If you have a craving for something irresistibly savory with a tender, flaky crust, this French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe is absolutely made for you. Imagine sweet, deeply caramelized onions mingling with juicy, flavorful sausage, all wrapped in golden puff pastry that crackles with every bite. It’s comfort food elevated to celebratory status and perfect for gatherings, snack time, or an indulgent treat any day of the week. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
As simple as this French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe is, each ingredient plays an essential role in crafting those layers of flavor and texture you’ll love. From the rich caramelized onions to the seasoned sausage and buttery puff pastry, every element works in perfect harmony.
- 1 lb ground sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey): The hearty, savory base that makes each roll satisfying.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Slowly caramelizes to impart a sweet, rich flavor that’s the soul of this filling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften the onions and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds a silky richness to the caramelized onions.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Brings tangy depth and helps balance the natural sweetness of the onions.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Intensifies the caramelization for that sticky, golden texture.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme): Adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade): The flaky, buttery wrapper that delivers irresistible crunch.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Gives the rolls that beautiful golden sheen when baked.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional): Adds a subtle, tangy kick that brightens the sausage filling.
How to Make French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
The magic starts by heating olive oil and butter in a skillet and gently cooking the thinly sliced onions until they turn soft, golden, and richly caramelized. This slow cooking—about 15 to 20 minutes—releases the natural sugars, creating that deep, sweet flavor that’s crucial for the rolls.
Step 2: Enhance the Onion Flavor
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, stirring for another five minutes. This step turns the onions sticky and savory-sweet, perfectly balanced with a burst of tang from the vinegar. Finish with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, then set it aside to cool gently.
Step 3: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
In a bowl, season the ground sausage with salt and pepper, and if you like, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra zing. This blend is what makes the rolls so juicy and flavorful, acting as the perfect foil to the sweet onions.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, cutting it into four equal rectangles. On each, layer your sausage filling down the center, then spoon the caramelized onion mixture over it. Carefully roll each pastry up, sealing the edges, and slice into smaller portions for easy serving.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg to ensure they bake up golden and glossy. Bake them on the lined sheet for 20 to 25 minutes until your kitchen is filled with tantalizing aromas, and the puff pastry is perfectly crisp and golden brown. Let them cool slightly before you dig in!
How to Serve French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves over the rolls for a bright contrast. A light brush of honey mustard glaze or a dusting of freshly ground black pepper can also add an appealing touch — both visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
These sausage rolls are incredibly versatile. Pair them with a crisp green salad for a lighter balance, creamy coleslaw for a classic pairing, or roasted vegetables to complement the rich flavors. A simple bowl of tomato soup also makes an excellent companion for dipping and warming up on cooler days.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the individual rolls on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of grainy mustard, aioli, or even a cheese dip. You could also thread mini skewers through the rolls for easy grab-and-go hors d’oeuvres that look just as delicious as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days and retain much of their crispy texture when reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked sausage rolls by assembling them and placing them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, pop them straight into a preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring your French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe leftovers back to life, bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and crispy again—about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the pastry.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible with pork, chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage alternative. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but all work wonderfully with the caramelized onions and puff pastry.
Do I have to use puff pastry, or can I make this with another dough?
Puff pastry is ideal due to its flaky, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the hearty filling. However, you can experiment with phyllo dough or even biscuit dough if you prefer a different texture.
How long do these sausage rolls last after baking?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, these rolls last up to three days. For best taste and texture, try to enjoy them fresh or within that time frame.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions and sausage mixture a day ahead. Store each separately in the refrigerator, then assemble the rolls just before baking for maximum freshness.
What’s the best dipping sauce to serve with these rolls?
Classic mustard, tangy ketchup, or creamy ranch dressing all make excellent companions. You can even mix Dijon mustard with a touch of honey for a simple, flavorful dip that pairs perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a snack or appetizer that’s both comforting and impressive, this French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe is the answer. It’s a beautiful blend of sweet, savory, and flaky textures that come together effortlessly but deliver a wow factor in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your favorite people — you’re going to love how simple ingredients turn into something so special!
Print
French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
Delicious French Onion Sausage Rolls featuring savory ground sausage wrapped in flaky puff pastry, filled with sweet and caramelized onions infused with balsamic vinegar, thyme, and a hint of brown sugar. Perfect as a tasty appetizer or snack, these rolls offer a delightful combination of rich flavors and crispy texture.
Ingredients
Sausage Filling
- 1 lb (450g) ground sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
Caramelized Onions
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until soft and golden brown.
- Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar: Stir in balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until onions become caramelized and sticky. Add fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the sausage filling: In a bowl, mix ground sausage with a pinch of salt and pepper. Optionally, add Dijon mustard for extra flavor and mix well.
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut into 4 equal rectangles.
- Assemble the sausage rolls: Place sausage mixture down the center of each rectangle, then add a spoonful of caramelized onion mixture on top.
- Roll and cut: Carefully roll up each pastry to enclose filling, seal edges, and cut each roll into 3-4 smaller portions.
- Apply egg wash: Beat the egg and brush over the tops of the rolls for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake: Place rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Let the sausage rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with dips such as mustard, ketchup, or creamy ranch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground pork, chicken, or turkey based on preference or dietary needs.
- For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the sausage mixture.
- Make sure the caramelized onions are cooled before assembling to prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy.
- Egg wash can be substituted with milk or cream for a less rich finish.
- These sausage rolls freeze well; bake from frozen by adding extra baking time.
