Golden And Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls

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Molly Kane
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Golden And Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of caramelized onions mingling with aromatic herbs, tucked inside golden pastry that’s both flaky and rich. That’s the magic behind my Golden And Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls—the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and your belly with happiness. I’ve been making these sausage rolls for years, and every time I bite into their savory layers, I remember why they’ve become a family favorite. The combination of sweet French onions cooked low and slow, paired with juicy sausage meat, wrapped up in buttery puff pastry, is simply irresistible. If you want to impress guests or treat yourself to a cozy snack, this recipe is for you.

Golden And Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls: Why It Works & Ingredients

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar (to help caramelize)
  • 1 pound high-quality pork sausage meat (or your favorite sausage variety)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (about 10 oz)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for a subtle tang inside)

Choosing the right ingredients is what makes these French Onion Sausage Rolls stand out. The slow-cooked yellow onions get that deep, sweet caramelization only butter can coax out, which is why I always use unsalted butter paired with a bit of olive oil for better flavor and to prevent the butter from burning. Adding a touch of brown sugar here accelerates the caramelization, bringing those golden hues and rich taste.

The sausage meat delivers juicy, savory richness—pork sausage works beautifully because of its fat content, which keeps the rolls moist. Fresh thyme provides subtle herbal notes that echo classic French onion soup flavors. Using puff pastry is key because its buttery, flaky layers contrast with the soft, savory filling perfectly. A quick egg wash before baking adds that gorgeous golden finish you’re aiming for.

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Golden And Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls

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Golden And Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls that melt in your mouth perfect for satisfying your snack cravings with rich bold flavors

  • Author: molly
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 sausage rolls
  • Category: Snack
  • Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 pound high-quality pork sausage meat
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (about 10 oz)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Instructions

  • Caramelize the onions. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions. Cook slowly, stirring often, for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown, soft, and fragrant. Add a splash of water if onions start sticking.
  • Prepare the filling. Remove onions from heat and cool slightly. In a medium bowl, combine sausage meat, thyme, salt, pepper, and optionally Dijon mustard. Mix gently, then fold in cooled onions.
  • Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface into a 10 x 12 inch rectangle.
  • Fill and shape the rolls. Spread sausage mixture lengthwise in the center, about 3 inches wide. Fold pastry over filling from one long edge, sealing seam. Trim excess and pinch ends closed.
  • Chill the roll seam-side down on a lined baking sheet in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Brush with beaten egg and score shallow diagonal slashes on top for steam release.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until pastry is puffed and golden and sausage filling is cooked through.
  • Cool rolls for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Notes

    Golden And Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls combine sweet caramelized onions with juicy sausage meat wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry for a comforting and delicious snack or meal.

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    Golden And Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls: Step-by-Step Instructions

    1. Caramelize the onions. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions. Cook them slowly, stirring often, for about 25-30 minutes until they’re golden brown, soft, and sweetly fragrant. Patience is everything here! If the onions start sticking, add a splash of water to deglaze your pan.
    2. Prepare the filling. Remove the caramelized onions from heat and let them cool slightly. In a medium bowl, combine the sausage meat, thyme, salt, pepper, and optionally the Dijon mustard. Mix everything gently—you don’t want to overwork the meat, or it can get tough. Then fold in the cooled onions.
    3. Roll out the puff pastry. On a lightly floured surface, unroll or roll your puff pastry into a rectangle about 10 x 12 inches. You want it thin but not too fragile.
    4. Fill and shape the rolls. Spread the sausage and onion mixture lengthwise in the center of the pastry, forming a long log roughly 3 inches wide. Carefully fold the pastry over the filling from one long edge, pressing down the seam to seal it. Trim any excess pastry and pinch the ends closed.
    5. Chill and prep for baking. Place the roll seam-side down on a lined baking sheet. Chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes so the pastry firms up and doesn’t puff unevenly. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during this time.
    6. Brush with egg wash and score. Brush the surface with beaten egg to get that brilliant golden color when baked. Score shallow diagonal slashes on top for steam to escape and a nice presentation.
    7. Bake to perfection. Bake the sausage rolls for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden, and the sausage filling is cooked through. If you want extra crunchy pastry, bake for a few minutes longer but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
    8. Cool slightly and serve. Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting step helps everything set so the filling isn’t runny.

    Golden And Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls: Tips for Success

    • Take your time caramelizing the onions. Rushing this step leads to bland and chewy onions. Low and slow is the secret for that melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
    • Don’t overfill the pastry. Too much filling can cause the pastry to tear or undercook. Keep a neat, compact log for clean baking.
    • Keep the pastry cold. Puff pastry reacts best if chilled right before baking. If it warms too much, it can lose its flakiness.
    • Use a digital thermometer for the sausage. Internal temperature should hit 160°F (71°C) for safety and juicy texture.
    • Experiment with herbs. Thyme is classic, but a little rosemary or sage can add another level of depth without stealing the spotlight.

    Golden And Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls: Storage & Reheating

    If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though they don’t last long at my house!), store the sausage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain that crispy puff pastry, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Microwave reheating ruins the texture, turning the pastry soggy, so avoid that if possible.

    You can also freeze unbaked rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed—adding a few extra minutes if needed.

    Golden And Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls: FAQ

    Can I use different sausage types for these rolls?

    Definitely! While pork sausage is classic, you can swap in chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage depending on your preferences. Adjust seasoning as needed if your chosen sausage is already heavily spiced.

    Is puff pastry the only option?

    Puff pastry gives those signature flaky layers, but you can use shortcrust pastry for a denser, crumbly texture if you prefer. Just keep in mind the final feel and cooking time might differ.

    How do I prevent the rolls from being greasy?

    Using sausage with moderate fat content helps (around 20%). Also, don’t overload with filling, and let the excess butter drain off during onion caramelizing by stirring and occasionally wiping the pan.

    Can I make these ahead of time?

    Yes! Assemble the rolls, refrigerate them for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh when you’re ready. This helps save prep time on busy days.

    What can I serve with French Onion Sausage Rolls?

    They pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, tangy mustard dips, or even a cup of warm soup for a cozy meal.

    Nutritional Information

    Estimated per serving (makes about 6 sausage rolls):

    • Calories: 380
    • Fat: 27g
    • Protein: 15g
    • Carbohydrates: 18g

    Please note these are rough estimates. Values may vary depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes.

    Conclusion

    Golden And Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls are my go-to when I want to bring a little French-inspired comfort to the table without fuss. Their blend of sweet caramelized onions, juicy sausage, and buttery pastry is like a warm hug on a plate. I hope this recipe becomes one of your favorites too—don’t hesitate to tweak the herbs or sausage to fit your taste buds. Drop a comment to share how your sausage rolls turned out or any personal twists you added. Happy baking!

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    Meet the Author
    Molly Kane
    Molly Kane is a food blogger, recipe developer, and passionate home cook. Her easy-to-follow and family-friendly recipes help home cooks create delicious meals with confidence. Molly’s work has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Taste of Home, The Kitchn, and more.

    Read More About Molly

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