Name: Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound breakfast sausage; 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed); 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup pepper jelly (plus more for topping); 1 egg (beaten for egg wash); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional); Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper

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Imagine a breakfast treat that stops everyone in their tracks, blending savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a sweet little kick in a flaky pastry bite. That’s the magic of Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites: equal parts brunch showstopper and effortless weekday pick-me-up. Each bite is a symphony of contrasting textures and bold flavors, wrapped up in golden puff pastry — and the best part is, they’re easy enough to make on a busy morning or prep ahead for a crowd.

Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of key ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s impressively complex in taste but delightfully straightforward in preparation. Each component plays a starring role, bringing everything from creamy tang to irresistible crunch. Here’s what you’ll need:

Breakfast sausage: Brings savory, meaty depth to every bite; choose your favorite for mild or spicy flavor.
Puff pastry (thawed): The ultimate shortcut for a light, flaky base that makes these bites feel bakery-level fancy.
Cream cheese (softened): Lends a creamy, tangy layer that balances the spicy-sweet jelly and hearty sausage.
Pepper jelly (plus more for topping): Delivers sweet heat and glossy color, making each bite pop with flavor and visual appeal.
Egg (beaten): Used as an egg wash for irresistible golden shine and a light crisp on the pastry.
Chopped fresh chives (optional): Adds a fresh, herby brightness on top and a splash of color — completely optional, but lovely.
Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and ensures your pastry bakes up perfectly golden every time.

How to Make Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by firing up your oven to 400°F; you want a piping-hot environment for beautifully puffed pastry. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat it lightly with nonstick spray, making sure your breakfast bites will release effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Grab a skillet and cook your breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as you go. In about 5-7 minutes, the sausage will be browned and crumbly. When it’s ready, drain off any excess grease and let the mixture cool slightly so it won’t melt the pastry later.

Step 3: Cut and Prepare the Puff Pastry

Dust your work surface lightly with flour and gently unfold or unroll the thawed puff pastry. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice it into 12 equal squares. Try to keep them about the same size — this ensures even baking and tidy, bite-sized treats.

Step 4: Mix the Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly

In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and pepper jelly until you have a smooth, spreadable mixture. This sweet, tangy blend creates the luscious centerpiece of every bite.

Step 5: Fill the Pastry Squares

Spoon a small dollop (about a teaspoon) of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square. Follow up with a spoonful of the cooked sausage, nestling it gently on top of the cheese. The filling should stay in the middle to avoid too much spillage when baking.

Step 6: Shape and Seal

Now, pick up each pastry square and either fold the corners up to meet in the center, pinching lightly to seal, or simply leave them open for a more rustic look. There’s no wrong way here — it’s all about your style!

Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash

Brush the tops of each assembled bite with beaten egg. This tiny step makes a big difference, giving the pastry that bakery-style golden glow and crisp edges.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’re looking for a pastry that is deeply golden, gloriously puffed, and just starting to brown at the edges. Let the bites cool for a few minutes before handling — the filling will be piping hot!

Step 9: Top and Garnish

Finish your Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites with a little extra pepper jelly on top and a sprinkle of fresh chives for color and pop. Serve warm for a little breakfast magic!

How to Serve Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites

Garnishes

Simple touches go a long way: a dollop of pepper jelly adds a glossy sheen and a hint of sweetness, while chopped chives lend both brightness and elegance. For a festive platter, try a scattering of microgreens, or even a twist of freshly cracked black pepper to bring out the sausage’s savor.

Side Dishes

These morsels shine alongside a bowl of fresh fruit salad, a crisp green salad, or even classic breakfast potatoes. If you’re serving brunch, they’re lovely with a scone or a pastry on the side — and don’t forget a big pot of coffee or a pitcher of citrusy mimosas!

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, plate the bites on a rustic wooden board with tiny flags or cocktail picks. Stack them high on a cake stand for a stunning centerpiece, or layer on a buffet with other breakfast favorites for a “build-your-own-bite” spread. You can even tuck a couple in a lunchbox for a special midday treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is a big “if” with Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites!), just place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The pastry may soften slightly, but the flavors stay bold and delicious.

Freezing

These bites are true meal prep champions — assemble them right up to the baking step, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven from frozen, adding an extra couple of minutes to the bake time until heated through and crisp.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the bites in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry returns to its crisp, flaky self. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven method keeps the texture at its addictive best.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Appetizer, Breakfast

Absolutely! Try swapping in spicy Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. Just make sure to cook and crumble it well so the texture is just right for filling your pastry squares.

What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry?

Thaw your puff pastry in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, still in its package to prevent it from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, you can leave it at room temperature for 30-40 minutes, but watch closely so it doesn’t become too soft to handle.

How spicy is pepper jelly?

Pepper jelly varies widely in heat level depending on the brand and type you buy. If you prefer a milder bite, opt for a sweet red pepper jelly; for more kick, look for “hot” or jalapeño versions. You can even make your own for a custom heat level!

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Definitely! Assemble the bites up to one day in advance, store them covered in the refrigerator, and leave the final bake (and topping) for just before serving. They bake beautifully from chilled, making them a host’s secret weapon.

Are Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites good for kids?

Kids love the hand-held format and the sweet-tangy flavor combo. If your little ones are spice-sensitive, choose a mild pepper jelly and a milder sausage; once they try them, these bites are bound to become a family favorite.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just spicing up an ordinary morning, Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites deliver all the flavor and fun you could want. I hope you’ll give them a try and watch them fly off the platter — they’re the kind of delicious you’ll crave again and again!

Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 12 bites 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites are a perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors wrapped in a flaky puff pastry. Great for brunch or as a holiday appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage Filling:

1 pound breakfast sausage

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)

Cream Cheese Mixture:

4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup pepper jelly (plus more for topping)

Additional:

1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick spray.
Cook sausage: Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease and let it cool.
Prepare pastry: Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 12 squares.
Make filling: Mix cream cheese and pepper jelly until smooth. Place a spoonful on each pastry square followed by sausage. Fold corners and seal or leave open.
Egg wash and bake: Brush pastries with egg wash and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
Finish: Cool slightly, top with pepper jelly and chives if desired.