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This savory-sweet breakfast creation combines the best of both worlds with French toast wrapped around sausage for a morning meal that satisfies all cravings. My kids started requesting these roll-ups for weekend breakfasts, and now they've become our special tradition when we have a bit more time in the mornings.
I created this recipe when trying to make breakfast more exciting for my picky eaters. What started as an experiment has turned into our most requested weekend breakfast, especially when we have guests staying over.
Ingredients
- Bread slices: White or wheat both work well, but I prefer white for its softer texture and ability to roll without cracking
- Breakfast sausage links: Choose high-quality links with natural casings for the best snap when you bite into them
- Large eggs: Farm-fresh eggs create a richer custard coating
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, whole milk works best but any variety will do
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness without adding sugar, pure extract offers better flavor than imitation
- Cinnamon: Provides warmth and classic French toast flavor, Ceylon cinnamon offers a more delicate taste
- Butter: For cooking, salted butter adds extra flavor and helps create a golden crust
- Maple syrup: Use real maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for an authentic flavor
- Powdered sugar: Optional for dusting, creates a beautiful presentation for special occasions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the sausages:
- Cook breakfast sausage links according to package instructions until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This typically takes about 10 minutes. The sausages should be fully cooked but not overcooked as they will continue to cook slightly when wrapped in the French toast.
- Prepare the bread:
- While the sausages cook, remove the crusts from your bread slices using a sharp knife. Take each slice and gently roll it with a rolling pin until flattened to about 1/4-inch thickness. The bread should be thin enough to wrap around the sausage but not so thin that it tears.
- Make the custard mixture:
- In a shallow bowl wide enough to fit your bread slices, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined. The mixture should be uniform in color with no streaks of egg white visible. This creates the classic French toast flavor base.
- Roll the sausages:
- Take one flattened bread slice and place a cooked sausage at one end. Roll the bread tightly around the sausage, pressing gently to seal the edge. If the bread does not stay closed, you can secure it with a toothpick temporarily. Repeat with all remaining bread and sausages.
- Cook the roll-ups:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat until it begins to bubble but not brown. Dip each rolled sausage into the egg mixture, ensuring it's completely coated on all sides. Place in the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and the egg coating is completely cooked.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Remove any toothpicks and transfer to serving plates. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve immediately while still warm for the best taste and texture.
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The cinnamon is my secret weapon in this recipe. I actually double the amount called for because my family loves that warm, sweet spice flavor that combines perfectly with the savory sausage. Every time I make these, the kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma that never fails to bring everyone to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent the roll-ups from unrolling while cooking?
Secure each roll-up with a toothpick before dipping in the egg mixture and cooking. Be sure to remove them before serving!
- → Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use white, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread. Just ensure the slices are large enough to wrap around the sausages.
- → What can I serve with these roll-ups?
They pair well with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or even yogurt for a complete breakfast or brunch.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and store the roll-ups in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat them in a skillet or oven when ready to serve.
- → Are there vegetarian or healthier options?
You can substitute the sausages with plant-based or turkey sausage for a vegetarian or lighter version.