Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls

Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls are the answer when you want a warming, flaky snack loaded with deep flavor. Sausage and sweet caramelized onions come together in golden puff pastry for a treat that disappears fast at gatherings or quiet nights in.

I brought these to a neighbor’s holiday party last year and everyone asked for the recipe. They have since become my go-to make ahead snack for family game nights.

Ingredients

• Ground sausage: Either pork chicken or turkey works Choose one with enough fat for juiciness
• Large onions: Essential for sweet caramelized flavor Yellow onions develop the most depth
• Olive oil: Helps onions brown evenly Use good quality extra virgin for richness
• Fresh thyme: Adds herbal notes Fresh is fragrant but dried works in a pinch
• Salt and pepper: Brings all the flavors together Taste as you go
• Puff pastry: Frozen sheets save time and get extra flaky when baked Try to buy an all butter brand for the best flavor
• Egg: Beaten for a shiny golden finish on each roll
• Optional Gruyère cheese: Adds nuttiness and melts beautifully into the filling Grate it yourself if you can
• Optional Dijon mustard: Sharp tang that brings out the savory sausage Pick a smooth Dijon for easy blending

Step-by-Step Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add those thinly sliced onions and a good pinch of salt to help them break down. Let them cook slowly stirring every few minutes until they become a deep golden brown and very soft usually about twenty minutes. This step gives the rolls their signature sweetness.

Prepare the Filling:

Take a large mixing bowl and add your ground sausage. Stir in the cooled caramelized onions followed by thyme salt and pepper. If you want a little extra richness mix in the grated Gruyère cheese and Dijon mustard now. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined so you get even bites of every flavor.

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for stress free cleanup.

Assemble the Rolls:

Lightly flour a work surface and unroll your puff pastry sheets. Slice each sheet into rectangles about four by six inches. Scoop a generous spoonful of filling onto each piece. Fold the pastry over the filling to create a tight seal and crimp the edges with a fork. Lay each roll seam side down on the baking sheet and brush the tops with egg for shine.

Bake:

Slide your tray into the hot oven and bake for twenty to twenty five minutes. You are aiming for a puffed golden brown crust. Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving so the filling settles and does not burn your mouth.

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I love how the sweet onions transform plain sausage into something special. The first time I made these my kids helped crimp the edges we laughed at all their unique shapes and now making sausage rolls is a family tradition during cold months.

Storage Tips

Store baked rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat uncovered in a low oven to restore crispness. If freezing uncooked rolls store in a single layer and bake straight from frozen adding about five extra minutes to the time.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap sausage for well seasoned sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a vegetarian version. No Gruyère Use sharp cheddar or Swiss instead. If needed store bought pastry works just as well as homemade.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm as an appetizer with grainy mustard or a simple green salad on the side. They also pair perfectly with soup for a cozy lunch. For a fancier feel try mini versions with a bubbly drink at your next gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken or turkey instead of pork?

Absolutely! Chicken or turkey sausage work beautifully and yield a lighter roll, while retaining savoriness.

→ What’s the best way to caramelize onions?

Slowly cook sliced onions in olive oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden—about 15-20 minutes.

→ Can these rolls be made ahead?

Yes, assemble and freeze unbaked rolls in advance. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.

→ Is cheese necessary for the filling?

Cheese, like Gruyère, is optional but adds a rich, savory layer. You can omit or substitute with your favorite cheese.

→ How do I keep the pastry crisp?

Be sure fillings are cooled before filling the pastry, use an egg wash, and bake at high heat for a golden, crisp result.

→ Are there vegetarian variations?

For a meatless version, replace sausage with a hearty mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for similar texture and flavor.