HomeAppetizerSavory French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe

Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe

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Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe

Few dishes capture the comforting essence of rustic, home-style cooking quite like sausage rolls. These golden, flaky parcels of seasoned meat wrapped in buttery pastry have long been a beloved snack or meal component in kitchens around the world. But when you elevate this classic with the deep, caramelized sweetness of French onions, the result is something truly special—Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls that marry rich, mellow flavors with flaky, tender dough in every bite.

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French onion sausage rolls take the humble sausage roll up a notch by incorporating the time-honored tradition of slowly caramelizing onions until they’re sweet, tender, and deeply flavorful. This process transforms the onions from sharp and pungent into a luxurious base that complements the savory sausage meat perfectly. The combination creates layers of taste and texture—soft, juicy, and aromatic filling encased in crisp, golden puff pastry or traditional shortcrust dough.

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This recipe is an ideal option for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings alike. It’s a dish that’s equally at home on a picnic blanket, a party platter, or served alongside a crisp green salad for a satisfying lunch. The allure lies in its rustic charm and gourmet flavor profile, offering a taste of indulgence without demanding complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls

Phase 1: Caramelize the Onions

The foundation of flavor in this recipe comes from perfectly caramelized onions. This process requires patience but rewards you with deep sweetness and a rich, silky texture.

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Step 1: Choose Your Onions

  • Use yellow or brown onions for the best balance of sweetness and flavor.

  • Peel and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick.

Step 2: Cooking the Onions

  1. Heat 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat.

  2. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture.

  3. Stir onions to coat with the butter and oil.

  4. Cook slowly, stirring every 5–10 minutes, to avoid burning and promote even caramelization.

  5. After about 30–40 minutes, the onions will turn a deep golden brown and reduce to a soft, jam-like consistency.

  6. Optional: Add 1 teaspoon sugar halfway through to speed up caramelization.

  7. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

  8. When done, remove from heat and let cool.

Tip: Resist the urge to increase heat; slow cooking is key to developing rich flavor without bitterness.

Phase 2: Prepare the Sausage Filling

Step 3: Choose Your Sausage Meat

  • Use good-quality pork sausage meat, either bulk sausage or removed from casings.

  • You can mix pork with other meats like beef or lamb for complexity, but classic pork is preferred.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine:

    • 1 lb (450g) sausage meat

    • The caramelized onions (all or most, reserving some if desired)

    • 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme

    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, adds tanginess)

    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  2. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until combined. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the filling tender.

Tip: Taste a small amount of the sausage mixture cooked in a pan to adjust seasoning before filling the rolls.

Phase 3: Prepare the Pastry

Step 5: Select Your Pastry

  • Puff pastry provides a light, flaky texture.

  • Shortcrust pastry offers a sturdier, crumbly bite.

  • You can use store-bought pastry for convenience or homemade for freshness.

Step 6: Thaw and Roll

  • If using frozen pastry, thaw completely in the fridge.

  • Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12 x 9 inches (30 x 23 cm).

Phase 4: Assemble the Sausage Rolls

Step 7: Form the Filling Log

  • Shape the sausage mixture into a long, even log about the length of the pastry.

Step 8: Place and Seal

  1. Place the sausage log along one long edge of the pastry rectangle, leaving about 1-inch margin on the edges.

  2. Brush the opposite edge of the pastry with beaten egg to act as glue.

  3. Carefully roll the pastry over the sausage to encase it fully.

  4. Press edges firmly to seal.

  5. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into individual portions, about 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) each.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

  • Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Brush the tops generously with beaten egg to ensure a golden finish.

  • Optional: Score the tops lightly with a sharp knife or fork to allow steam to escape and for decorative effect.

Phase 5: Bake the Sausage Rolls

Step 10: Oven Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 11: Baking

  • Bake the sausage rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until pastry is golden and puffed, and sausage is cooked through.

  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; sausage should reach at least 160°F (71°C).

Step 12: Cooling

  • Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Yield: 8 Sausage Rolls

Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe

Few dishes capture the comforting essence of rustic, home-style cooking quite like sausage rolls. These golden, flaky parcels of seasoned meat wrapped in buttery pastry have long been a beloved snack or meal component in kitchens around the world. But when you elevate this classic with the deep, caramelized sweetness of French onions, the result is something truly special—Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls that marry rich, mellow flavors with flaky, tender dough in every bite.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen, about 8x8 inches)
  • 1 lb (450g) sausage meat (pork sausage, casing removed)
  • 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize Onions

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add sliced onions, sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
  3. Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft, golden, and caramelized.
  4. Stir in thyme and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare Sausage Filling

  1. In a bowl, combine sausage meat with caramelized onions.
  2. Mix well to evenly distribute.

Step 3: Assemble Rolls

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth any folds.
  3. Spread sausage and onion mixture evenly along one long edge of the pastry.
  4. Roll up tightly to enclose the filling, sealing the edge with a little water.
  5. Cut into 8 equal pieces and place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Brush tops with beaten egg.
  2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until pastry is golden and cooked through.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Cheesy Twist: Add shredded Gruyère or cheddar into the sausage mixture for extra richness.
  • Serve With: Mustard, ketchup, or a tangy chutney.

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