Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe
If you are looking to brighten up your morning or impress guests with a playful, flavorful starter, this Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe is just the ticket. Picture this: savory cooked sausage mingled with creamy, tangy cream cheese, all draped in a luscious, slightly spicy pepper jelly and nestled inside buttery, golden crescent roll dough cups. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors with an irresistible crispy and soft texture combo. These little delights come together quickly, making them an ideal dish for busy weekday mornings, brunch gatherings, or even a fun appetizer at a party. Once you try this Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe, it will surely become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe is simple yet crucial, working together to create a dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and appealing color. From the richness of the sausage to the subtle heat of the pepper jelly, every component has a role in making these bites unforgettable.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Choose a savory, well-seasoned sausage for that hearty base flavor.
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough: This flaky dough makes the perfect handheld cup that crisps up beautifully.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds a smooth, creamy texture that balances the spiciness.
- 1/3 cup pepper jelly: Brings the signature sweet and spicy kick that defines the recipe.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly inside, adding a bold, cheesy bite.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional): Provides a fresh, crisp finish for added color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a mini muffin tin. This preps the baking surface to ensure your bites release easily once cooked. While the oven warms, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the breakfast sausage until it is completely browned and cooked through, using a spoon to break it into smaller crumbles as it cooks. Don’t forget to drain away the excess grease to keep the bites from being too oily. Set the sausage aside as you get ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Form the Dough Cups
Open the can of refrigerated crescent roll dough and gently separate the dough into triangles. Cut each triangle into three smaller pieces to make perfect bite-sized cups. Press each piece firmly into the mini muffin cups, ensuring they come up the sides to form a little dough nest. These shells are going to hold the luscious filling and get beautifully golden and flaky in the oven.
Step 3: Create the Filling
In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the pepper jelly until it’s a smooth, glossy mixture. This well-balanced spread brings creaminess combined with that playful heat from the jelly. Add the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar into this mix, folding everything together to evenly combine all the elements for every single bite to have amazing flavor and gooey cheese.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the sausage filling generously into each dough cup inside the mini muffin tin. Make sure every cup is generously filled to the brim for maximum deliciousness. Pop the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, keeping a close eye until the dough turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, let the bites cool for a few minutes so they hold their shape and are comfortable to pick up and enjoy.
How to Serve Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add freshness, sprinkle chopped green onions or finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives atop the bites just before serving. The green pop adds a bright contrast to the rich colors and also builds on the mild onion flavor already in the bites if you’ve added green onions to the filling.
Side Dishes
These Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites pair beautifully with simple, fresh accompaniments such as a crisp mixed greens salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or fresh sliced fruit to add a refreshing balance. They also complement a warming cup of coffee or a fresh squeezed juice for a perfect breakfast or brunch ensemble.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing spread, arrange your bites on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter paired with small bowls of additional pepper jelly or sour cream for dipping. You can also serve these bites alongside soft scrambled eggs or wrapped in a warm tortilla as a fun fusion snack. Presentation can truly transform this simple recipe into a charming conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of these Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Proper storage will maintain their flavor and prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
Freezing
These bites also freeze well for up to 2 months. Place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This makes them a perfect make-ahead breakfast or party appetizer option to pull out when you need a quick, satisfying bite.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisped back up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the dough soggy and take away from that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I make these bites vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the breakfast sausage for a plant-based sausage alternative or cooked and seasoned mushrooms to keep that savory flavor without meat.
What kind of pepper jelly should I use?
Classic red pepper jelly works best for a balanced sweet-heat flavor. If you love spice, try a hot pepper jelly or add red pepper flakes to boost the heat in the filling.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! Cheddar is traditional, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture.
How many bites does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 24 mini bites, perfect for sharing or meal prepping for a few days.
Are these bites suitable for freezing?
Definitely. They freeze and reheat wonderfully, making them ideal for making ahead and enjoying later without sacrificing taste or texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyful about sharing these Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe with friends and family. They bring together familiar flavors with exciting twists that wake up your palate and brighten any morning or gathering. So heat up that oven, gather your simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a little bite of breakfast magic. You won’t regret it!
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Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini bites 1x
Description
Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make morning treat combining savory breakfast sausage, creamy pepper jelly-infused cream cheese, and shredded cheddar, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a tasty appetizer, these mini bites deliver a balance of sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup pepper jelly
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Dough
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Prepare Crescent Cups: Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles and cut each triangle into 3 equal pieces. Press one piece of dough into each mini muffin cup, shaping it to form a small cup that will hold the filling.
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and pepper jelly until smooth. Stir in the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Optionally, add chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture into each prepared crescent dough cup, filling them generously. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use hot pepper jelly or add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- These bites can be reheated easily, making them ideal for meal prep or grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
