If you’re looking for a snack or meal that combines irresistible flaky pastry with rich, savory flavors, this French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe is your new go-to. Perfectly caramelized onions marry beautifully with juicy sausage meat and melty cheese, all wrapped in buttery puff pastry. Whether you’re serving these as party bites or a comforting family dinner, these rolls are a showstopper that will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma that makes these sausage rolls unforgettable.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for caramelizing the onions, lending a subtle richness.
- Yellow onion: Slowly cooked to sweet perfection, forming the flavorful backbone of the filling.
- Sugar: Helps the onions caramelize evenly, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Salt: Elevates all the flavors and ensures the onions are tender.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a gentle tang and depth to the onion mixture.
- Sausage meat (pork or beef): The hearty, savory filling that pairs perfectly with the sweet onions.
- Shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese: Melts beautifully, binding the filling and adding a creamy texture.
- Dried thyme or fresh herbs: Brings a fragrant herby note to the mix, brightening every bite.
- Puff pastry sheet: The golden, flaky wrapping that holds everything together in a tender, crispy package.
- Egg (beaten for egg wash): Gives the pastry a gorgeous, shiny golden finish.
- Black sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional): Add a lovely visual contrast and a slight crunch on top.
How to Make French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions along with sugar and salt, then patiently cook them for about 20 to 25 minutes until they are beautifully golden and soft. This slow cooking process transforms the onions into sweet, tender goodness. Finish by stirring in the balsamic vinegar and letting it cook for another couple of minutes. Set this mixture aside to cool while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooled caramelized onions with the sausage meat, shredded cheese, and thyme or your choice of fresh herbs. Mix everything thoroughly until it’s well incorporated. This blend promises a juicy, flavorful filling that will delight your taste buds with every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangular shape. Cut the rectangle in half lengthwise to create two long strips. This makes it easier to form the sausage rolls and ensures even cooking.
Step 4: Assemble the Sausage Rolls
Divide the filling into two portions and shape each into a long log down the center of each pastry strip. Fold the pastry over the filling and carefully seal the seam underneath by pressing gently with your fingers. This helps the rolls maintain their shape and prevents the filling from leaking during baking.
Step 5: Chill and Slice
Place the assembled sausage rolls seam-side down on a tray and chill them in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. This step firms up the rolls, making them easier to cut. After chilling, slice each log into 6 equal pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet, leaving space in between for expansion while baking.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush each sausage roll generously with the beaten egg to achieve that irresistibly glossy and golden crust. If you like, sprinkle black sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for a bit of extra flavor and crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the sausage rolls for about 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the internal temperature of the filling reaches 165°F (74°C). This means your rolls are perfectly cooked, juicy on the inside, and crisp on the outside.
Step 8: Let Cool Slightly and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the French Onion Sausage Rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting time lets the flavors settle and makes them easier to handle.
How to Serve French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate your French Onion Sausage Rolls. A drizzle of grainy mustard or a swipe of tangy chutney on the side adds a delightful punch that pairs beautifully with the rich filling.
Side Dishes
Serving your sausage rolls alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables creates a balanced meal. Creamy coleslaw or a warm bowl of tomato soup also complement the smoky sweetness of the onion and sausage mixture wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at gatherings, offer mini French Onion Sausage Rolls as finger food with toothpicks and a variety of dipping sauces such as Dijon mustard, garlic aioli, or a spicy ketchup. You can also slice the rolls thinner and serve them on a charcuterie board for an elegant appetizer option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover French Onion Sausage Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them gently to maintain the crispness of the pastry and the juiciness of the filling.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked sausage rolls by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for a convenient, make-ahead meal.
Reheating
Reheat your sausage rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes to restore their crisp pastry exterior. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer pork, beef, or even a mix, the French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe works great with a variety of sausage meats. Just make sure it’s raw sausage meat or remove casings if using sausages.
Is it okay to prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions and mix the filling a day ahead. Store it in the fridge and assemble the rolls just before baking to keep the pastry fresh and flaky.
What if I don’t have puff pastry? Can I use another pastry?
Puff pastry is ideal for its flaky texture, but you could use shortcrust pastry as a substitute. Keep in mind the texture and baking time will vary slightly.
Can I make these sausage rolls vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap sausage meat with plant-based sausage or seasoned mashed mushrooms and lentils. The caramelized onions and cheese will still add plenty of flavor.
How do I avoid soggy bottoms on my sausage rolls?
Chilling the rolls before baking and using a hot oven ensures the pastry cooks quickly and crisps up nicely. Also, sealing the pastry well prevents filling juices from leaking onto the tray.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe combines a handful of simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. The sweet, caramelized onions, savory sausage filling, and golden puff pastry create irresistible bites that will impress everyone lucky enough to try them. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy with every flaky, flavorful mouthful.
Print
French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sausage rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
These French Onion Sausage Rolls are an easy and flavorful appetizer or snack, featuring caramelized onions, savory sausage meat, and melted cheese encased in flaky puff pastry. Perfectly golden and packed with a delightful blend of herbs and balsamic vinegar-infused onions, these rolls are ideal for parties or casual meals.
Ingredients
For the Onion Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
For the Sausage Rolls
- 1 lb (450g) sausage meat (pork or beef)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh herbs of choice
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Black sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional topping)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with sugar and salt. Cook gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden and soft. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the onion mixture cool.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled caramelized onions with the sausage meat, shredded cheese, and thyme or your choice of fresh herbs. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Roll Out the Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the puff pastry sheet into a rectangular shape. Cut the rectangle in half lengthwise to create two long strips.
- Assemble the Rolls: Divide the sausage filling evenly between the two pastry strips, forming a log of filling down the center of each strip. Fold the pastry over the filling and seal the seam along the underside by pressing gently with your fingers.
- Chill and Slice: Place the sausage rolls seam-side down on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to firm up. Once chilled, cut each log into 6 equal pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash and Seeds: Brush the top of each sausage roll with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden finish. If desired, sprinkle black sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the sausage rolls on the center rack for 20–25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the sausage rolls to cool slightly before serving to enjoy their full flavor and flaky texture.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use Gruyère cheese instead of mozzarella.
- These sausage rolls can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Optional toppings like black sesame seeds add a nice crunch and visual appeal.
- Ensure sausage meat is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
