How to Make Perfect Sausage Egg and Cheese Roll Ups (Step-by-Step Guide)

Sausage egg and cheese roll ups have become our family’s go-to breakfast solution for those busy mornings when time is tight but we still want something delicious. These hearty treats are ready in about 30 minutes and have earned the title of “favorite quick and easy hot breakfast” among my kids.

In fact, we’ve been making breakfast for dinner at least once a week, with 4 out of 5 kids happily approving this mealtime switch. These cheesy sausage egg and cheese breakfast roll ups aren’t just time-savers compared to traditional breakfast casseroles that typically require 40 minutes in the oven – they’re also instant crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a special weekend breakfast, these roll ups combine all the beloved breakfast staples: eggs, sausage, and cheese in one convenient package that everyone can enjoy.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to create perfect sausage egg roll ups that your family will devour. From essential ingredients to expert assembly techniques, you’ll have everything you need to make this recipe a regular part of your breakfast rotation.

What You Need to Make Sausage Egg and Cheese Roll Ups

Gathering the right ingredients and tools is the first step toward creating delicious sausage egg and cheese roll ups. Let me break down everything you’ll need to prepare this breakfast favorite that combines savory meats, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese all wrapped in a convenient package.

Essential ingredients list

To make classic sausage egg and cheese roll ups, you’ll need these fundamental ingredients:

Dough Base: Either 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls or 8-inch flour tortillas. Crescent rolls create a flakier texture while tortillas make a softer wrap.
Eggs: Most recipes call for 4-5 large eggs. These form the protein-rich foundation of your roll ups.
Breakfast Sausage: 8 fully cooked breakfast sausage links. These provide the savory flavor that makes these roll ups so satisfying.
Cheese: 1-1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or 4 slices of American or cheddar cheese cut in half. The cheese melts beautifully, binding all ingredients together.
Butter: About 1 tablespoon for cooking eggs.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the eggs.
Milk or Cream: 1-2 tablespoons (optional) for fluffier eggs.

Recommended kitchen tools

Having the right equipment makes assembly much easier:

Skillet or Frying Pan: For cooking sausage and scrambling eggs. Ideally, use a non-stick pan the same diameter as your tortillas if using those instead of crescent rolls.
Mixing Bowl: For whisking eggs with seasonings.
Whisk or Fork: For beating eggs until smooth.
Spatula: Heat-resistant type for scrambling eggs and assembly.
Baking Sheet: For baking roll ups if using crescent dough.
Parchment Paper: Optional but recommended to prevent sticking.
Knife: For cutting cheese slices or any add-in vegetables.

Optional add-ins and swaps

Customize your roll ups with these delicious variations:

Protein Alternatives: Replace sausage with bacon, ham, turkey sausage, or vegetarian sausage for different flavor profiles[64].
Cheese Options: Experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavors[43].
Vegetable Add-ins: Consider adding baby spinach[62], diced bell peppers[43], chopped green onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
Spreads and Sauces: Try adding whipped cream cheese as a base layer, or serve with salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce for dipping.
Seasonings: Enhance flavor with everything bagel seasoning, southwestern mix, or garlic powder.

Furthermore, if you’re looking to reduce prep time, consider cooking extra bacon or sausage earlier in the week and setting it aside specifically for these breakfast roll ups.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Roll Ups

Creating perfect sausage egg and cheese roll ups requires following a precise sequence of steps. Let me guide you through the process to ensure your breakfast treats turn out delicious every time.

1. Preheat and prepare your baking sheet

Initially, preheat your oven to 350-375°F, depending on your recipe. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or simply spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This preparation prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier afterward.

2. Cook the sausage links

Cook your breakfast sausage links in a medium skillet according to package directions. They must be fully cooked before assembly, as the baking time isn’t sufficient to cook raw sausage. Once cooked through, set them aside. For convenience, you can use pre-cooked sausage links to save time.

3. Scramble the eggs just right

In a small bowl, beat eggs with a dash of milk. Notably, you should reserve about 2 tablespoons of this egg mixture in a separate dish for brushing the tops of the roll ups later[103]. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the remaining egg mixture. Cook until softly scrambled—slightly underdone is ideal since they’ll continue cooking during baking.

4. Assemble the roll ups with cheese

Unroll your crescent dough onto your prepared baking sheet and separate into triangles. Place half a cheese slice on the wider part of each triangle. Top with a spoonful of scrambled eggs, then add a sausage link[72]. Alternatively, if using tortillas instead of crescent rolls, layer ingredients similarly.

5. Roll and seal the dough properly

Loosely roll up each triangle from the wider end toward the pointed tip. Use your fingers to keep the filling in place during rolling. Place each roll-up seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent them from opening during baking.

6. Bake until golden and flaky

Brush the tops of each roll-up with your reserved egg mixture[103]. This gives them a beautiful golden color. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through[72][103]. Let them cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

Tips to Customize Your Breakfast Rollups

One of the best features of breakfast rollups is their versatility. The classic sausage egg and cheese combination provides a delicious foundation, yet there are countless ways to modify this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Using bacon, ham, or veggie sausage

The protein in your breakfast rollups can be easily swapped according to preferences or what’s available in your refrigerator. Crisp, crumbled bacon makes an excellent alternative to sausage links, offering a different texture and smoky flavor profile. Moreover, sliced deli ham provides a leaner option that still delivers on taste.

For those seeking meat-free alternatives, veggie sausage works remarkably well in these rollups. Turkey sausage offers another excellent option for those wanting a leaner protein source. Alternatively, you can simply omit the meat altogether and add an extra egg or two for a vegetarian version that’s still protein-rich.

Adding veggies like peppers or onions

Incorporating vegetables elevates both the nutrition and flavor of your breakfast rollups. Chopped peppers and onions pair wonderfully with eggs and add vibrant color to your breakfast. Additionally, sautéed mushrooms create an earthy depth of flavor.

For a nutrient boost, consider adding spinach to your egg mixture before rolling. Yellow onions work particularly well in these rolls, though sweet or white varieties are excellent substitutes. Above all, pre-cooking any vegetables before adding them to your rollups ensures they’re properly softened and won’t release excess moisture during baking.

Choosing different cheeses

The cheese selection dramatically impacts the final flavor of your breakfast rollups. Though sharp cheddar is a popular choice, numerous alternatives exist:

Mozzarella for a milder, stretchy texture
Pepper jack for a spicy kick
Swiss for a nutty flavor
American for classic meltability
Mixed varieties for complex flavor profiles

For best results, consider grating the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded varieties—it simply melts better. Those with dietary restrictions might appreciate lactose-free American cheese options that still provide that essential gooey texture.

Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Busy mornings become much easier when your breakfast is ready and waiting. These sausage egg and cheese roll ups are perfect for make-ahead meal planning, offering flexibility whether you need breakfast for tomorrow or want to stock your freezer for weeks ahead.

How to prep the night before

Preparing breakfast roll ups the evening before saves precious morning time. First, cook your sausage, scramble your eggs, and shred your cheese ahead of time. Next, fully assemble your roll ups and place them in a baking dish. Finally, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When morning comes, simply remove the covering and bake as directed, although you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Freezing instructions for later use

These breakfast roll ups freeze beautifully for longer storage. After baking, allow them to cool completely before wrapping each roll up individually in plastic wrap or foil. For extra protection, you can use both. Place wrapped roll ups in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. Properly stored, these breakfast treats will maintain best quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remember to label your freezer bag with the recipe name and date.

Best ways to reheat without sogginess

Preventing soggy reheated roll ups requires proper technique. From the refrigerator, you have several excellent options:

Microwave: Place 1-2 roll ups on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds. For single roll ups, 30-40 seconds is usually sufficient.
Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place roll ups on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Air fryer: Heat at 350°F for 6-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

For frozen roll ups, either thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or microwave them directly from frozen for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, use your air fryer at 250°F for 30 minutes, consequently increasing to 350°F for 2-3 more minutes until crispy. The key to avoiding rubbery eggs regardless of method is to heat only until warmed through—overcooking causes eggs to release moisture.

Conclusion

Sausage egg and cheese roll ups have certainly earned their place as a breakfast staple in our home. These delicious bundles combine everything we love about a hearty breakfast into one convenient, hand-held package. After trying this recipe, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate how these roll ups solve the morning rush dilemma without sacrificing taste or quality.

Furthermore, the incredible versatility of these breakfast treats allows everyone to enjoy their own personalized version. Whether you prefer bacon instead of sausage, want to add nutritious vegetables, or experiment with different cheese varieties, these roll ups adapt to your family’s preferences. My kids particularly enjoy helping with assembly, turning breakfast preparation into a fun family activity rather than a chore.

Additionally, the make-ahead options transform your morning routine. We often prepare a large batch on Sunday evenings, consequently enjoying stress-free breakfasts throughout the week. The ability to freeze these roll ups for up to three months essentially gives you a homemade alternative to store-bought frozen breakfast options, but with better flavor and ingredient control.

Overall, these sausage egg and cheese roll ups represent the perfect balance of convenience and satisfaction. They provide a warm, filling start to busy days while allowing endless customization possibilities. Most importantly, they bring together the joy of a freshly cooked breakfast with the practicality modern families need. Give this recipe a try – your mornings will never be the same!

FAQs

Q1. What’s the best order to cook the ingredients for sausage egg and cheese roll ups? Cook the sausage first until it’s fully browned, then set it aside. Next, scramble the eggs in the same skillet. This order ensures that both components are properly cooked before assembly.

Q2. Can I use different types of cheese in my breakfast roll ups? Absolutely! While cheddar is popular, you can experiment with various cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, or even a blend. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor and texture to your roll ups.

Q3. How can I prepare these roll ups ahead of time? You can assemble the roll ups the night before and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Q4. What’s the best way to reheat leftover roll ups? For the best texture, reheat refrigerated roll ups in an oven preheated to 350°F for 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave for 30-60 seconds, or an air fryer at 350°F for 6-10 minutes until crispy and warm.

Q5. How can I customize these breakfast roll ups? You can easily customize these roll ups by swapping sausage for bacon or ham, adding vegetables like peppers or spinach, or using different types of cheese. You can also experiment with various seasonings or sauces to create your perfect breakfast combination.