These Sausage French Onion Puffs are the ultimate savory appetizer for any occasion. With a cheesy sausage filling and flaky puff pastry, they’re perfect for serving at gatherings, parties, or even as a snack. The combination of browned sausage, sautéed onions, cream cheese, and mozzarella creates a flavorful filling that’s hard to resist. The puff pastry wraps everything together in a light and flaky package, making these puffs a crowd-pleasing favorite. Serve them warm for the best flavor, or make them ahead and reheat before serving for a convenient option.
AdvertisementThese Sausage French Onion Puffs are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. The rich, savory flavors of sausage and sautéed onions blend beautifully with the creamy, cheesy filling, all wrapped up in a flaky puff pastry. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want a delicious snack, these puffs are sure to impress. They’re easy to make and can be served warm or prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving.
INGREDIENTS
- Sausage: 1 lb ground sausage, for a savory, meaty filling.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped, to add sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Cream cheese: 1 cup softened, for creaminess.
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup shredded, for a gooey, cheesy texture.
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp, to enhance the savory flavors.
- Onion powder: 1 tsp, for an extra punch of onion flavor.
- Puff pastry: 1 package (1 lb), thawed, to wrap the filling in a flaky, buttery crust.
- Egg: 1 beaten, for egg wash to give the puffs a golden, shiny finish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, to season the filling.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a skillet, cook the ground sausage and chopped onion over medium heat until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
- Step 3:
- In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage and onions with cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Step 4:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares (about 3x3 inches).
- Step 5:
- Place a spoonful of the sausage mixture in the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners over to seal and pinch tightly.
- Step 6:
- Place the puffs on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Step 8:
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Serving and Storage Tips
- These puffs are best served warm, but they can also be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to crisp them back up.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer, you can use hot or flavored sausage for a different taste.
- To prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy, make sure to drain excess fat from the sausage mixture.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Many chefs recommend chilling the filled pastry for about 10 minutes before baking. This helps the puff pastry keep its shape and rise better in the oven.
Why You’ll Love These Sausage French Onion Puffs
The combination of savory sausage, sweet onions, and gooey cheese wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry makes these puffs an irresistible appetizer. They’re easy to prepare, perfect for entertaining, and can be customized with different types of sausage or cheese. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, these puffs are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Creative Variations for Your Sausage French Onion Puffs
For a different flavor, try using flavored sausage such as spicy Italian or herb-seasoned. You can also swap out the mozzarella for a sharper cheese like cheddar or gouda, or add a bit of Dijon mustard to the sausage mixture for a tangy twist. If you prefer a lighter option, use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry for a crispier, lighter texture.
FAQs
Can I make these puffs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the puffs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before baking. You can also bake them ahead and reheat in the oven before serving.
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, phyllo dough can be used for a lighter, crispier texture. Just be sure to brush each layer with butter or oil before filling and folding.
Can I freeze these puffs?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked puffs for up to 1 month. Simply bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or even a soft goat cheese for a different flavor.
Summary
These Sausage French Onion Puffs combine the rich flavors of sausage, onions, and cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry. With a golden brown exterior and a creamy, savory filling, these puffs are perfect for any gathering, whether it's a casual get-together or a more formal event. The combination of sausage, sautéed onions, and cream cheese creates a flavorful filling that complements the light, crispy pastry. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!