French Onion Sausage Rolls: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

French Onion Sausage Rolls: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the comforting, savory flavors of classic French onion soup, but encased in flaky, golden-brown puff pastry. This isn’t just a snack; it’s an experience. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from casual gatherings to elegant cocktail parties.

While not a traditional French dish in its entirety, this recipe cleverly marries the beloved flavors of French onion soup with the universally adored sausage roll. French onion soup, with its rich, caramelized onions and deeply flavorful broth, has been a culinary staple for centuries, evolving from humble beginnings to a sophisticated delicacy. The sausage roll, on the other hand, boasts a more modest history as a popular British savory pastry. By combining these two culinary worlds, we create something truly special.

People adore these French Onion Sausage Rolls for their irresistible combination of textures and tastes. The crisp, buttery puff pastry gives way to a savory filling bursting with sweet caramelized onions, juicy sausage, and melted cheese. They’re incredibly convenient to make ahead of time and bake just before serving, making them ideal for entertaining. Plus, who can resist the comforting, savory goodness of a warm, freshly baked pastry? Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1/4 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1 package (14.1 ounces) puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Optional: Everything bagel seasoning, for topping

Caramelizing the Onions:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of these sausage rolls: the caramelized onions. This step takes a little patience, but trust me, it’s worth it for the depth of flavor it adds!

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet (I prefer cast iron for even heating), heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer, but not smoke.
2. Add the Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you have too many onions, they’ll steam instead of caramelize. If necessary, caramelize them in batches.
3. Start the Caramelization: Sprinkle the sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper over the onions. Stir to combine and coat the onions evenly.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Reduce the heat to low. This is where the patience comes in! Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown color and very soft. The key is to stir frequently enough to prevent burning, but not so frequently that you interrupt the caramelization process. The onions will gradually release their natural sugars and become sweet and intensely flavorful.
5. Deglaze the Pan: Once the onions are nicely caramelized, pour in the red wine and balsamic vinegar. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor!
6. Simmer and Reduce: Let the wine and vinegar simmer for a few minutes, until the liquid has almost completely evaporated. This will concentrate the flavors even further. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Set the caramelized onions aside to cool slightly.

Preparing the Sausage Filling:

While the onions are cooling, let’s get the sausage filling ready. This part is quick and easy!

1. Brown the Sausage: In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), crumble the Italian sausage and cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Cook Thoroughly: Cook the sausage until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Combine with Onions and Cheese: Add the slightly cooled caramelized onions to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir in the grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sausage filling and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the cheeses are already salty, so be careful not to over-salt.
5. Cool Slightly: Let the sausage filling cool slightly before assembling the sausage rolls. This will prevent the puff pastry from melting too quickly.

Assembling the Sausage Rolls:

Now for the fun part: putting everything together! This is where the magic happens.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the sausage rolls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry onto the floured surface. If the pastry is very cold and stiff, let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly.
3. Spread the Filling: Spread half of the sausage filling evenly over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) along one long edge. This border will help seal the sausage roll.
4. Roll it Up: Starting from the opposite long edge, carefully roll up the puff pastry sheet into a tight log.
5. Seal the Seam: Moisten the border with a little water and press it firmly to seal the seam.
6. Repeat: Repeat steps 2-5 with the remaining puff pastry sheet and sausage filling.
7. Chill (Optional but Recommended): Wrap the sausage roll logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape during baking and prevent the filling from oozing out. You can even chill them overnight if you want to prepare them in advance.
8. Slice the Rolls: Remove the sausage roll logs from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 1-inch thick rolls.
9. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sausage rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll.
10. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the sausage rolls with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden brown color.
11. Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle the tops of the sausage rolls with extra grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheese, and/or everything bagel seasoning, if desired.

Baking the Sausage Rolls:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake these beauties to golden perfection.

1. Bake: Bake the sausage rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the puff pastry is cooked through. The internal temperature of the sausage should reach 160°F (71°C).
2. Cool Slightly: Remove the sausage rolls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Serve: Serve the French Onion Sausage Rolls warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, or with a side of Dijon mustard or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When caramelizing the onions, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will cause the onions to steam instead of caramelize. If necessary, caramelize them in batches.
• Use Good Quality Sausage: The quality of the sausage will greatly affect the flavor of the sausage rolls. I recommend using a good quality Italian sausage with a high meat content.
• Chill the Sausage Rolls: Chilling the sausage rolls before baking helps them hold their shape and prevents the filling from oozing out.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the sausage rolls will make the puff pastry dry and tough. Bake them until they are golden brown and the puff pastry is cooked through.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To bake frozen sausage rolls, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These French Onion Sausage Rolls are truly something special, a delightful twist on a classic that I know you’ll absolutely adore. The savory sausage, the sweet and caramelized onions, the flaky puff pastry – it all comes together in a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a touch of elegance. Why is it a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s surprisingly easy to make. The most time-consuming part is caramelizing the onions, but trust me, that’s where the magic happens! And once that’s done, it’s just a matter of assembling and baking. Plus, these sausage rolls are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect as an appetizer for your next gathering, a satisfying snack on a cozy afternoon, or even a light meal paired with a fresh salad. Speaking of serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless! I personally love serving them warm with a side of Dijon mustard for dipping. The tangy mustard cuts through the richness of the sausage and onions perfectly. You could also try a creamy horseradish sauce or even a simple tomato chutney. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a bowl of French onion soup (naturally!) or a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with some variations? For a vegetarian option, you could substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative or even use a mixture of mushrooms and lentils. Adding a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese on top before baking will enhance the French onion flavor even further. You could also incorporate different herbs and spices into the sausage mixture, such as thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Ready to Bake?

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I truly believe that these French Onion Sausage Rolls will become a new favorite in your household. They’re the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and comforting, and they’re sure to impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, have fun! Cooking should be a joyful experience, so relax, put on some music, and enjoy the process. Once you’ve made these delicious sausage rolls, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations! I’m confident that you’ll find these French Onion Sausage Rolls to be a delightful and rewarding recipe. Happy baking!

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