Oven-Roasted Sausages with Caramelized Onions

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

• 8 fresh sausages (Italian, bratwurst, or smoked sausage)

• 3 large yellow onions, sliced into thick strips

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter (optional but adds richness)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweeter onions)

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil (for easy cleanup).

• Lightly grease with olive oil or cooking spray.

2️⃣ Prepare the Onions

In a large bowl, toss sliced onions with:

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Pepper

• Garlic powder

• Thyme

• Brown sugar (if using)

Spread onions evenly on the baking sheet.

3️⃣ Add the Sausages

• Place sausages directly on top of the onions.

• Leave a little space between them for even browning.

• Do NOT pierce sausages (keeps them juicy).

4️⃣ Roast

Bake for 25 minutes, then:

• Flip sausages.

• Stir onions to prevent burning.

Return to oven for another 10–20 minutes, until:

• Sausages are browned and caramelized.

• Internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for pork sausage.

• Onions are soft and golden.

5️⃣ Optional Flavor Boost

For deeper caramelization:

• Drizzle balsamic vinegar over onions during the last 10 minutes.

• Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning (watch carefully).

🍽️ Serve With

• Crusty bread or hoagie rolls

• Mashed potatoes

• Rice or polenta

• Mustard or whole grain Dijon

• Peppers (add sliced bell peppers for variation)

⭐ Pro Tips

✔ Use thick sausages for juicier results
✔ If onions brown too quickly, lower oven to 375°F
✔ Add sliced bell peppers for classic sausage & peppers
✔ Want crispier skin? Broil briefly at the end
✔ Let rest 5 minutes before serving

🔄 Variations

Honey Garlic Version:
Mix 1 tablespoon honey + 1 tablespoon soy sauce and brush during last 10 minutes.

Spicy Version:
Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.

Beer-Braised Finish:
After roasting, transfer everything to a skillet and simmer in ½ cup beer for 5 minutes.