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:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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.
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.
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.
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:
For Dinner:
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