. Oh how I love pastry!
Mel Kettle says
oh yum! am so making these! we have home made sausage rolls for breakfast on Christmas morning - might have to try these ones this year. I always make enough to freeze, but I cook them first, then freeze them. mmmmm :)
Claire says
Oh wow what a delicious Christmas morning food. We usually have croissants but sausage rolls might have to get in there too. Yum!
Susan Austin says
They look delicious. You know I love a good freezer-friendly recipe!
Susan
xx
Claire says
I do indeed Susan!