These delicious baked pastry rolls are golden and crispy on the outside, with a savory, tender filling inside. Inspired by your picture, this recipe uses puff pastry filled with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and herbs, then baked in a creamy tomato sauce until beautifully golden.
The exact filling in the picture is not fully visible, so this is a suggested version that recreates the appearance and style of the dish.
Recipe information
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 30–40 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 people
- Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients
For the pastry rolls
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 500 g boneless chicken breast
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 150 g grated mozzarella
- 100 g grated cheddar, optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
For the sauce
- 250 ml tomato sauce or passata
- 100 ml cooking cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 50 ml water or chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
For finishing
- 1 egg, beaten, for brushing
- 30 g grated cheese, optional
- Dried parsley or fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken filling
Cut the chicken into small pieces. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the onion, and cook until softened. Add the garlic and chicken, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley.
Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Allow the filling to cool before assembling the pastry.
Step 2: Add the cheese
Transfer the cooled chicken mixture to a bowl and stir in the grated mozzarella and optional cheddar.
Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Let the filling cool completely so it does not soften the pastry before baking.
Step 3: Shape the rolls
Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into rectangles of a suitable size.
Place a portion of filling near one edge of each rectangle. Fold the pastry over the filling, roll gently, and seal the edges. Avoid overfilling, as this may cause the pastry to open during baking.
Step 4: Arrange the rolls
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a rectangular baking dish.
Arrange the pastry rolls seam-side down in the dish. Leave a little space between them if you want crispier sides, or place them closer together for a softer finish.
Step 5: Prepare and add the sauce
Combine the tomato sauce, cream, oregano, paprika, water or stock, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Pour the sauce around the rolls, keeping most of the pastry tops uncovered. This helps the tops become golden and flaky while the sauce cooks underneath.
Step 6: Brush and bake
Brush the exposed pastry with beaten egg. Sprinkle a little grated cheese over the top if desired.
Bake for approximately 30–40 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden and the sauce is bubbling. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil near the end.
Step 7: Rest and serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dried herbs.
Serve warm while the pastry is crisp and the cheese is melted. Spoon some of the creamy sauce onto each plate.
Tips for the best results
- Keep puff pastry cold until you are ready to assemble the rolls.
- Cool the chicken filling before adding it to the pastry.
- Avoid pouring too much sauce over the pastry tops, as this can prevent them from becoming crisp.
- Use a hot, fully preheated oven for the best puff and browning.
- Check that the pastry is cooked through at the center before serving.
Serving suggestions
Serve these pastry rolls with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or potato wedges. They also pair well with steamed broccoli or green beans.
For a beautiful presentation, arrange the rolls neatly in the baking dish, spoon the sauce around them, and finish with chopped parsley and a little grated cheese.
Conclusion
These baked chicken and cheese pastry rolls are a comforting, family-friendly dish with flaky pastry, a savory filling, and a flavorful sauce. They are suitable for lunch, dinner, or special occasions, and you can customize the filling with mushrooms, spinach, cooked minced meat, or different cheeses.
Recipe tip: For a result closest to the picture, keep the pastry tops exposed to the oven while allowing the sauce to bubble around the sides. 🥐🍗