Growing up in a warm, bustling kitchen filled with the aromas of sizzling sausage and cinnamon, my grandmother had a magical way of turning even the simplest ingredients into something unforgettable. One of her summertime favorites—and now a family classic—was her sausage french toast roll-ups. It’s a delightful twist on a breakfast staple, combining the savory richness of breakfast sausage with the sweet, spiced hug of French toast. These roll-ups are not just easy to make but also irresistibly tasty and kid-approved.
In this recipe, I’ll walk you through every step to bring this golden, gooey, flavor-packed breakfast to your table. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a quick make-ahead option for busy summer mornings, this recipe is a must-have in your culinary collection.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: American
- Dish Type: Breakfast, Brunch
Ingredients
For the Roll-Ups:
- 12 slices of soft white bread (crusts removed)
- 12 fully cooked breakfast sausages (pork or chicken)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
For the Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional for Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Instructions of Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Gently roll each slice of bread flat using a rolling pin.
- Ensure the bread is pliable and thin enough to roll easily without tearing.
Step 2: Add the Sausage
- Place one cooked sausage on the edge of each flattened bread slice.
- Roll tightly, securing the sausage in the center.
- Repeat for all 12 roll-ups.
Step 3: Mix the Egg Batter
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Dip and Soak
- Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture.
- Let it soak for 5–10 seconds, ensuring full coverage.
- Shake off excess batter.
Step 5: Cook the Roll-Ups
- Heat butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add roll-ups seam-side down.
- Cook in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- While still warm, roll each cooked roll-up in the cinnamon sugar.
Summer Serving Tips
These roll-ups are amazing on their own, but here’s how I serve them when the summer heat calls for something a little extra:
- Berry Medley: Serve with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fresh, tart contrast.
- Chilled Whipped Cream: A dollop adds a dreamy, creamy touch.
- Frozen Maple Syrup Drizzle: Yes, I freeze small portions into mini cubes and melt just before serving—it’s a refreshing surprise!
Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly
Want to prep ahead for lazy summer mornings?
- Freeze Before Cooking: Assemble and soak the roll-ups, place on a tray, freeze, then transfer to a bag.
- To Cook from Frozen: Thaw overnight and cook as directed, or bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Variations to Tr
- Cheesy Sausage: Add a thin slice of cheddar inside each roll-up before rolling.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of cayenne to the egg mix.
- Sweet & Nutty: Spread a little Nutella before adding the sausage for a chocolatey spin.
Pro Tips from My Nonna
- Use day-old bread for best absorption and minimal tearing.
- Don’t over-soak; soggy roll-ups won’t hold shape.
- Use real vanilla extract—it makes all the difference.
Why These Roll-Ups Are So Popular
These sausage french toast roll-ups strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet. Their grab-and-go nature makes them ideal for brunch buffets, road trips, or even a playful dinner-for-breakfast twist.
Plus, they’re:
- Kid-friendly
- Portable
- Customizable
- Great for meal prep
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Savory Herb and Cheese French Toast Bake
- Bacon and Egg Breakfast Muffins
- Homemade Maple Breakfast Sausage
- Stuffed French Toast with Cream Cheese & Berries
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 16g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups
These sausage french toast roll-ups blend savory sausage with sweet cinnamon toast. Easy to make and perfect for summer brunches!
- Non-stick skillet
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing Bowl
Main Ingredients
- 12 slices white bread (crusts removed)
- 12 breakfast sausages (fully cooked)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing pan)
For Coating
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Flatten each slice of bread using a rolling pin.
Place a cooked sausage on each slice and roll tightly.
Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
Dip each roll-up in the egg mixture and soak for a few seconds.
Heat butter in a skillet and cook roll-ups until golden brown on all sides.
Mix sugar and cinnamon, then roll cooked roll-ups in the mixture while warm.
Serve with maple syrup or fresh berries for a delightful summer breakfast treat. Can be made ahead and frozen.
Conclusion: A Summer Morning Favorite, All Rolled Up
There’s something deeply comforting about recipes that bridge the gap between sweet and savory—and these sausage french toast roll-ups do exactly that. Inspired by summer mornings with my grandmother, they’re a reminder that the best dishes often come from humble beginnings. Whether you’re hosting brunch on the patio, prepping for a road trip, or just spoiling yourself with a special breakfast, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and a bit of nostalgia in every bite.
So grab your skillet, flatten that bread, and start rolling your way into breakfast bliss. These roll-ups are more than just a recipe—they’re a summer memory waiting to be made.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use turkey or plant-based sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage work beautifully and offer healthier or vegetarian alternatives without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make these roll-ups the night before?
Yes! Assemble and soak them in the egg mixture, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just cook and coat with cinnamon sugar.
What bread works best for roll-ups?
Soft white sandwich bread is ideal. Avoid artisan loaves—they tend to crack when rolled.
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Definitely! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
How can I keep these warm for a brunch party?
Keep them in a warm oven (around 200°F or 90°C) on a baking sheet until ready to serve. They’ll stay crispy and delicious.
Do these freeze well?
Yes. Freeze them before or after cooking. Just reheat in a skillet or bake from frozen until heated through.
Is it okay to use gluten-free bread?
Yes, but make sure it’s flexible enough to roll without cracking. Some gluten-free brands may crumble when flattened.
More Brunch-Worthy Breakfast Ideas
- Keep the pancake theme going with a fluffy classic from Buttermilk Pancake House.
- For a baked version of your morning favorite, try the Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole.
- Prefer a flaky side to your roll-ups? Try this Croissant Bread Healthy option.
- Round out your table with a hearty Easy Frittata Recipe (Summer Brunch) for extra protein.
- Need something fruity and festive? These Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries Recipe are sweet and creamy.
- Make it fun for the kids (or your inner kid) with an Easter Dirt Cake Casserole on the side.
- Cap off brunch with Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies for a comforting treat.
