Harissa, Onion & Chicken Sausage Roll Recipe

Harissa and onion chicken sausage rolls just out of the oven
Nicole Phillips
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Harissa, Onion and Chicken Sausage Roll – A Spicy Twist on a Comfort Classic

This Harissa, Onion and Chicken Sausage Roll recipe has just the right kick, perfectly balanced with savory depth and flaky puff pastry. It’s bold, flavorful, and a fun twist on a beloved classic.

I’ve had Aussie bakery favorites on my mind lately after a recent trip home to Australia — nothing beats a warm sausage roll fresh from the bakery. Back here, I’ve been experimenting with new takes on that nostalgic flavor, and this version might be my favorite yet.

I bought harissa powder the other week for a BBQ, and since then I’ve been putting it on just about everything. My usual sausage roll go-to is pork and fennel, but I wanted to mix it up — and this combo of spicy harissa, sweet broiled onion, and juicy ground chicken turned out so satisfying.

I served these rolls with some BBQ sauce I had in the fridge, which totally worked, but I have a feeling they’d be even better with a dollop of tzatziki to cool things down.

Puff pastry is such a blank canvas, and sausage rolls are the perfect vehicle for flavor experiments. What combo should I try next?

Harissa and onion chicken sausage rolls
Harissa and onion chicken sausage rolls
Harissa and onion chicken sausage rolls just out of the oven

Harissa, Onion & Chicken Sausage Roll

A flavorful twist on a classic snack, these chicken sausage rolls combine spicy harissa, sweet charred red onions, and golden puff pastry for a deliciously satisfying bite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Course Appetizer, canape, First course, hors d’oeuvres
Cuisine American, Australian, Mediterranean
Servings 24 Sausage rolls
Calories 74 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 baking pan
  • 1 food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 red onion
  • 1/2 lb ground chicken I used lean white meat
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp harissa powder
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 puff pastry sheet
  • 1 egg
  • 1/8 tsp poppy seeds

Instructions
 

  • Char the Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and broil on high for about 8 minutes, or until the edges start to char and soften.
  • Blend the Flavor Base: Add the broiled onion and a garlic clove to a food processor. Blend until the mixture is nearly a paste, then transfer it to a mixing bowl.
    Onion and garlic
  • Make the Filling: Mix the ground chicken with the harissa, the onion-garlic paste, and a generous pinch of salt until well combined.
    Sausage roll filling with harissa, onion and chicken
  • Prep the Pastry: Roll out a thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into three long rectangles. Divide the chicken mixture into three portions, shaping each into a thin line down the center of each pastry strip. Don’t overfill — leave room to fold the pastry around the filling.
    Add the filling
  • Roll & Seal: Carefully fold the pastry over the chicken mixture, sealing the edges to form a tight roll. You should have three neat pastry “snakes.” Brush the tops with a whisked egg and sprinkle with poppy seeds for extra texture and flavor.
    puff pastry snakes for the sausage rolls
  • Slice & Score: Cut each roll into 2–2.5 inch pieces. Lightly score the tops of each roll twice to help steam escape and give them that bakery-style look.
  • Bake to Perfection: Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden on top and fully cooked underneath.
    Pre-oven Harissa and Onion Chicken Sausage Rolls
  • Serve & Enjoy: Let them cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce — BBQ sauce pairs especially well!
    Harissa and onion chicken sausage rolls
Keyword chicken, harissa, puff pastry, Sausage rolls

If you’re also on a sausage roll kick like me, check out these recipes:

Lamb, Rosemary & Mint Sausage Rolls

Lemon Pepper Chicken Sausage Roll Recipe

 

 

If this recipe made your day a little more delicious, follow along at Nicole Cathrine for more snack, picnic, and everyday food inspiration you’ll actually crave.

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