Name: Vegan Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter; 1 large onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups caramelized); 1 cup cooked brown lentils (or 1 can, drained and rinsed); 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini or button); 1 tbsp tomato ketchup; 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp onion powder; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; Salt, to taste (keep light); 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed if frozen, store-bought works great); 1 tbsp plant-based milk (for brushing); Optional: vegan cheese (cheddar or mozzarella style), fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley), chili flakes for heat

I absolutely adore making these Vegan Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe whenever I want something that feels both comforting and a little bit special. The golden, flaky pastry envelops a rich filling of caramelized onions, mushrooms, and lentils, which create such a satisfying savory flavor that truly warms you from the inside out. Every time I make these, I’m reminded of how this recipe effortlessly combines familiar tastes in a plant-based way that’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish at a casual dinner with friends.

Why You'll Love This Vegan Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe

What really pulls me in with this Vegan Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe is the incredible layering of flavors and textures. The slow-cooked caramelized onions bring a sweet depth alongside the earthiness of the mushrooms and hearty lentils. Then, you’ve got this beautifully buttery, flaky puff pastry wrapping everything up, making each bite irresistibly crispy on the outside and luscious on the inside. It’s one of those recipes where every component shines and compliments the others perfectly.

I also love how approachable this recipe is. Even though the filling sounds gourmet, it’s made simply with ingredients you can find easily and it doesn’t require complicated techniques. Caramelizing onions might take a little patience, but it’s so worth it for that rich flavor. Plus, assembling these rolls is straightforward and quick once your filling is ready. I often make these when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is a winner for pretty much any occasion. Whether you want to bring something delicious to a potluck, have a cozy homemade appetizer for a party, or even a tasty and robust weekday dinner, these rolls fit the bill beautifully. I find myself serving them warm with a crisp salad or alongside a spicy dipping sauce, and they always disappear fast. These sausage rolls definitely stand out because they’re packed with flavor but remain light enough to enjoy multiple without feeling heavy.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows two golden brown pastries on a white plate, placed on a white marble surface. One large pastry is whole, with a shiny, crispy, and flaky crust sprinkled with sesame seeds on top. The other smaller pastry is cut open, showing a dark brown, finely minced filling inside. The pastries have a layered, textured crust that looks light and crunchy. The scene is well-lit, highlighting the warm tones of the baked pastry. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this recipe, the ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. These everyday pantry staples come together to make a filling that’s hearty and richly flavored, while the puff pastry delivers that signature golden flakiness.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Olive oil or vegan butter: For slow-caramelizing the onions and adding richness.
Large onion: Thinly sliced and cooked until deeply caramelized to bring sweetness and depth.
Cooked brown lentils: They add heartiness and a “meaty” texture reminiscent of sausage.
Cremini or button mushrooms: Finely chopped for an earthy, juicy flavor boost.
Tomato ketchup: Adds subtle tang and moisture to the filling.
Vegan Worcestershire sauce: Brings complexity and umami—make sure to use vegan for a true plant-based dish.
Dijon mustard: Gives a gentle tang and brightness that lifts the filling.
Onion powder: Reinforces the onion flavor for extra savoriness.
Black pepper and salt: Season to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of any optional cheese or sauces.
Puff pastry sheets: Store-bought works great and guarantees flaky, buttery layers.
Plant milk: For brushing the pastry edges and tops to get a gorgeous golden finish.
Optional extras: Vegan or regular cheese, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, and chili flakes for a little heat.

Directions

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or vegan butter) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook them very slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn a rich golden brown and become sweet and jammy. This step takes about 20 minutes and is absolutely crucial for flavor, so patience here really pays off.

Step 2: Push the caramelized onions to the side of the pan, then add the finely chopped mushrooms. Cook these over medium heat until they release their liquid and that moisture evaporates, about 6 to 8 minutes. This intensifies the mushroom flavor and prevents sogginess later.

Step 3: Stir in the cooked lentils, then add 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup, 1 teaspoon each of vegan Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and onion powder. Cook everything together for 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Finish by seasoning with freshly cracked black pepper and adjust the salt lightly as needed.

Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay one sheet of puff pastry on a piece of parchment paper. Spread half of your filling evenly in a long strip along the short edge of the pastry, leaving a clean border around the edges. If using cheese or herbs, sprinkle them evenly over the filling now.

Step 5: Roll the pastry tightly from the filling side, sealing the edge with a little plant milk to make sure it sticks well. Use a sharp knife to cut your roll into 5 equal-sized pieces. Repeat this process with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining filling so you have 10 rolls in total.

Step 6: Place the sausage rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the remaining plant milk to encourage a golden-brown color. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving to help them set.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 10 sausage rolls, which I find perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying over a few days. The prep time, including slicing and caramelizing onions, is about 30 minutes, so give yourself a bit of patience there for the best flavor. Baking and assembly take roughly 25 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at about 55 minutes from start to finish. I also recommend letting the rolls cool slightly for 5 minutes after baking to help with handling and texture.

How to Serve This Vegan Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe

This image shows three pieces of golden brown pastry rolls with a shiny, slightly crisp top sprinkled with coarse salt, small green herb leaves, and black and white seeds. Each roll is filled with layers of cooked lentils and sliced mushrooms mixed together, and melted cheese dripping from the inside. The flaky pastry is thick and layered, holding the filling tightly. The rolls are arranged on a flat, light gray plate with two small white dipping sauce containers blurred in the background, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these Vegan Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe, I like to keep things simple but tasty. They’re fantastic on their own when still warm, with that crispy pastry and warm, savory filling doing all the talking. But adding a fresh, crisp side salad with something bright like a lemon vinaigrette really balances the richness beautifully.

To elevate the presentation, I often garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley sprinkled on top right before serving. A little chili flakes can add a fun kick if you love some heat. For drinks, I usually pair these rolls with a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or a sparkling non-alcoholic cider to keep things refreshing. They also work wonderfully with a cold beer or a ginger beer for something zesty.

These rolls are so versatile that they suit everything from casual family dinners, game day snacks, to party appetizers. I recommend serving them warm or at room temperature—the pastry crisps up nicely when hot but remains delicious as it cools. Portion-wise, I generally serve two rolls per person as a snack or appetizer and more if paired with sides for a full meal.

Variations

One thing I love about this Vegan Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. If you want to switch things up, try swapping the lentils for cooked chickpeas or even crumbled tofu for a different texture. For the mushrooms, shiitake or portobello add a deeper, meatier flavor if you prefer. If you’re not vegan, adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese inside before baking adds a wonderful gooeyness.

If you need gluten-free options, using a gluten-free puff pastry makes these rolls accessible to more people without sacrificing the flaky texture. Make sure to check the Worcestershire sauce really is gluten-free, or substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for that umami kick.

For a flavor twist, I sometimes add fresh chopped rosemary or thyme to the filling, which gives it a lovely herby aroma, or even a pinch of smoked paprika to bring in warmth and smokiness. Another fun method I’ve tried is shaping the filling into little patties and pan-frying them, then serving on crusty rolls as sandwiches when I want a quicker meal.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store any leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days. I avoid stacking them too tightly to preserve the crisp pastry as much as possible. If I’m planning to eat them within a day or two, I sometimes wrap each roll individually in parchment paper before storing to keep things neat.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully, which is a huge plus for meal prepping. I like to assemble the rolls but not bake them first, then freeze them individually on a lined tray. Once firm, I transfer the rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 2 months. To bake, you can pop them directly from frozen into the preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer using an oven or toaster oven to bring back the crispiness of the puff pastry. About 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) usually does the trick. Avoid microwaving if possible as it tends to make the pastry soggy and chewy. If you must microwave, try a quick burst followed by a hot oven finish for better texture.

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The filling keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and assemble the rolls just before baking for maximum freshness and pastry flakiness.

What if I can’t find vegan Worcestershire sauce?

If vegan Worcestershire sauce is hard to find, you can substitute with tamari, soy sauce, or coconut aminos combined with a splash of apple cider vinegar to mimic the tangy, umami flavor.

Can I use homemade pastry instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works wonderfully if you have the time to prepare it. Just ensure it’s rolled thin enough to get those light, flaky layers. Otherwise, store-bought pastry is a fantastic shortcut that gives consistently great results.

Are these sausage rolls suitable for kids?

Definitely! The flavors are mild and comforting, especially without the optional chili flakes. The rolls are bite-sized and easy to eat, making them perfect for little hands and lunchboxes.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes! Finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and texture. Just be sure to cook any added vegetables thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a cozy, flavorful treat that’s entirely plant-based yet packed with delicious savory goodness, then give this Vegan Savory French Onion Sausage Rolls Recipe a try. I can promise you’ll be delighted by the combination of caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and that flaky golden pastry every time you bite into one. It’s become one of my favorite recipes to share with friends and family, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your kitchen too!