French Onion Sausage Rolls are a savory fusion of two beloved comfort foods: the rich, caramelized flavor of classic French onion soup and the flaky, meaty satisfaction of traditional sausage rolls. Wrapped in buttery puff pastry and bursting with juicy sausage, caramelized onions, herbs, and melted cheese, these rolls elevate your appetizer or snack game to gourmet levels. Perfect for parties, brunches, holidays, or game days, these sausage rolls offer a unique twist that will leave your guests asking for more. Whether served as a main course with salad or sliced into bite-sized portions for sharing, they deliver mouthwatering flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork sausage
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- Poppy seeds or sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir to combine and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
Step 2: Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic powder, and pepper to the caramelized onions. Simmer until the liquid is mostly evaporated. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the raw sausage with the cooled onion mixture and shredded Gruyère cheese. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out puff pastry sheet into a rectangle and cut it in half lengthwise. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard down the center of each piece (if using).
Step 5: Divide the sausage mixture into two logs and place them along the center of each puff pastry strip. Fold the pastry over the filling and seal the edge with water. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Step 6: Beat the egg with milk to make egg wash. Brush over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds if desired. Cut small slits across the top for steam.
Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed, golden, and cooked through. Let cool slightly, then slice into pieces and serve warm.
Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork
- Add a spoonful of sour cream to the filling for added creaminess
- Swap Gruyère for mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone
- Use balsamic vinegar in the onions for deeper flavor
- Add a few tablespoons of finely chopped mushrooms to the onion mix
Cooking Notes
- Make sure onions are fully cooled before mixing with sausage to avoid melting the fat
- If using store-bought sausage links, remove casings before mixing
- Chill the assembled rolls before baking for best puff pastry rise
- Always preheat oven fully for optimal flakiness
- Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep filling intact
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of grainy mustard or French onion dip
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a light lunch
- Add to a holiday appetizer board with cheese and olives
- Cut into mini rolls for party finger food
- Offer alongside a warm bowl of soup for a cozy dinner
Tips
- Make ahead and freeze unbaked rolls; bake from frozen with 10 extra minutes
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in oven or air fryer
- Brush egg wash twice for deeper golden color
- Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and easier cleanup
- Try different herbs like rosemary or sage for seasonal flavor
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6–8 rolls
Nutritional Information (per roll, approx.)
Calories: 320
Protein: 14g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sodium: 580mg
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramelized onions?
- Yes, but make sure they aren’t overly sweet. Homemade onions offer better depth of flavor.
What’s the best sausage to use?
- Use bulk pork sausage or breakfast sausage. You can also use Italian sausage with casing removed.
Can I bake them in advance?
- Yes. Bake and cool them, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to crisp the pastry again.
Can I make this vegetarian?
- Yes, substitute the sausage with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth for the onions.
Can I add cheese on top?
- Absolutely. Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the egg wash for an extra cheesy crust.
Conclusion
French Onion Sausage Rolls take traditional flavors to a whole new level. The buttery flakiness of puff pastry combines with rich caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and savory sausage to create an appetizer or snack that’s both elegant and deeply comforting. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can impress guests with a bite that tastes gourmet but is incredibly simple to make. Perfect for every season and occasion, these sausage rolls freeze beautifully, reheat well, and offer endless variation. Whether for brunch, dinner parties, or holiday spreads, French Onion Sausage Rolls are a crowd-pleasing favorite worth adding to your recipe rotation.