Imagine a golden, flaky pastry filled with savory sausage and sweet caramelized onions, all coming together in perfect harmony. These French Onion Sausage Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional sausage rolls, infused with the rich flavors of caramelized onions, ground sausage, and a touch of aromatic spices. Whether you’re preparing them for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, these rolls will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These French Onion Sausage Rolls
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Effortlessly Delicious: With simple ingredients and easy steps, these rolls deliver big on flavor with minimal effort.
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Flavor Explosion: The combination of caramelized onions, savory sausage, and a golden flaky pastry is pure magic.
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Customizable: Add different cheeses, swap sausages, or even toss in some veggies for a personal twist.
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Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for a weeknight snack, party appetizer, or an easy-to-make comfort meal.
Ingredients for French Onion Sausage Rolls
This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients to bring it all together:
Caramelized Onion Filling:
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Onions: Caramelized to perfection to bring out their natural sweetness.
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Olive Oil: Helps sauté the onions to golden perfection.
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Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the onions.
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Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a lovely depth of flavor and tang.
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Salt & Pepper: To season and balance the flavors.
Sausage Mixture:
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Ground Sausage Meat: Your choice of sausage (Italian, breakfast, or chicken works best).
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Gruyère or Swiss Cheese (Optional): Adds creamy texture and depth.
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Dried Thyme: For an earthy, aromatic note.
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Dijon Mustard: For a touch of tang.
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Garlic or Onion Powder: To enhance the savory richness.
Assembly:
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Puff Pastry Sheets: The flaky exterior for the rolls.
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Egg Wash: To create a golden, glossy finish when baked.
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Sesame Seeds (optional): For extra crunch and a nice finish.
How to Make French Onion Sausage Rolls
These French Onion Sausage Rolls come together in simple steps. Here’s how:
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. As they caramelize, they’ll become soft and golden. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar and a splash of balsamic vinegar to intensify the flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
Once the caramelized onions have cooled completely, mix 1 lb ground sausage meat with the onions in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional), 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder. Combine thoroughly until everything is well-mixed.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Sausage Rolls
Unroll 1 sheet of thawed puff pastry on a clean surface and cut it in half lengthwise to create two long strips. Spoon half of the sausage mixture along the long edge of each pastry strip, forming an even log shape. Roll the pastry around the filling and seal the seam with a bit of water. Press the seam to ensure it stays closed during baking.
Step 5: Cut and Prepare for Baking
Using a sharp knife, cut each log into 2-inch pieces (about 12 rolls). Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a beaten egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. For an extra touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed. Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
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Caramelize Your Onions Well: The key to rich, flavorful onions is patience. Take your time and let them cook slowly to develop their natural sweetness.
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Mix the Sausage Filling Thoroughly: A well-mixed filling ensures that the seasoning is evenly distributed.
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Egg Wash for a Perfect Finish: Brush the rolls with egg wash for that perfect golden brown color.
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Make Ahead: You can freeze the rolls before baking, so you have a quick snack or appetizer ready for any time!
Equipment Needed
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Large Pan: For caramelizing onions.
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Mixing Bowl: To combine the sausage and onion mixture.
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Baking Sheet: For baking the rolls.
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Sharp Knife: To slice the pastry.
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Pastry Brush: For brushing on the egg wash.
Variations
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Vegetarian Twist: Swap the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version.
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Cheese Substitutes: Use different cheeses like feta or cheddar for a unique flavor.
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Add Extra Veggies: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini for more nutrition.
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Spicy Kick: Add a little hot sauce or jalapeños to the filling for a spicy version.
Serving Suggestions
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Dipping Sauces: Serve with mustard or a tangy yogurt dip for an extra layer of flavor.
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Green Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the rolls.
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Wine Pairing: A chilled white wine or a sparkling water with lemon would complement these rolls beautifully.
FAQs about French Onion Sausage Rolls
Can I make French Onion Sausage Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare these rolls, freeze them before baking, and bake them whenever you’re ready. It’s a great way to have a quick snack or appetizer for a busy day!
What should I serve with French Onion Sausage Rolls?
They pair wonderfully with a green salad, honey mustard, or a herby yogurt dip. You could also enjoy them alongside roasted vegetables or fries for a complete meal.
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or breakfast sausage. Just adjust the seasoning to suit the sausage you choose.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispy, flaky texture.
Can I customize the filling of the rolls?
Yes! You can add extra spices like cumin or paprika, incorporate vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even swap out the cheese to create a flavor profile that suits your tastes.
Final Thoughts
These French Onion Sausage Rolls are a perfect blend of rich, savory flavors and flaky, golden pastry. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to adapt to different tastes and dietary preferences. The combination of caramelized onions and sausage in a pastry roll is simply irresistible, and once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
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French Onion Sausage Rolls
Description
These French Onion Sausage Rolls are an easy-to-make and flavorful appetizer that combines savory caramelized onions, seasoned sausage, and golden, flaky puff pastry. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or something to impress your guests, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and under an hour of prep time, you’ll have a delicious dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onion Filling:
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sausage Mixture:
1 lb ground sausage (Italian, breakfast, or chicken sausage)
1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder or onion powder
For Assembly:
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally for 20–25 minutes until they’re golden brown and softened. Stir in sugar and balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and let cool.
Prepare the Sausage Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, cooled caramelized onions, cheese (if using), thyme, Dijon mustard, and garlic or onion powder. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut it in half lengthwise to create two long strips.
Assemble the Sausage Rolls:
Spoon half of the sausage mixture along one edge of each puff pastry strip. Form the mixture into a log shape, then carefully roll the pastry around the filling, sealing the edges with a little water.
Cut and Prepare for Baking:
Cut each rolled pastry into 2-inch pieces (you should get about 12 rolls). Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Bake Until Golden:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through. Let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations:
Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie version.
Different Sausages: Feel free to use different sausages like Italian, chicken, or turkey for varied flavors.
Extra Flavor: Add some crumbled bacon or pepperoni to the sausage filling for extra richness and flavor.
Cheese: Try different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack to customize the filling.
Expert Tips:
Caramelize the Onions Properly: Patience is key for a rich and flavorful onion filling—take your time with this step.
Seal the Pastry Well: Ensure the pastry is sealed tightly around the filling so it doesn’t leak during baking.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the rolls ahead of time and freeze them. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Golden Finish: Brush the pastry generously with the egg wash for a nice golden sheen when baked.
Storage & Reheating:
Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Serving Suggestions:
Appetizers: Serve with a mustard dip or tangy ranch dressing.
Pairing: Pair with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or even a light pasta for a well-rounded meal.
Drinks: A chilled white wine or a light beer pairs nicely with these sausage rolls.
FAQs:
Can I freeze the sausage rolls?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, then freeze them before baking. When ready to serve, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! Any type of sausage you like will work, including turkey, chicken, or plant-based options. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage rolls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, assemble and freeze them for later use.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or goat cheese.
