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
Scale
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.
