Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight indulgence: Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls. These golden, flaky pastries are stuffed with caramelized onions, juicy sausage, and gooey melted cheese—basically everything you crave wrapped up in puff pastry perfection. They’re incredibly easy to make and practically guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner or snack rotation. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party food, or a simple dinner with a side salad, they always hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Satisfying: Ready in under an hour and packed with flavor, they’re ideal when time is tight but you still want something homemade and hearty.
- Mouthwatering Flavor: Think rich, slow-cooked onion flavor paired with savory sausage and melty cheese—wrapped in buttery puff pastry. Need we say more?
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family. Nobody stops at just one.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for a no-fuss future snack or lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what brings these rolls to life—and why you’ll want every single one of these in your kitchen:
- Puff Pastry: The crisp, flaky shell that holds all the magic together. Store-bought works beautifully—just make sure it’s thawed before you start.
- Sausage Meat: Go for quality pork sausage with herbs or even spicy Italian if you love heat. Adds heartiness and deep flavor.
- Onions: Slowly caramelized until golden brown and sweet. This is the foundation of that classic French onion taste.
- Garlic: Just a touch to enhance the savory profile. Don’t skip it!
- Beef Broth: Used to deglaze the pan and intensify the onion flavor, mimicking that classic soup richness.
- Thyme: Fresh or dried—adds a beautiful earthy note and complements the onions perfectly.
- Gruyère Cheese: Melts like a dream and adds that unmistakable French onion soup creaminess. Sub with Swiss if needed.
- Egg: For brushing the pastry to give it that irresistible golden sheen.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste, especially once the onions and sausage are mixed.
Variations
Want to shake things up a little? No problem:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap sausage with lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts for a hearty meat-free filling.
- Cheese Swap: Try sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a smoky gouda instead of Gruyère.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy chorizo or hot Italian sausage and a pinch of chili flakes for heat lovers.
- Mini Rolls: Cut smaller pieces for bite-sized party snacks or lunchbox-friendly portions.
How to Make Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
In a skillet over medium heat, cook sliced onions in a bit of oil with salt until soft and golden brown, about 20–25 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan, stirring up all the flavorful bits.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Let the onions cool slightly, then mix with sausage meat and shredded Gruyère in a bowl. Season with pepper (and salt, if needed).
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Unroll your puff pastry sheets on a floured surface. Cut them into rectangles. Spoon the filling along one side of each rectangle and fold over to seal. Press the edges with a fork.
Step 4: Add the Egg Wash
Brush each roll with beaten egg for that glossy golden finish. Make a couple of small slits on top to let steam escape.
Step 5: Bake
Place the rolls on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let them rest for a few minutes before diving in—hot cheese and flaky pastry need just a moment to settle.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Caramelizing onions low and slow brings out their natural sweetness—this step is key to the flavor.
- Seal Properly: Use a fork to crimp the edges and avoid any filling spilling out during baking.
- Chill Before Baking: If you have time, chill the assembled rolls for 10–15 minutes before baking. This helps the pastry puff up even better.
- Cheese First, Then Meat: Layering the cheese before the sausage in each roll keeps it gooier and prevents burning on the edges.
How to Serve
These rolls are versatile and pair beautifully with:
Dipping Sauce
Serve with warm marinara, grainy mustard, or a creamy horseradish sauce for a little zing.
Side Dish
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a simple soup like tomato basil rounds out the meal nicely.
Party Style
Slice into smaller portions and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze raw or baked rolls. If baking from frozen, add an extra 5–10 minutes and cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave—it softens the pastry too much.
FAQs
Can I make these sausage rolls in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for later.
What’s the best sausage to use?
Go with your favorite! Traditional pork sausage is ideal, but turkey, chicken, or even plant-based versions can work well. Just avoid anything too dry.
Can I skip the cheese?
You can, but the cheese really adds that rich, melty component reminiscent of French onion soup. If you’re avoiding dairy, use a plant-based cheese substitute or just load up more on the onion for depth.
Why is my pastry soggy on the bottom?
That usually happens if the filling is too wet. Make sure the onions are cooled and not too juicy before mixing with the sausage, and bake on a preheated tray or use parchment paper to help crisp the base.
Final Thoughts
These Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls are everything you love about French onion soup—reimagined into an easy, flaky, golden-brown treat. Whether you’re making them for dinner, a party, or freezing them for busy days, they’re pure comfort in every bite. So go ahead, grab that puff pastry, and let the magic begin!
Print
Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Halal
Description
Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls are a delicious blend of sweet caramelized onions and herbed sausage wrapped in crisp, golden puff pastry. Perfect as a party appetizer or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 500g sausage meat
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, cooking another 10 minutes until onions are deeply caramelized. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine sausage meat, thyme, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and caramelized onions. Mix until well incorporated.
- Cut each puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise. Spoon sausage mixture along one edge of each strip, then roll the pastry over the filling and seal the edge.
- Place rolls seam-side down on the baking tray. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with seeds if using.
- Cut each roll into 3-4 smaller rolls.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden and sausage is fully cooked.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead: Rolls can be assembled and refrigerated a day in advance.
- For extra depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the onion mix.
- Pairs well with Dijon mustard or a tangy chutney.