Description
Soft, savory breakfast rolls made with an easy one-rise yeast dough and filled with seasoned sausage, melted cheddar, and a touch of egg for richness. These sausage and cheese breakfast rolls are the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch centerpiece—warm, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
For the Filling
16 oz (453 g) breakfast sausage
¼ cup (36 g) yellow onion, minced
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
For the Dough
¼ cup (60 ml) milk
½ cup (129 g) water
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
3 cups (390 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
Make the Filling
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage and minced onion until the sausage is browned and fully cooked.
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Drain off excess grease and transfer the mixture to a bowl. Allow it to cool completely.
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Once cooled, add the melted butter, beaten egg, salt, and shredded cheddar. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
Make the Dough
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In a small saucepan, warm the milk, water, and sugar over low heat until the mixture reaches about 115°F.
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Remove from heat. Stir in the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour with the salt, melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix until smooth.
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Gradually add the remaining flour, stirring until a soft dough begins to form.
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Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
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Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
Assemble the Rolls
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Roll the dough into an 8×14-inch rectangle.
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Spread the sausage filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
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Beginning with the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
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Use a sharp knife to slice into 12 equal rolls.
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Place the rolls cut-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Rise & Bake
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Cover the dish and let the rolls rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Sausage: Any style works—mild, spicy, maple, or herbed.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend will also melt beautifully.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the rolls the night before, cover tightly, refrigerate, and let them rise an extra 20–30 minutes in the morning before baking.
- Freezing: Rolls freeze well after baking. Wrap tightly and reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.