Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups

This delightful breakfast mashup combines the best of both worlds - savory breakfast sausage wrapped in sweet French toast. When I first made these for my family, what started as a creative way to use leftovers has become our most requested weekend breakfast treat. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates that perfect breakfast harmony that both kids and adults crave.

I created this recipe one Sunday morning when we had overnight guests and needed something impressive but easy. These roll-ups have now become our signature breakfast for special occasions.

Ingredients

• Bread slices: white or wheat bread works beautifully as the tender wrapper for your sausages
• Breakfast sausage links: choose high-quality links with visible herbs for the best flavor profile
• Large eggs: the foundation of any good French toast creates that golden exterior
• Milk: adds richness to the egg mixture while keeping the bread moist
• Vanilla extract: brings warmth and depth to the French toast flavor
• Cinnamon: this warming spice elevates the French toast and balances the savory sausage
• Butter for cooking: adds that irreplaceable golden color and rich flavor
• Maple syrup: the finishing touch that brings everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Sausages:

Cook your breakfast sausage links according to package directions until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I prefer to pan-fry them until they develop a slight caramelization on the exterior which adds incredible flavor to the final dish.

Prepare Bread:

Remove the crusts from each slice of bread and use a rolling pin to flatten them completely. Press firmly but gently to avoid tearing the bread. The flatter the bread, the easier it will be to roll around your sausage.

Mix French Toast Batter:

In a wide, shallow bowl, thoroughly whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is completely smooth. The consistency should be even throughout with no streaks of egg white visible.

Assemble Roll-Ups:

Place one cooked sausage link at the end of each flattened bread slice and roll tightly from end to end. The bread should completely encase the sausage. If the roll seems loose, secure temporarily with a toothpick which you'll remove before serving.

Cook Roll-Ups:

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Dip each roll-up in the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly. Place in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown, rotating every minute or so to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Serve Immediately:

Place roll-ups on warmed plates and drizzle generously with maple syrup. If desired, dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra special presentation.

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My family particularly loves the contrast between the crisp exterior and the soft, custard-like interior of the bread. My daughter once called these "breakfast treasure rolls" because of the sausage surprise inside, and the name has stuck in our home ever since.

Make-Ahead Options

These roll-ups are perfect for busy mornings. You can prepare them the night before up to the point of dipping in the egg mixture. Store the assembled roll-ups and egg mixture separately in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply dip and cook as directed. This makes them perfect for holiday mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Flavor Variations

While the classic version is delicious, you can easily customize these roll-ups to suit your preferences. Try using Italian sausage with a sprinkle of mozzarella inside the roll-up for an Italian twist. For a southwestern version, use chorizo sausage and add a pinch of chili powder to your egg mixture. You can even go sweet by using chicken apple sausage and adding a thin layer of cream cheese to the bread before rolling.

Kid-Friendly Cooking Project

This recipe is perfect for getting little ones involved in the kitchen. Kids can help flatten the bread with a rolling pin, roll up the sausages, and even help dip the rolls in the egg mixture. Having children participate not only teaches them valuable cooking skills but also makes them more likely to try and enjoy the finished dish. My six-year-old nephew proudly calls himself the "roll-up master" in our family.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with turkey sausages or plant-based sausages for a healthier or vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store prepared roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.

→ Do I have to remove the bread crusts?

Removing the bread crusts helps the roll-ups hold their shape and ensures even cooking, but you can leave them on for a heartier texture.

→ What topping pairs best with these roll-ups?

Maple syrup and powdered sugar are classic choices, but you can also try fruit jams or chocolate syrup for added flavor.

→ Can I make these in advance for a party?

Yes, you can prepare the roll-ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Cook them just before serving for best results.