Wrapped Chicken and Apple Sausages With Sweet Mustard
There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of baking pastry filling the kitchen, especially when it’s paired with the savory aroma of sausage. I remember making these “Fancy Pigs in Blankets,” as my sister fondly called them, one cozy autumn afternoon. The rain was drumming against the window, and the warm, sweet-savory scent wrapped us in a comforting embrace. My picky sister, who detested mustard, couldn’t get enough of the sweet mustard dipping sauce that day. We ended up devouring the entire batch straight from the oven, giggling and dipping away our rainy-day blues. This simple yet delightful dish has become a symbol of cozy contentment and shared moments in our family.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Dietary Type: Not Specified
Ingredients
- 4 chicken-apple sausages (I recommend Aidel’s)
- 1 (8 ounce) can crescent rolls
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1⁄4 cup red currant jelly
- 1⁄4 cup Dijon mustard
Equipment Needed
- Medium sized bowl
- Non-stick skillet
- Cookie sheet
Instructions
- First, prepare the sweet mustard dipping sauce. In a medium sized bowl, add the red currant jelly. Stir the jelly until it reaches a smooth consistency, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add the Dijon mustard to the bowl with the jelly. Stir both ingredients together until they are smooth and thoroughly blended. This is your sweet mustard dipping sauce. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve it with the sausages.
- Now, prepare the sausages. Cut each sausage link in half lengthwise.
- Place a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sausages in the skillet until they are lightly browned on each side.
Browning the sausage isn’t absolutely necessary but it helps cut down some of the greasiness after baking in so the crescent rolls don’t slide off. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Open the can of crescent rolls and separate each roll into triangles.
- Place a browned ½ sausage link on each crescent roll triangle. Roll up the dough so that the crescent roll is wrapped around the sausage link.
- Place the wrapped sausages on an ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat this process with the rest of the sausages and crescent rolls.
- Top each crescent roll-wrapped sausage with sesame seeds.
- Bake the sausages wrapped in crescent rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 17 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown.
- Serve the baked sausages hot, with the chilled sweet mustard dipping sauce.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Make-Ahead Magic: The sweet mustard dipping sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together even more beautifully.
- Sausage Selection: Don’t limit yourself to just chicken-apple! Experiment with other sausage varieties like Italian sausage (remove from casing for ease of browning) or even vegetarian sausage for a meat-free version. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Crescent Roll Crispness: For extra-crispy crescent rolls, brush them lightly with melted butter or an egg wash before sprinkling with sesame seeds.
- Preventing Soggy Bottoms: To avoid soggy bottoms, especially if your sausages are particularly juicy, consider placing a sheet of parchment paper under the crescent rolls on the baking sheet.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sweet mustard for a little extra kick.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These Wrapped Chicken and Apple Sausages are best served warm, straight from the oven, with the chilled sweet mustard dipping sauce on the side. Arrange them attractively on a platter for a party appetizer, or serve them as a fun and easy weeknight dinner alongside a simple green salad or baked beans.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave, but for the best texture, I recommend reheating them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, until warmed through and the crescent rolls are crisp again.
I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the crescent rolls will suffer upon thawing.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal | ~15% |
| Total Fat | ~18g | ~28% |
| Saturated Fat | ~7g | ~35% |
| Cholesterol | ~40mg | ~13% |
| Sodium | ~500mg | ~21% |
| Total Carbohydrate | ~25g | ~8% |
| Dietary Fiber | ~1g | ~4% |
| Sugars | ~10g | N/A |
| Protein | ~10g | ~20% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: While standard crescent rolls contain gluten, you can substitute them with gluten-free puff pastry, cut into triangles. Be sure to adjust baking time as needed according to the pastry instructions.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based sausages, vegan crescent rolls (some brands are naturally vegan), and substitute the red currant jelly with apple jelly or another vegan-friendly jam.
- Cheese Please!: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese over the sausage before wrapping with the crescent roll for an extra cheesy treat.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet mustard dipping sauce for a little heat.
- Herbed Delight: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the crescent roll dough or sprinkle them on top before baking for an herbaceous flavor.
- Seasonality: During the holidays, try using cranberry sauce instead of red currant jelly for a festive seasonal flavor in the dipping sauce.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use regular pork sausage instead of chicken-apple sausage?
A: Absolutely! Pork sausage works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before wrapping it in the crescent roll dough.
Q: Can I make the sweet mustard dipping sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the sweet mustard dipping sauce can be made up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: How do I prevent the crescent rolls from getting soggy?
A: Browning the sausage beforehand helps reduce greasiness, which can contribute to soggy rolls. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate and don’t overbake.
Q: Can I freeze the wrapped sausages before baking?
A: While you can freeze them, the texture of the crescent rolls may change upon thawing. It’s best to bake them fresh for the best results.
Q: What can I serve with these as a complete meal?
A: These wrapped sausages pair well with a variety of sides, such as baked beans, a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or even some roasted vegetables.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe for Wrapped Chicken and Apple Sausages with Sweet Mustard brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. It’s a simple, comforting dish that’s perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to fun party appetizers. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sausage varieties and dipping sauces to create your own unique version. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Share your culinary creations with friends and family, and remember that the best meals are always made with love. Maybe serve this with a crisp apple cider or a light sparkling wine for a perfect pairing. Bon appétit!