Oven-Baked Sausages with Caramelized Onions

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (about 10–12) Italian sausages (sweet or spicy, your choice)
• 3–4 large yellow onions, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, adds sweetness and depth)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil or foil pan

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prep Onions:
   In a large mixing bowl, toss sliced onions with olive oil or melted butter, balsamic vinegar (if using), brown sugar, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble Tray:
   Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil (or use a foil pan). Spread the onions evenly across the bottom. Place the sausages directly on top of the onions.
4. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake an additional 20–30 minutes until the sausages are browned and cooked through (internal temp of 160°F / 71°C), and onions are deeply golden and soft. You can broil for the last 2–3 minutes for a charred finish.
5. Serve:
   Serve hot with mashed potatoes, hoagie rolls, or roasted veggies.

Delicious Add-Ons Variations

Vegetables to Bake Alongside:

• Bell peppers (sliced) – classic addition for color and sweetness.
• Baby potatoes (halved) – toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding.
• Mushrooms – add a meaty texture and soak up flavor.
• Cherry tomatoes – burst and caramelize beautifully with the onions.

Flavor Boosts:

• Splash of beer or chicken broth – add ½ cup to the bottom of the pan before baking for extra juiciness and flavor.
• Whole garlic cloves – roast with the onions for rich, mellow garlic bites.
• Fennel seeds – ½ tsp sprinkled on top gives an authentic Italian sausage touch.

Serving Suggestions:

• Over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles
• With rice pilaf or roasted cauliflower
• Inside a toasted hoagie roll with mustard or melted provolone

For a Crowd:

• Slice sausages and serve with toothpicks as a party appetizer
• Make a sausage and onion sandwich bar with rolls, peppers, cheeses, and condiments