French Onion Sausage Rolls are a delicious twist on a classic snack, combining the rich, caramelized flavor of French onions with savory sausage filling, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a comforting appetizer, these sausage rolls are a crowd-pleasing delight that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The addition of caramelized onions adds a sophisticated touch to classic sausage rolls.
- Flaky and Buttery: The golden puff pastry creates an irresistible crunch.
- Versatile: Great for parties, snacks, or as a quick meal.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients with big flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil
- Yellow onions, thinly sliced
- Granulated sugar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Sausage meat (or uncased sausages)
- Dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- Garlic powder
- Puff pastry sheets, thawed
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Stir in sugar and balsamic vinegar, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine sausage meat, caramelized onions, thyme, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Sausage Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry sheets and cut into rectangles (approximately 4×6 inches).
- Spoon the sausage mixture lengthwise onto each rectangle, leaving space on the edges.
- Fold the pastry over the filling and seal the edges by pressing with a fork. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Egg Wash and Garnish:
- Brush the tops of the sausage rolls with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve:
- Allow the sausage rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 sausage rolls
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded Gruyère or mozzarella to the filling for extra indulgence.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy sausage roll.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and caramelized onions for a meat-free version.
- Herb Mix: Experiment with rosemary, parsley, or sage in the filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked sausage rolls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made caramelized onions?
Yes, store-bought caramelized onions can save time and work well in this recipe.
What type of sausage meat works best?
Pork sausage meat is traditional, but chicken, turkey, or plant-based options also work.
Can I make these sausage rolls in advance?
Yes, assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Do I have to use puff pastry?
While puff pastry is traditional, you can use phyllo dough for a lighter option or pie crust for a sturdier texture.
Can I freeze cooked sausage rolls?
Yes, freeze cooked sausage rolls and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Ensure the filling is cool before assembling, and avoid overloading with onions or sausage.
Can I make mini sausage rolls?
Yes, cut the puff pastry into smaller rectangles and adjust the baking time accordingly.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Serve with mustard, aioli, or a sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Can I add breadcrumbs to the filling?
Yes, breadcrumbs help bind the filling and add texture.
How can I tell if the sausage is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C), and the juices should run clear.
Conclusion
French Onion Sausage Rolls take a beloved classic and elevate it with the rich, sweet-savory flavor of caramelized onions. Easy to make and full of flavor, these sausage rolls are perfect for entertaining, snacking, or a quick and hearty appetizer. Try them today and enjoy the irresistible combination of flaky pastry and savory filling!
PrintFrench Onion Sausage Rolls
These French Onion Sausage Rolls are a flavorful twist on a classic snack. Savory sausage is combined with caramelized onions and wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a comforting appetizer, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–12 rolls 1x
- Category: British-Inspired
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground sausage meat (pork, beef, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup (25 g) breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For garnish (optional):
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the onions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and thyme, then cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the filling
- In a large bowl, mix the sausage meat, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, and the cooled caramelized onions. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the sausage rolls
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it in half lengthwise to create two long strips.
- Divide the sausage mixture into two portions. Shape each portion into a long log and place it along the center of each pastry strip.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg. Fold the pastry over the sausage, pressing the edges to seal. Place the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Cut and garnish
- Cut each roll into smaller pieces (4-6 pieces per roll, depending on your preferred size). Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds, if desired.
Step 5: Bake the sausage rolls
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the sausage filling is cooked through.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the sausage rolls cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with mustard, chutney, or a dipping sauce of your choice.
Notes
- Make ahead: The assembled sausage rolls can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked sausage rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
- Variations: Add grated cheese or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the sausage mixture for extra flavor.