Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe

Introduction

Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups are a fun, delicious twist on the classic French toast breakfast. These bite-sized, golden rolls are stuffed with savory sausage, creating the perfect blend of flavors in each mouthful. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these roll-ups are a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering, looking for a new weekend breakfast idea, or craving something sweet and savory, these roll-ups will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast repertoire.

The combination of savory sausage and sweet French toast wrapped into a convenient roll-up is not only indulgent but also easy to prepare. This recipe will walk you through each step, from making the perfect sausage filling to achieving the crispy, golden brown exterior that makes these roll-ups irresistible. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this creative breakfast dish!

Why You’ll Love Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups

• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The blend of sweet, custardy French toast with savory sausage creates the perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness of syrup and the richness of the sausage will keep you coming back for more.
• Fun and Easy to Eat: These roll-ups are bite-sized, making them easy to grab and go. They’re perfect for serving at a brunch or even for packing in lunchboxes. The roll-up format makes it a great choice for kids, too.
• Crispy, Tender Texture: When cooked properly, these roll-ups have a crispy exterior with a soft and tender interior. The contrast in textures makes each bite exciting and satisfying.
• Versatile and Customizable: While this recipe is a classic savory and sweet combination, you can mix things up by adding other fillings like cheese, vegetables, or different seasonings to suit your tastes.
• Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings. The prep is simple, and the result is a delicious, restaurant-quality breakfast that you can make right at home.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings (8 roll-ups)
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the size and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 22-25g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 12-14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8-10g

Ingredients

For the Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 8 slices white or whole-wheat bread, crusts removed
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for serving, optional)

For the Sausage Filling:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (spicy or mild, based on preference)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for depth of flavor)

Special Equipment

Although making Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups doesn’t require any specialized tools, a few pieces of equipment will help ensure smooth preparation and the best results:

1. Rolling Pin: To flatten the slices of bread, a rolling pin works wonders for making them thin and pliable, which helps the roll-ups stay together.
2. Large Skillet or Griddle: A large skillet or griddle is perfect for cooking the roll-ups evenly and ensuring they crisp up beautifully on all sides. It also allows you to make multiple roll-ups at once.
3. Sauté Pan: You’ll need a sauté pan to cook the sausage and any seasonings. A non-stick pan makes it easier to break apart the sausage and ensures even cooking.
4. Whisk: A whisk is essential for beating the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar together. It ensures a smooth custard mixture for dipping the bread.
5. Tongs or a Slotted Spoon: These tools will come in handy for flipping the roll-ups while they cook, ensuring an even, golden-brown crust on each side.
6. Plates or Paper Towels: For draining the cooked roll-ups or sausage after they’ve been cooked, having paper towels or a clean plate is essential to soak up any excess grease.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage Filling

In a sauté pan, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Break the sausage apart with a spatula or spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Once the sausage is fully cooked, drain any excess grease if necessary. Season the cooked sausage with ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Stir to combine, and then set the sausage mixture aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Bread

While the sausage is cooling, use a rolling pin to flatten each slice of bread. Flattening the bread helps to make it more pliable and allows for a better rolling technique. Once the bread is flattened, trim off the crusts if you haven’t done so already. Set the slices aside.

3. Make the Egg Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sugar. The cinnamon will add a warm, aromatic flavor to the French toast, while the sugar will give the rolls a slight sweetness. Beat the mixture well until it’s fully combined and smooth.

4. Assemble the Roll-Ups

Place a spoonful of the sausage mixture onto the center of each slice of bread. Be sure to leave a little space on the edges so that the sausage doesn’t spill out when you roll it. Carefully roll the bread up tightly around the sausage filling, ensuring that the edges are tucked in. Repeat this process for all eight slices of bread.

5. Coat the Roll-Ups in Egg Mixture

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter to the pan. While the skillet is heating, dip each sausage roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Be gentle during this step to avoid any spillage or breaking of the rolls.

6. Cook the Roll-Ups

Once the pan is hot and the butter is melted, add the coated sausage French toast roll-ups to the skillet. Cook them in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each roll-up for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning gently with tongs until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. The bread should form a crispy exterior while the inside remains soft and custardy.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the roll-ups are golden brown and crispy, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess butter. Drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness, or serve with additional toppings such as powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or whipped cream. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfect Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups

• Use Fresh Bread: While you can use slightly stale bread for this recipe, fresh bread gives a soft, fluffy texture to the roll-ups. If you’re using stale bread, lightly toast it before rolling it to prevent it from becoming too soggy during cooking.
• Make Sure to Flatten the Bread Well: The key to making these roll-ups easy to roll and cook is flattening the bread with a rolling pin. This ensures they stay tightly rolled and cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To achieve crispy, golden brown roll-ups, cook them in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can cause the roll-ups to cook unevenly and may result in sogginess.
• Try Different Sausages: While breakfast sausage works great for this recipe, you can use other types of sausages, like Italian sausage or turkey sausage, for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with flavored sausages, such as maple sausage, for added sweetness.
• Use a Non-Stick Pan: To avoid the roll-ups sticking to the skillet and to make turning them easier, a non-stick pan is highly recommended.

Variations of Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups

• Cheese Stuffed Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups: Add a slice of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, to each roll-up along with the sausage for a melty, gooey center. The cheese adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to the dish.
• Veggie Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups: Add finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the sausage mixture for a veggie-packed version of the roll-ups. The vegetables will add freshness and additional flavor to the filling.
• Spicy Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups: Add extra spice by using spicy sausage or incorporating jalapeño peppers into the filling. You can also add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for added heat.
• Fruit and Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups: Combine sweet and savory by adding diced apples or pears to the sausage filling. The fruit adds natural sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the sausage and French toast.

Storage and Shelf Life

Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later use. To store leftover roll-ups, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or heat them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the roll-ups. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen roll-ups to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups

Pair these savory roll-ups with complementary dishes to round out your meal:

• Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries, orange slices, or a fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory roll-ups.
• Hash Browns or Home Fries: Crispy, golden hash browns or home fries add a satisfying crunch to your breakfast spread.
• Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the sausage and French toast.
• Yogurt: A serving of Greek yogurt or flavored yogurt pairs nicely with the sweet and savory elements of the roll-ups, adding a creamy, cool texture.

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Conclusion

Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups are a creative, fun, and delicious way to enjoy a classic breakfast favorite. The combination of sweet French toast and savory sausage is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a special brunch gathering. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. Enjoy the crispy, golden roll-ups with a drizzle of syrup, and savor every bite of this savory and sweet breakfast treat!