Breakfast roll-ups are a quick, delicious, and versatile way to start your day with a filling and savory meal. These sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast roll-ups combine the classic flavors of a hearty breakfast into a convenient, handheld option that’s perfect for families and busy mornings alike. With just a few ingredients—eggs, sausage, cheddar cheese, and refrigerated crescent rolls—you can create a satisfying breakfast that appeals to all ages.
The simplicity of this recipe is one of its biggest advantages. With minimal prep and basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of breakfast roll-ups in less than 30 minutes, making them ideal for weekday mornings or weekend brunches. Because they are baked in crescent roll dough, they come out of the oven warm, golden, and easy to hold, making them great for on-the-go breakfasts or meal prep options.
Savory breakfast options have been a longstanding favorite in many households, and these roll-ups fit right in with their comforting blend of eggs, sausage, and cheese. Whether you’re serving them fresh from the oven or saving them for a quick reheat during a busy week, these roll-ups offer a taste of home in every bite, keeping everyone satisfied and fueled for the day.
Ingredients Breakdown
Creating these sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast roll-ups requires only a handful of ingredients, each of which plays an essential role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
- Eggs: Fresh, large eggs are at the heart of this recipe, providing a fluffy, protein-packed base that binds the roll-up’s filling together. Fresh eggs yield better flavor and texture, and scrambling them lightly adds a soft, creamy component to balance the sausage’s richness.
- Refrigerated Crescent Rolls: Pillsbury™ crescent rolls are a key ingredient for convenience and taste. Their buttery, flaky texture makes them the ideal wrap for this filling, providing a delightful contrast to the soft scrambled eggs and savory sausage. Pre-made crescent rolls also save time and ensure consistent results, making this recipe approachable for anyone.
- Sausage Links: Sausage links add hearty flavor and protein to the roll-ups. Pork sausage is a popular choice for its richness, but turkey sausage is a great leaner option, and plant-based sausages work well for a vegetarian twist. Choose fully cooked links to keep the assembly quick and ensure even cooking in the oven.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and adds a sharp, creamy taste that pairs well with eggs and sausage. Medium or sharp cheddar are popular choices, but mild cheddar can work if you prefer a subtler flavor. For a spicier kick, try using pepper jack cheese instead.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings like salt and pepper enhance the eggs’ flavor and add a bit of spice. Use freshly ground black pepper for a more robust taste, and be cautious with salt if using salted sausage and cheese.
- Ingredient Substitutions: For dietary needs, swap regular cheese with a vegan option, or try gluten-free crescent dough to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Substitute plant-based sausage for a vegan variation, making these roll-ups customizable for any diet.
Each ingredient comes together to create a savory, satisfying breakfast with a balance of flavors and textures.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Tips
Preheating the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) for this recipe. This moderate temperature allows the crescent dough to bake evenly, achieving a golden-brown crust without overcooking the filling. It’s important to start with a fully preheated oven to ensure that the roll-ups cook through in the specified time.
Preparing the Eggs
Begin by cracking five large eggs into a small bowl. Whisk the eggs thoroughly until the whites and yolks are fully blended, ensuring a uniform scramble. Set aside two tablespoons of the beaten eggs in a separate bowl to use as an egg wash for later.
For the scrambled eggs, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, add the eggs, and stir gently as they cook. Stir continuously but lightly to avoid overworking, which keeps the eggs fluffy. Cook until the eggs are just set but still soft, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.
Prepping the Crescent Rolls
Unroll the Pillsbury™ crescent dough on a clean work surface. Gently separate the dough into eight triangles along the perforated lines, taking care not to tear the triangles as you pull them apart. If needed, use a butter knife to carefully cut along the seams. Lay each triangle flat on the work surface, which will make it easier to add the fillings without any issues. This setup ensures an easy rolling process later on and keeps the roll-ups consistent in size and shape.
Adding Cheese
Cut each slice of cheddar cheese in half so that you have eight pieces in total, one for each roll-up. Place one cheese half on the wide end of each crescent dough triangle. Position the cheese near the edge, allowing it to melt smoothly around the filling during baking. For a spicier variation, you can use pepper jack or add a small sprinkle of grated Parmesan with the cheddar. Placing the cheese first allows it to melt and blend with the filling, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of each bite.
Filling with Egg and Sausage
Add a spoonful of scrambled eggs on top of each cheese slice, keeping the amount moderate to avoid overfilling. Place a sausage link horizontally at the wide end of each triangle, just over the scrambled eggs. This arrangement ensures that each bite has a balanced mix of cheese, egg, and sausage. If you’re using larger sausages, consider slicing them lengthwise to fit within the dough.
For extra variety, you can include additional fillings, like a few baby spinach leaves or thinly sliced bell peppers, for added color and nutrition. Another option is to substitute bacon strips for the sausage links, giving the roll-ups a crispy, smoky twist. Whatever you add, keep it light to prevent overflow, as the dough needs room to roll up and seal properly.
Rolling Up
Start rolling from the wide end of each triangle, gently folding the dough over the filling. Roll towards the pointy end, tucking in any loose edges along the way to secure the filling. Be mindful not to roll too tightly, as this can squeeze out the filling, but ensure it’s snug enough to prevent gaps. Properly rolled dough will bake evenly and keep all the ingredients securely inside. Place each roll-up, seam side down, on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for expansion as they bake.
Brushing with Egg Wash
Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each roll-up with the reserved egg wash. This step promotes an appealing, golden-brown color and adds a slight shine to the finished product. Be careful not to overbrush, as excess egg wash can pool around the roll-ups. A light, even coating works best.
Baking to Perfection
Bake the roll-ups for 15-18 minutes or until they’re golden brown. The dough should puff up, and the tops should have a slight sheen. If they appear too pale, bake for an additional 2 minutes. Properly baked roll-ups will be evenly golden, with a crisp exterior and warm filling.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Allow the roll-ups to cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be served whole for a hearty breakfast or sliced in half for smaller portions. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley for color, or add a side of salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick. For an easy, portable breakfast, wrap each roll-up in parchment paper, making it convenient to grab on the way out the door. These roll-ups also pair well with a fresh fruit salad or smoothie for a balanced, satisfying breakfast that the whole family will enjoy.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Modifications
Each sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast roll-up offers a balanced serving of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a filling and energizing meal. On average, a single roll-up provides approximately:
- Calories: 180–220
- Protein: 7–10 grams
- Fat: 10–12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12–15 grams
This nutritional breakdown depends on ingredient variations, such as the type of sausage or cheese used. To make this recipe lighter, consider using turkey sausage or chicken sausage, which have lower fat content than traditional pork sausage. Replacing cheddar cheese with a reduced-fat or part-skim cheese can also lower calories and saturated fats while maintaining flavor.
For those aiming to add more protein, consider adding extra egg whites or using high-protein sausage options. Another option is to serve with a high-protein side like Greek yogurt.
Several adaptations can make these roll-ups suitable for dietary restrictions. For gluten-free needs, substitute regular crescent dough with a gluten-free version, widely available in stores. To create a vegetarian option, replace sausage links with plant-based sausage, mushrooms, or diced vegetables. For a low-calorie version, use egg whites instead of whole eggs and swap in vegan cheese, making these roll-ups customizable for various dietary goals.
Tips for Storing and Reheating
Storage:
For leftovers, allow the roll-ups to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap each roll-up individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen roll-ups will keep well for up to 2 months, making them a convenient option for meal prep.
Reheating:
For the best texture, reheat refrigerated roll-ups in an oven or toaster oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps keep the crescent dough crisp. Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave for about 30–45 seconds, though this may result in a softer texture. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes in the oven or microwave.
Make-Ahead Tips:
To save time in the morning, you can prepare the filling components in advance. Scramble the eggs and cook the sausage the night before, then refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to assemble, simply unroll the crescent dough, add the pre-cooked fillings, and bake as directed. This make-ahead approach allows for quicker assembly and baking, giving you fresh breakfast roll-ups without the morning prep.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overfilling:
One common mistake is adding too much filling, which can cause the roll-ups to burst or spill during baking. To avoid this, add a small spoonful of scrambled eggs and one sausage link per roll-up, ensuring the ingredients fit comfortably within the dough. This keeps the roll-ups neatly sealed and easier to roll without mess.
Rolling Techniques:
When rolling up the crescent dough, start at the wide end and roll towards the pointy end, tucking the edges in as you go. Rolling too loosely can cause the filling to fall out, while rolling too tightly can tear the dough. A gentle, even roll keeps the ingredients secure and prevents leaks.
Baking Issues:
To avoid underbaked centers or overly crispy edges, bake the roll-ups on a middle oven rack at the recommended 350°F (175°C). If the roll-ups seem too brown on the outside but undercooked inside, cover them with foil for the last few minutes to finish baking without further browning.
Variations and Additions
Vegetarian Option:
For a vegetarian twist, replace sausage links with plant-based sausage alternatives or hearty vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, which add a savory, “meaty” texture. Diced bell peppers or zucchini can also be included, adding both color and flavor to the filling.
Spicy Twist:
If you enjoy a bit of heat, spice things up by adding a few slices of jalapeño or using spicy sausage instead of regular sausage. You could also mix a few dashes of hot sauce into the scrambled eggs for an extra kick. Pepper jack cheese is another option that brings a mild spice, complementing the other flavors.
Different Cheese Choices:
Cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with other cheese varieties for different flavor profiles. Mozzarella melts smoothly and offers a milder taste, while Swiss cheese provides a nutty note. For a bolder flavor, try gouda or pepper jack.
Additional Fillings:
To enhance the roll-ups, consider adding veggies like spinach, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers. Avocado slices offer a creamy texture, while fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or basil can add a refreshing touch. These additions not only boost the flavor but also increase the nutritional value, making the roll-ups even more satisfying and wholesome.
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for its sharp flavor and meltability, you can easily substitute it based on your taste preferences. Mozzarella provides a mild, creamy texture, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick. Swiss and gouda bring nutty, bold flavors that pair well with eggs and sausage.
What can I substitute for sausage?
For a vegetarian option, plant-based sausage links work well, offering a similar texture and flavor. Alternatively, use hearty vegetables like mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach to add a savory element. Grilled tofu or tempeh can also provide protein and variety.
How do I prevent my roll-ups from falling apart?
To keep your roll-ups intact, roll them from the wide end and tuck in any loose edges, ensuring a snug wrap around the filling. Bake with the seam side down to help them hold together.
Can I prepare these the night before?
Yes! Prepare the fillings (scrambled eggs, sausage) the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, simply assemble the roll-ups and bake as directed for a fresh, warm breakfast without the extra prep time.
Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
Description
These breakfast roll-ups are a perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings. With savory sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melty cheddar all wrapped in a warm crescent roll, they’re sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 5 large eggs
- 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 8 sausage links
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Prepare the Eggs: In a small bowl, beat all 5 eggs. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the beaten eggs for brushing on the crescent rolls. In a skillet over medium heat, scramble the remaining eggs until fully cooked, then set aside.
3️⃣ Prep the Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent dough on a work surface and separate it into 8 triangles.
4️⃣ Add Cheese: Cut each slice of cheddar cheese in half and place one half on each dough triangle.
5️⃣ Fill with Egg and Sausage: Add a spoonful of scrambled eggs and place one sausage link on the wide end of each triangle.
6️⃣ Roll Up: Starting at the wide end, gently roll up each crescent dough triangle over the filling, tucking in any loose edges. Place the roll-ups on an ungreased baking sheet.
7️⃣ Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each roll-up with the reserved beaten egg, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
8️⃣ Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
9️⃣ Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then enjoy warm!
Notes
- Custom Fillings: Add a sprinkle of chives or a dash of hot sauce inside the roll-ups for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the roll-ups the night before, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Dipping Options: Serve with a side of salsa or ketchup for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
