Introduction:

These savory sausage bites are perfectly balanced with a sweet and spicy pepper jelly glaze, making them the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat. Flaky crescent roll dough, creamy cheese, and flavorful sausage come together in one irresistible bite. A quick and easy recipe that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients:

1 pound breakfast sausage
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup pepper jelly
1 package (1.5 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
Place a spoonful of the sausage mixture at the wide end of each triangle and roll it up, starting from the wide end to the point.
Place the rolled sausage bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the sausage bites are baking, heat the pepper jelly in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth.
Once the sausage bites are done, remove them from the oven and brush the melted pepper jelly over the top of each bite.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Variation:

Switch Up the Meat: Instead of using traditional breakfast sausage, try ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a different twist. Ground turkey will offer a leaner version of the bites, while plant-based sausage can be an excellent option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Each variation will still pair wonderfully with the creamy cheese and pepper jelly glaze, though the flavor and texture may slightly change.
Experiment with Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese provides a nice sharpness, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella for a gooey and melty interior, or pepper jack cheese if you want an added kick. You could also try a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a bit of Parmesan for a more complex flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: For a more balanced bite, try adding finely diced vegetables to the sausage mixture. Ingredients like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms can boost the flavor and add texture to your sausage bites. These additions also help to enhance the freshness of the dish and make it a bit more nutritious.

Cooking Notes:

Choose the Right Sausage: The sausage is the star of this recipe, so selecting the right one is key. Opt for a breakfast sausage with a good balance of fat and seasoning. If you’re using lean sausage, consider adding a little extra butter or oil to ensure the filling stays moist and flavorful. If you’re using spicy sausage, you may want to tone down the heat in the glaze or serve with a cooling dip.
Properly Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the sausage and cheese. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend smoothly, and you might end up with chunks of cream cheese in the mixture. To soften quickly, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds or leave it out for 30 minutes before starting.
Be Mindful of Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep a close eye on the sausage bites as they bake. They should be golden brown and puffed up, with the crescent dough fully cooked through. If you notice that the tops are browning too quickly, but the insides aren’t fully done, you can cover the bites with foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent over-browning.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with a Simple Salad: These sausage bites are rich and savory, so pairing them with a light salad can balance the meal. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of the sausage and cream cheese, creating a well-rounded dish. You could also try adding sliced avocado or a sprinkle of nuts for extra texture.
Pair with a Fruit Platter: The sweet and spicy glaze on the sausage bites pairs beautifully with fresh fruit. Serve alongside a platter of juicy watermelon, strawberries, or pineapple to complement the savory flavors. The sweetness from the fruit also adds an extra refreshing touch to the overall meal.
Perfect for Brunch Buffets: These sausage bites are ideal for a brunch buffet. Set them out next to other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, quiche, or fruit salad. Because they’re finger foods, guests can easily grab a couple and enjoy them while mingling. They also pair wonderfully with coffee, fresh juice, or a mimosa for a celebratory brunch.

Tips:

Make Ahead for Busy Mornings: These sausage bites can be prepped the night before to save time on a busy morning. After assembling the bites, cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven, and you’ll have a hot, delicious breakfast ready in under 20 minutes.
Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is a crucial step. It helps to prevent the sausage bites from sticking, which makes for easier cleanup. It also ensures that they cook evenly, as the parchment paper absorbs some of the excess grease from the sausage while baking.
Keep an Eye on the Temperature of the Pepper Jelly: To ensure the jelly coats the sausage bites properly, heat it gently over low heat to avoid burning. Stir occasionally and make sure it becomes smooth and liquid before brushing it on the bites. If the jelly is too thick, you can add a small amount of water to thin it out.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 560mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can use any breakfast sausage of your choice—mild, spicy, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage alternatives. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may change depending on your choice, but the result will still be delicious!
Can I make these sausage bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage bites the night before by assembling them and refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. Simply bake them in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch. If you’re making them ahead for a party, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze the sausage bites?
Yes! These sausage bites freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Can I use a different type of dough?
If you don’t have crescent roll dough on hand, you can try puff pastry, biscuit dough, or even phyllo dough as a substitute. Keep in mind that the texture will differ, but they’ll still make for a tasty treat.

Conclusion:

Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and sweet-spicy flavors in a convenient, bite-sized package. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing for a busy morning, or looking for a fun appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat that you can easily make ahead of time. The versatility of this recipe allows you to adjust it to your preferences, whether that means switching up the sausage, changing the dough, or playing around with dipping sauces. Enjoy these delicious bites as part of your next breakfast or as a savory snack for any occasion!

Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites

Author: Avery

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound breakfast sausage
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup pepper jelly
1 package (1.5 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
Place a spoonful of the sausage mixture at the wide end of each triangle and roll it up, starting from the wide end to the point.
Place the rolled sausage bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the sausage bites are baking, heat the pepper jelly in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth.
Once the sausage bites are done, remove them from the oven and brush the melted pepper jelly over the top of each bite.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

You can use any type of breakfast sausage, depending on your flavor preference (mild or spicy).
For extra flavor, try adding some red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture.
These bites are best served warm but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bite
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: sausage bites, pepper jelly, breakfast, easy recipe, savory snack, cheesy sausage, crescent roll, brunch bites, sweet and spicy