Sausage, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups

After a particularly hectic week, craving a weekend filled with ease and deliciousness, I stumbled upon the Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups. Honestly, I was looking for something quick and satisfying that would please everyone from my picky-eater toddler to my always-hungry husband. Let me tell you, these roll-ups were a game-changer! From the moment the savory aroma of sausage filled the kitchen to the satisfying crunch of the lightly toasted tortilla, it was a breakfast experience that hit all the right notes. Even my little one, who usually greets breakfast with a frown, devoured these roll-ups with gusto, demanding “more, more!” The combination of perfectly cooked sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla, is simply irresistible. Not only were they incredibly easy to make – seriously, minimal effort for maximum flavor – but they were also wonderfully portable, making them perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch or even a grab-and-go breakfast on a busy weekday. If you’re searching for a breakfast that’s both crowd-pleasing and effortlessly delicious, look no further. These Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups are about to become your new morning staple.

Ingredients

• Breakfast Sausage: 1 pound, choose your favorite type – pork, turkey, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles work perfectly. The sausage provides the savory foundation of the roll-ups, adding a hearty and flavorful element.
• Large Eggs: 8 large eggs, the star of the breakfast show. Eggs create the fluffy and protein-packed filling that binds all the ingredients together.
• Shredded Cheese: 1 cup, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend. Cheese adds creamy richness and melty goodness, complementing the sausage and eggs beautifully.
• Large Flour Tortillas: 8 large flour tortillas, these act as the perfect vessel to hold all the delicious fillings, creating a portable and easy-to-eat breakfast.
• Milk or Cream: 2 tablespoons, adding a touch of milk or cream to the eggs ensures they stay moist and fluffy during cooking.
• Butter or Oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking the sausage and eggs. This prevents sticking and adds a touch of richness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, essential seasonings to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Optional Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes (for a little heat) – to customize the flavor profile of your roll-ups.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage

Begin by removing the sausage from its casings, if using links. Place the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble the sausage with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook the sausage until it is fully browned and cooked through, ensuring no pink remains. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes depending on the type of sausage. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Set the cooked sausage aside in a separate bowl and keep warm.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and add milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Whisk together thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined and the mixture is slightly frothy. This ensures a light and airy texture for your scrambled eggs. If you are using any optional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, add them to the egg mixture now and whisk to incorporate.

Step 3: Cook the Scrambled Eggs

Return the skillet to medium heat and add butter or oil. Once the butter is melted and shimmering or the oil is heated, pour the egg mixture into the hot skillet. Let the eggs cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds to a minute, allowing the bottom to set slightly. Then, using a spatula, gently push the cooked egg from the edges towards the center, tilting the pan to allow the uncooked egg to flow underneath. Continue this process until the eggs are mostly cooked but still slightly moist. Avoid overcooking the eggs, as they will continue to cook slightly off the heat and you want them to remain fluffy and tender in the roll-ups.

Step 4: Combine Sausage, Eggs, and Cheese

Once the eggs are cooked to your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked sausage to the skillet with the scrambled eggs. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the sausage and egg mixture. Gently stir everything together until the cheese starts to melt and is evenly distributed throughout the eggs and sausage. The residual heat from the eggs and sausage will melt the cheese perfectly.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

While the cheese is melting, prepare the tortillas. You can warm tortillas in several ways:

• Microwave: Stack the tortillas and wrap them in a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds until warm and pliable.
• Skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla individually for about 15-20 seconds per side, until softened.
• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tortillas in foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until warm.

Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking when you roll them up.

Step 6: Assemble the Roll-Ups

Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the sausage, egg, and cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. Be careful not to overfill the tortilla, as this can make it difficult to roll and may cause it to burst.

Fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, and then tightly roll up the tortilla from the bottom edge to the top edge, similar to rolling a burrito. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 7: Optional – Toast the Roll-Ups (Recommended for Extra Crispiness)

For an extra touch of crispiness and warmth, you can toast the roll-ups. There are a few ways to do this:

• Skillet: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Place the roll-ups seam-down in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the roll-ups seam-down on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and heated through.
• Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the roll-ups seam-down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once toasted (if desired), remove the Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups from the skillet, oven, or air fryer. Let them cool slightly for a minute or two before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese in a warm, portable roll-up!

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximately 1 roll-up – Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

• Servings: 8 roll-ups
• Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories per roll-up
• Protein: 20-25 grams

Please note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used, as well as portion sizes. For more accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific ingredients you are using.

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (for chopping vegetables, preparing ingredients)
• Cook Time: 15-25 minutes (for cooking sausage, eggs, and toasting roll-ups)

These Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups are wonderfully quick to prepare, especially for a satisfying and hearty breakfast. The majority of the time is spent cooking the sausage and eggs, and assembling the roll-ups is a breeze. For even faster preparation, you can use pre-cooked sausage crumbles, which will significantly cut down on the cooking time. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or when you need a delicious breakfast on the table in under 40 minutes.

How to Serve

These versatile Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Classic Breakfast Plate: Serve roll-ups alongside classic breakfast sides for a complete meal:
  • Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries, sliced melon, or a fruit salad adds a refreshing sweetness to balance the savory roll-ups.
  • Hash Browns or Potatoes: Crispy hash browns, roasted potatoes, or breakfast potatoes provide a comforting and starchy side.
  • Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole add healthy fats and a smooth texture.
  • Toast or English Muffins: For those who love extra carbs with breakfast, serve with a side of toast or English muffins.
• Grab-and-Go Breakfast: These roll-ups are incredibly portable, making them ideal for busy mornings:
  • Wrapped Individually: Wrap each roll-up in foil or parchment paper for easy grab-and-go breakfasts on weekdays or for picnics.
  • Lunch Boxes: Pack them in lunch boxes for a satisfying and protein-packed midday meal.
  • Road Trips: Perfect for road trips as they are easy to eat in the car and don’t require utensils.
• Brunch Spread: Elevate your brunch spread by offering a platter of these roll-ups alongside other brunch favorites:
  • Variety of Sauces: Offer a selection of dipping sauces like salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, guacamole, or cheese sauce for guests to customize their roll-ups.
  • Salad: A light and refreshing side salad with a vinaigrette dressing can complement the richness of the roll-ups.
  • Mimosas or Juice: Pair with mimosas, orange juice, or your favorite brunch beverages for a celebratory touch.
• Dipping Sauces: Enhance the flavor of your roll-ups with a variety of dipping sauces:
  • Salsa: Fresh salsa or pico de gallo adds a zesty and vibrant kick.
  • Hot Sauce: For those who like a bit of heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce is perfect.
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Cool and creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a refreshing contrast.
  • Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and avocado flavor.
  • Cheese Sauce: A warm cheese sauce, like nacho cheese or queso, adds extra cheesy indulgence.

Additional Tips for Perfect Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups

To ensure your Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups are absolutely perfect every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

1. Choose Quality Sausage: The flavor of the sausage is central to this recipe, so choose a high-quality sausage that you enjoy. Consider different types like spicy Italian sausage, maple sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile. For a healthier option, use turkey or chicken sausage. Vegetarian sausage crumbles are also a great substitute.
2. Don’t Overcook the Eggs: The key to fluffy and tender scrambled eggs is to avoid overcooking them. Cook the eggs until they are just set but still slightly moist. They will continue to cook slightly off the heat and will be perfectly cooked inside the roll-ups. Overcooked eggs will become dry and rubbery.
3. Warm Tortillas Properly: Warming the tortillas is crucial for making them pliable and preventing them from cracking when you roll them. Whether you use the microwave, skillet, or oven, ensure the tortillas are heated through and soft before filling them. Cold tortillas are prone to tearing.
4. Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: While it’s tempting to pack each roll-up with as much filling as possible, overfilling can make them difficult to roll and prone to bursting. Use a generous but manageable amount of filling for each tortilla, leaving some room at the edges for folding and rolling.
5. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your roll-ups. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack (for a spicy kick), Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses all work wonderfully. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
6. Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrients: Sneak in some extra vegetables for added nutrients and flavor. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes can be added to the sausage and egg mixture. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the eggs to ensure they are cooked through.
7. Make Ahead for Busy Mornings: These roll-ups are excellent for meal prepping. You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. For make-ahead roll-ups:
   • Assemble and Refrigerate: Prepare the roll-ups completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
   • Reheat: Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until heated through. For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
8. Freeze for Longer Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze these roll-ups.
   • Assemble and Freeze: Prepare the roll-ups completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
   • Reheat from Frozen: Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer. Baking or air frying is recommended for reheating from frozen to prevent sogginess and maintain texture. You may need to increase the cooking time when reheating from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use different types of tortillas?

A: Yes, absolutely! While this recipe calls for flour tortillas, you can definitely use other types based on your preference or dietary needs. Whole wheat tortillas offer a slightly nuttier flavor and more fiber. Corn tortillas can also be used, but they are less pliable than flour tortillas and may crack more easily, especially when rolling. If using corn tortillas, warm them very thoroughly to make them as flexible as possible. Gluten-free tortillas are also an option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Q2: Can I make these roll-ups vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can easily make vegetarian Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups! Simply substitute the breakfast sausage with vegetarian sausage crumbles or a plant-based sausage alternative. There are many delicious vegetarian sausage options available in most grocery stores. You can also add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to boost the flavor and heartiness of the vegetarian version.

Q3: How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

A: To prevent soggy tortillas, avoid overfilling them with the egg and sausage mixture. Also, ensure that you drain off any excess grease from the cooked sausage. If you are making these ahead of time and plan to reheat them, toasting the roll-ups in a skillet, oven, or air fryer before serving will help maintain their crispiness and prevent sogginess. When reheating from frozen, baking or air frying is especially recommended.

Q4: Can I add spices or herbs to the eggs?

A: Absolutely! Adding spices and herbs to the eggs is a great way to customize the flavor of your roll-ups. Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley can also be added to the cooked eggs for a fresh and vibrant flavor. Incorporate the spices and herbs into the egg mixture before cooking.

Q5: How long do these roll-ups last in the refrigerator?

A: Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when properly wrapped and stored in an airtight container or wrapped individually in plastic wrap or foil. Make sure to cool them completely before refrigerating. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Q6: Can I freeze these roll-ups?

A: Yes, these roll-ups freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping and make-ahead breakfasts. To freeze, wrap each roll-up tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Q7: What are some good dipping sauce options for these roll-ups?

A: There are many delicious dipping sauce options to pair with these roll-ups! Some popular choices include salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, guacamole, cheese sauce (like queso or nacho cheese), ranch dressing, or even a spicy mayo. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite combinations and cater to different tastes.

Q8: Can I make these roll-ups spicier?

A: Yes, if you enjoy a spicier breakfast, there are several ways to add heat to these roll-ups. You can use spicy sausage, such as chorizo or hot Italian sausage. You can also add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the sausage and egg mixture. Another option is to incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the egg mixture. Finally, serve the roll-ups with a spicy dipping sauce like a chipotle mayo or a hot salsa.

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