Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Sausage In A Blanket

Looking for a fun and flavorful appetizer or snack? These aren’t your average pigs in a blanket! We’re taking a classic comfort food and elevating it with a creamy, garlicky herb filling and a sweet and smoky glaze. This Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Sausage in a Blanket recipe is surprisingly easy to make and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flaky puff pastry, savory sausage, and a luscious cream cheese filling is simply irresistible. Perfect for parties, game day, or a cozy night in, these little rolls are a delightful bite every time. Get ready to experience a whole new level of ‘blanket’ bliss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Puff Pastry (1 sheet, ≈ 250 g / 9 oz): We’re using a standard sheet of puff pastry, which provides that wonderfully flaky and buttery base for our rolls. Be sure to thaw it completely according to package directions – it should be pliable but still cold. All-butter puff pastry will give the best flavor and rise, but a good quality butter-blend will also work well.
• Halal Chicken Sausage Links (4 links, ≈ 300 g / 10 oz): Halal chicken sausage offers a delicious and ethically sourced protein. We’re using chicken sausage for its milder flavor, but you can substitute with pork or turkey sausage if preferred. Cut into 5 cm (2 in) pieces for perfect bite-sized rolls.
• Cream Cheese (100 g / 3.5 oz): Full-fat cream cheese is key here for a rich and creamy filling. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
• Garlic (1 clove): Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent and aromatic flavor. Don’t use pre-minced garlic, as it lacks the same intensity.
• Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, ≈ 15 ml): Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note to the cream cheese filling. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) is preferred for its flavor, but curly parsley can be used in a pinch.
• Fresh Chives (1 tbsp, ≈ 15 ml): Fresh chives contribute a delicate onion flavor that complements the garlic and parsley beautifully.
• Ground Black Pepper (½ tsp, ≈ 2.5 ml): Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.
• Salt (¼ tsp, ≈ 1.25 ml): A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors in the filling.
• Ketchup (2 tbsp, ≈ 30 ml): Ketchup forms the base of our sweet and smoky glaze, adding a touch of tanginess.
• Honey (1 tsp, ≈ 5 ml): Honey balances the acidity of the ketchup and adds a subtle sweetness to the glaze.
• Smoked Paprika (½ tsp, ≈ 2.5 ml): Smoked paprika provides a smoky depth of flavor that elevates the glaze.
• Olive Oil (1 tsp, ≈ 5 ml): A light brushing of olive oil helps the puff pastry turn golden brown and crispy.
• Extra Chopped Chives (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a final touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:

• Sausage: Feel free to use your favorite type of sausage – pork, Italian, or even veggie sausage will work well.
• Fresh Herbs: If you don’t have fresh parsley or chives, you can use dried herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb in place of 1 tablespoon of fresh.
• Honey: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey in the glaze.

Let’s Roll: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Sausage in a Blanket

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). This ensures even cooking and a beautifully puffed pastry. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry to a thickness of about 3mm (1/8 inch). Rolling it out ensures even cooking and allows for easier wrapping. Cut the pastry into 8 rectangles, approximately 10 x 5 cm (4 x 2 in). Precise measurements aren’t crucial, but aiming for similar sizes helps them bake uniformly.
3. Whip Up the Garlic Herb Cream Cheese: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, finely chopped chives, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Softened cream cheese is key for easy mixing.
4. Apply the Cream Cheese Filling: Spread a thin line of the garlic-herb cream cheese mixture down the center of each pastry rectangle. Don’t overdo it – a thin line is sufficient to add flavor without making the rolls difficult to seal.
5. Add the Sausage and Roll: Place one piece of chicken sausage on top of the cream cheese line in each rectangle. Then, carefully roll the pastry tightly around the sausage, ensuring the edges seal securely. Gently press the edges together to prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
6. Arrange and Brush: Arrange the rolled sausage in a blanket seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. This helps prevent them from unraveling while baking. Brush each roll evenly with olive oil. The olive oil promotes browning and adds a subtle flavor.
7. Glaze Application – Part 1: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, honey, and smoked paprika to create a sweet and smoky glaze. Brush *half* of this glaze onto the rolls. Reserving half for later ensures a vibrant color and flavor boost at the end.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up, golden brown, and the sausage is cooked through. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
9. Final Glaze and Garnish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the rolls with the remaining ketchup-honey-paprika glaze. This final coat adds a beautiful sheen and intensifies the flavor. Transfer the rolls to a serving board, drizzle with a final swirl of glaze, and sprinkle generously with extra chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Why Puff Pastry is the Star of the Show

Puff pastry’s incredible flakiness comes from its many layers of butter and dough. This layering process creates steam during baking, causing the pastry to puff up and become light and airy. Using a high-quality puff pastry is crucial for achieving the best results. The fat content in the pastry also contributes to its rich flavor and tender texture, perfectly complementing the savory sausage and creamy filling.

The Magic of the Garlic Herb Cream Cheese

The combination of cream cheese, garlic, parsley, and chives isn’t just delicious – it’s a flavor powerhouse. Cream cheese provides a tangy base, while garlic adds a pungent kick. Fresh herbs brighten the flavor profile and add a touch of freshness. This filling elevates the simple sausage in a blanket to a gourmet treat.

Sausage Selection: Halal Chicken Sausage and Flavor Profiles

Choosing halal chicken sausage not only caters to dietary preferences but also offers a leaner protein option. Chicken sausage generally has a milder flavor than pork sausage, allowing the garlic herb cream cheese and smoky paprika glaze to shine. Feel free to experiment with different sausage flavors – Italian sausage with fennel seeds, or spicy chorizo, would also be fantastic additions.

Glaze Variations: Sweet, Smoky, and Spicy

The ketchup-honey-smoked paprika glaze is a signature element of this recipe, providing a delightful balance of sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy flavors. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. Alternatively, you could use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.

Serving Suggestions & Pairing

These Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Sausage in a Blanket are perfect as an appetizer, a brunch item, or even a light meal. They pair wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or a dollop of extra cream cheese for dipping. A crisp white wine or a light beer would also complement the flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the sausage in a blanket rolls a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated, covered, until ready to bake. However, it’s best to bake them just before serving for optimal freshness.

Can I use frozen sausage?

Yes, you can use frozen sausage, but make sure it’s fully thawed before using.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb in place of 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs.

These Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Sausage in a Blanket are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

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