Lentil Chestnut Sausage Rolls with Cranberry Mustard

Festive Vegan Sausage Rolls Winter Vegan Appetizers Done Right

By Emily TorresSeptember 21, 2025

Table of Contents

Craving Cozy? Dig into These Lentil & Chestnut Winter Vegan Appetizers!

Ever get that feeling when the weather turns chilly, and all you want is something warm and comforting? Well, you're not alone! That is why the winter vegan appetizers are the stars of any holiday party.

These lentil and chestnut "sausage" rolls will hit the spot!. They're savory, festive, and totally plant based!

These vegan christmas appetizers are not just for show. It's a delightful twist on a classic. Originating from the British love for sausage rolls, this vegan version brings a healthy, ethical twist.

These lentil chestnut rolls are surprisingly easy to make, even if you're not a pro in the kitchen. From start to finish, you're looking at about an hour and a half.

This recipe yields about 12 rolls, perfect for sharing or a cosy night in.

What Makes These Vegan Puff Pastry Appetizers so Special?

Honestly, the heart of these rolls is in their hearty filling. Lentils are packed with protein and fibre, making these warm vegan appetizers a healthier choice.

These are perfect for sharing, or a simple snack, and sure to make anyone feel special.

But what truly sets these festive vegan finger foods apart is the flavor combo. The earthiness of the lentils and chestnuts pairs perfectly with the tangy cranberry mustard dip .

It's a match made in heaven!. This vegan holiday appetizer is also surprisingly versatile.

Think beyond Christmas! These are the perfect winter party snacks vegan . Why not bring them to a games night or potluck? Or even just enjoy a few while curled up with a good book! Honestly, they are a go to of mine during the winter months.

Ready to ditch the boring snacks and dive into some vegan comfort food winter goodness?

Gear Up for the Best Winter Vegan Appetizers !

Lentil Chestnut Sausage Rolls with Cranberry Mustard presentation

Let's talk ingredients and equipment. Honestly, this part is super straightforward! We're whipping up lentil chestnut rolls that everyone will adore.

This festive vegan finger food recipe is surprisingly simple. These are some vegan christmas appetizers that you must try

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you need. Don't worry, nothing too fancy!

Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Go for extra virgin for the best flavor.
Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped. Yellow or white works great.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best!
Cooked Lentils: 1 cup (200g) . Canned or homemade, both are perfect. Quality indicator: Make sure they're not mushy!
Cooked Chestnuts: 1 cup (150g) , roughly chopped. Jarred or fresh, roasted ones.
Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g) . Panko gives a nice texture.
Parsley: 1/4 cup (10g) , chopped. Fresh is key!
Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Tamari works if you're gluten-free.
Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp (5 ml) . This adds that smoky sausage vibe!
Dried Sage: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) . Don't skip this!
Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) . A tiny bit goes a long way.
Salt & Pepper: To taste.
Vegan Puff Pastry: 1 package (14 oz / 400g) , thawed. This stuff is a game changer for easy vegan puff pastry appetizers !
Plant Based Milk: 2 tbsp . For brushing. Almond, soy, oat, whatever you like.
Cranberry Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Whole berry is nice.
Dijon Mustard: 2 tbsp (30 ml) . Adds a bit of tang.
Maple Syrup: 1 tsp (5 ml) . Optional.

Seasoning Notes

Smoked paprika, sage, and nutmeg are the magic trio. These flavors will scream winter. No sage? Use thyme. You got to add that cranberry mustard dip ! For a warm vegan appetizers , adjust cayenne powder, or simply use some sriracha sauce.

These flavors work wonderfully for vegan holiday appetizers .

Essential Equipment

Here’s what you'll need:

Large skillet
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Sharp knife
Small bowl

Don't have parchment? Grease the baking sheet really well. A pizza cutter works wonders for cutting the winter vegan sausage rolls .

I've made these countless times, and honestly, using good quality puff pastry is the secret. It makes all the difference! So there you have it.

You are ready to have some winter party snacks vegan and serve some vegan comfort food winter . Now, let's get this show on the road!

Lentil & Chestnut "Sausage" Rolls with Cranberry Mustard Dip

Okay, so you need the ultimate winter vegan appetizers for your next shindig? Look no further! These lentil and chestnut rolls are my secret weapon.

Honestly, they're a total game changer. They're like fancy winter vegan sausage rolls , but even better because they are plant based! Plus, that cranberry mustard dip ? Oh my gosh! Perfection.

Prep Like a Pro

Getting your stuff together before you start is KEY. It's called "mise en place", sounds fancy, right? Just means chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and generally having everything ready to roll.

You'll need 1 medium onion finely chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Trust me, it saves you time and stress later.

Plus, safety first, always wash your hands before cooking!

The step-by-step Deets

Sauté the onion and garlic in 1 tbsp of olive oil until they're soft.
Stir in 1 cup of cooked lentils , 1 cup of chopped chestnuts , 0.5 cup of breadcrumbs , 0.25 cup of parsley , 1 tbsp soy sauce , 1 tsp smoked paprika , 0.5 tsp dried sage , and 0.25 tsp nutmeg . Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Mash some of the lentils to help everything stick together.
Let the filling cool completely.
Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
Unfold 1 package (14 oz) of vegan puff pastry . Cut it in half.
Spoon the filling along the center of each pastry strip. Fold and seal.
Cut each log into 6 rolls. Brush with plant based milk and bake for 25- 30 minutes . Golden brown is the goal!

Pro Level Tips

Don't overfill those rolls. Trust me, or they'll explode in the oven, making a huge mess. Also, chilling the filling before assembling the rolls is crucial. It prevents a soggy bottom.

make-ahead magic: you can totally make the lentil filling a day in advance! Just store it in the fridge and you're golden! If you ask me, for a festive appetizer, you can't go wrong with these lentil and chestnut rolls.

And the vegan puff pastry appetizers make them super easy and fun to make!

Honestly, these are the best vegan christmas appetizers for a cosy Christmas. You can serve these rolls as festive vegan finger foods , perfect for those winter party snacks vegan , you can offer them as warm vegan appetizers , and your friends will think you are a professional chef!.

Don't forget, they're also amazing as vegan comfort food winter . You could even call them lentil chestnut rolls to sound extra fancy.

Enjoy!

Alright, so you've got the recipe for these incredible lentil chestnut rolls down. Now, let's talk about making them your own and keeping them fresh, because honestly, who wants a soggy sausage roll? Not me!

Recipe Notes: Making Magic Happen

Honestly, these vegan puff pastry appetizers are pretty straightforward, but there are a few things that can really elevate them from "meh" to "OMG".

These winter vegan sausage rolls are really tasty and easy to make.

Serving Suggestions: Show 'Em Off!

Presentation is key, right? You can totally impress your mates with these. I like to arrange them artfully on a platter with a little bowl of cranberry mustard dip right in the middle.

A sprig of rosemary or thyme adds a lovely festive vegan finger food touch. Honestly, a simple green salad on the side cuts through the richness.

For drinks, think sparkling cider or even a nice dry ginger ale.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!

These are best served fresh, of course. But you can definitely prep them ahead. Cooked rolls will last for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

Reheat them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

I wouldn't recommend freezing the cooked rolls, as the pastry can get a bit soggy. But you can freeze the unbaked rolls after you assemble them! Bake straight from frozen, adding about 5- 10 minutes to the baking time.

Variations: Get Creative!

Want to mix things up? For a gluten-free version, grab some gluten-free puff pastry. Boom! Done. If you are feeling adventurous, consider using a different kind of beans instead of lentils, like pinto or black beans.

For a seasonal twist, use roasted butternut squash puree in the filling for a vegan comfort food winter vibe. You know? And don’t forget the spicy option, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

It's a great way to turn up the heat on these warm vegan appetizers .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside!

Okay, so these aren't exactly health food, but they're surprisingly good for you! Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied.

Chestnuts add a boost of vitamins and minerals. Overall, this appetizer is satisfying, and nutritious, perfect to delight your senses in your upcoming vegan holiday appetizers .

So there you have it! These winter party snacks vegan are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Go on, give it a try, and don't be afraid to get creative. You got this!

Delicious Vegan Sausage Rolls Secret Winter Appetizer Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these winter vegan appetizers ahead of time? I'm a bit of a busy bee, you see.

Absolutely! You can prepare the lentil filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. You can even assemble the rolls and keep them unbaked in the fridge overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to pop them in the oven.

Think of it as your secret weapon for stress free entertaining!

Help! My puff pastry always seems to be a soggy bottom. Any tips for getting it extra flaky?

Ah, the dreaded soggy bottom! This is a common pastry problem, old bean! First, make sure your lentil filling is cool before assembling the rolls. Second, bake the rolls in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) that blast of heat helps the pastry puff up quickly.

Finally, don't skip brushing the tops with plant based milk it encourages browning and adds a lovely sheen. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your flavour!

I'm catering for some folks with allergies. Can I easily adapt these winter vegan appetizers to be gluten-free?

Yes, you certainly can! The easiest way is to use gluten-free puff pastry, which is now widely available in most supermarkets and health food stores. Also, swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs panko style gluten-free breadcrumbs work particularly well.

Always double check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

I'm not a massive fan of chestnuts. Is there a good substitute for the lentil filling to make the appetizer a bit more my style?

Totally! If chestnuts aren't your cup of tea, you can easily swap them out. Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely nutty flavour and texture. Alternatively, try adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthier vibe.

You could even use cooked and mashed sweet potato or butternut squash to give the filling a slightly sweeter, festive twist. Get creative and make it your own!

How long will these winter vegan appetizers last, and what's the best way to store leftovers?

Leftover lentil "sausage" rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for the best texture. They can also be frozen for up to a month. Thaw them completely before reheating to avoid a soggy pastry situation.