French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe
Inspired by the classic comfort of French onion soup and beloved sausage rolls, these French Onion Sausage Rolls are a true golden bite of bliss. Buttery puff pastry wraps around a filling that’s rich with deeply caramelized onions, Dijon, thyme, and Gruyère, delivering layers of flavor in every flaky, delicious mouthful. Ideal for gatherings or as an indulgent snack, these rolls bring rustic French charm to your table and are guaranteed to be a hit whether served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these French Onion Sausage Rolls is that the ingredient list is short, but each item pulls its own weight in creating maximum savor, aroma, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t skip or substitute — each piece is essential!
- Olive oil: Adds depth and helps caramelize the onions to sweet perfection.
- Yellow onions: Caramelizes into a rich, golden base that gives the rolls their signature French onion flavor.
- Sugar: Speeds up caramelization for a deeper, richer taste.
- Balsamic vinegar: Brings brightness and intensity, waking up all the savory notes.
- Ground pork sausage: Makes the rolls hearty and satisfying, soaking up all those fragrant seasonings.
- Dried thyme: A classic herb that echoes the flavors of French onion soup.
- Garlic powder: Lightly boosts the aromatic base without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and zing.
- Dijon mustard: A sharp, tangy lift that balances the richness of the filling.
- Gruyère cheese: Melts perfectly, bringing nutty, creamy luxury in each bite.
- Puff pastry: Buttery, flaky layers that envelop the filling — the foundation of a great sausage roll!
- Egg: Brushed on for a glossy, golden-brown finish.
- Sesame seeds or flaky sea salt (optional): Adds texture and visual appeal as a final touch.
How to Make French Onion Sausage Rolls
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start your French Onion Sausage Rolls adventure by gently heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your thinly sliced yellow onions and give them some time — about 20 to 25 minutes — to work their magic, stirring often. Patience here is key! In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle in the sugar and drizzle the balsamic vinegar, letting everything meld into glossy, fragrant strands that promise to flavor the whole dish. Remove from the heat and allow the onions to cool a bit before moving on.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
While those onions cool down, grab a large bowl. Crumble in your ground pork sausage, then sprinkle in dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper for herby warmth and spice. Swirl in a generous tablespoon of Dijon mustard for that classic French touch, then fold in your cooled caramelized onions. Gently mix until everything is well combined and evenly speckled with savory goodness.
Step 3: Add Gruyère Cheese
Time for the Gruyère! Add the shredded cheese to your sausage mixture and stir until the filling is creamy, fragrant, and bursting with character. The Gruyère melts into the mixture, lending its signature nutty flavor to every bite of French Onion Sausage Rolls.
Step 4: Prepare the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly flour your work surface. Unroll your puff pastry sheets and slice each one in half to create four even rectangles. This ensures every roll is perfectly sized and bakes up beautifully golden and crisp.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Divide your sausage mixture into four portions. Shape each into a log and lay along the long edge of each pastry rectangle. Carefully roll the pastry up and over the filling, tucking the seam underneath so your rolls hold together as they bake. For party-perfect bites, cut each roll in half or into smaller pieces, depending on your crowd.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the sausage rolls seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each one with beaten egg for irresistible shine, then sprinkle with sesame seeds or flaky sea salt if you love a little extra crunch. Bake in the hot oven for 25–30 minutes until your French Onion Sausage Rolls are puffed, golden, and irresistibly aromatic.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the rolls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, giving the pastry time to firm up just a bit. Serve warm or at room temperature, and bask in the admiration as everyone grabs for seconds!
How to Serve French Onion Sausage Rolls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sesame seeds or flaky sea salt adds a satisfying finish and a little panache. For extra color and flavor, a scattering of fresh chopped chives or thyme leaves can make your French Onion Sausage Rolls look as irresistible as they taste.
Side Dishes
French Onion Sausage Rolls are delicious solo, but even better with a side of grainy mustard, classic French onion dip, or crisp cornichons. For a more substantial spread, try pairing with a bright green salad, tangy pickled vegetables, or a light soup to keep things balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls piled high on a wooden board for casual gatherings, nestled in a bread basket lined with a pretty napkin, or arranged on a white platter with little pots of dipping sauces. For cocktail parties, slice them into bite-size portions and skewer with toothpicks for easy nibbling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Onion Sausage Rolls keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an irresistible next-day snack or quick lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled, unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. When ready to bake, just place on your tray and bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time — no thawing needed.
Reheating
Warm leftover sausage rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through and the pastry crisps up again. Avoid the microwave, as it makes the pastry soggy and steals a bit of that magical crunch!
FAQs
Can I use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Chicken or turkey sausage works wonderfully for a lighter twist on French Onion Sausage Rolls. Just make sure to use ground meat with some fat content so the filling stays juicy and flavorful.
Do I need to thaw the puff pastry before using it?
Yes, thawing the puff pastry before rolling makes it easier to handle and prevents cracking. Leave it in the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for about 30–40 minutes until pliable but still cool.
Can I make French Onion Sausage Rolls ahead for a party?
Definitely — these rolls are party saviors! Assemble them up to the baking step and keep them chilled or frozen. Pop them in the oven just before guests arrive for maximum freshness and that unbeatable aroma.
What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have Gruyère?
If Gruyère is out of reach, try Swiss cheese or Emmental for a similar melt and flavor profile. Even sharp white cheddar can work in a pinch, though it’ll change the flavor slightly.
How do I keep the bottom of the rolls from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy bottoms, make sure your caramelized onions have cooled and aren’t too wet. Also, baking the rolls on a parchment-lined metal baking sheet in a properly preheated oven helps the pastry crisp up all around.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something a little special yet utterly comforting, you simply have to make these French Onion Sausage Rolls. They’re warm, cheesy, and packed with old-world flavor — perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring all on your own. Give them a try and let every bite transport you to a cozy French bistro!
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French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 large rolls or 16 mini rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These French Onion Sausage Rolls are a delicious combination of caramelized onions, savory pork sausage, and gooey Gruyère cheese all wrapped up in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a party appetizer or a tasty snack!
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
For the Sausage Filling:
- 1 lb ground pork sausage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
For Assembly:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds or flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook onions until caramelized, then add sugar and balsamic vinegar. Let cool.
- Prepare the Sausage Filling: Mix sausage with thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and caramelized onions. Add Gruyère cheese.
- Assemble the Rolls: Preheat oven. Cut puff pastry into rectangles, place sausage mixture on each, roll up, and cut into pieces. Brush with egg wash and garnish.
- Bake: Bake until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- These rolls freeze well before baking—just thaw slightly and add 5 extra minutes to bake time.
- Serve with grainy mustard or French onion dip for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
