Breakfast is often said to be the most important meal of the day, and what better way to start your morning than with a warm, savory, and satisfying dish? The Cream Cheese Sausage & Egg Breakfast Braid combines all the delicious flavors of a hearty breakfast into one perfect dish. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch or looking for a family-friendly breakfast, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
This breakfast braid is a unique twist on the classic breakfast sandwich, incorporating cream cheese, sausage, and eggs into a delicious, flaky pastry. The combination of creamy cream cheese, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs, all wrapped in crescent rolls, creates a warm and indulgent breakfast treat. You can even make a batch of breakfast sliders with the leftover filling for an easy grab-and-go breakfast option. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delightful breakfast dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the Cream Cheese Sausage & Egg Breakfast Braid, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 package of Crescent Rolls (preferably the dough sheets for easier assembly)
- 1 lb of breakfast sausage (spicy or mild, depending on your preference)
- 4 large eggs
- 4 oz of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 tbsp of milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
- 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter for greasing
These ingredients are easy to find and can be customized based on your preferences. For example, you can swap the sausage for bacon or ham if you prefer a different protein. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for added flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
- Start by cooking the sausage. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and crumble the sausage as it cooks. Stir occasionally, ensuring that the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
- In the same skillet, add the eggs and scramble them until they are fully cooked. Add 2 tbsp of milk to make the eggs fluffier. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
- Mix Cream Cheese
- In a medium-sized bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the shredded cheddar cheese. You can use a hand mixer or simply stir the ingredients together with a spoon. The cream cheese will help bind the sausage and eggs together, making the filling rich and creamy. If you prefer a more spreadable consistency, you can add a small amount of milk to loosen it up.
- Assemble the Braid
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or butter.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough on the baking sheet. If you’re using crescent roll dough sheets, lay them out flat and pinch together any seams.
- Use a knife to cut slits along both sides of the dough, leaving a center section where you’ll add the filling. The slits should be about 1 inch wide and extend about 2 inches from the edge.
- Fill the Braid
- In the center of the dough, spread a thin layer of the cream cheese sausage mixture. Layer the scrambled eggs on top of the cream cheese, followed by the cooked sausage. Sprinkle any leftover shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy bite.
- Braid the Dough
- Now, it’s time to create the braid. Starting at the top, fold the slits over the filling, alternating sides, so that it forms a braid-like pattern. You can overlap the dough strips slightly for a neat, secure braid. Pinch the edges together at the ends to seal the filling inside.
- Bake the Breakfast Braid
- Place the assembled braid into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through. You may want to check the center of the braid to make sure the dough is cooked and that the filling is heated through.
- Serving and Garnishing
- Once the breakfast braid is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Slice it into individual pieces and garnish with fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, for an extra pop of color. This dish is perfect when served with a side of fruit salad easy or a refreshing beverage like orange juice or coffee.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While the Cream Cheese Sausage & Egg Breakfast Braid is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it to your tastes:
- Add Veggies: You can add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Swap the Sausage: If you’re not a fan of sausage, try using cooked bacon, ham, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh.
- Breakfast Sliders: After baking, cut the braid into smaller pieces to make breakfast sliders. You can serve them on mini buns or slider rolls for an easy, portable breakfast option.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a small amount of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese varieties such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for added flavor.
Benefits of Making a Breakfast Braid
Making a Breakfast Braid at home is not only easy, but it’s also a great way to ensure you’re eating a nutritious breakfast. Here are some reasons why this dish is an excellent choice for your morning meal:
- Balanced Meal: The combination of protein from the sausage and eggs, healthy fats from the cream cheese, and carbohydrates from the crescent rolls creates a well-rounded meal.
- Quick and Easy: You can prep the ingredients in advance, and the baking time is relatively short, making it a great option for busy mornings.
- Customizable: As mentioned, you can personalize the ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a spicier version or want to add more vegetables.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make multiple batches of this dish ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a few days. It also reheats well, making it an ideal option for breakfast on the go.
- Family-Friendly: The Cream Cheese Sausage & Egg Breakfast Braid is a hit with both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for family breakfasts, holiday gatherings, or weekend brunches.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your Cream Cheese Sausage & Egg Breakfast Braid with a refreshing and nutritious side dish. A fruit salad easy to prepare can add a fresh contrast to the richness of the breakfast braid. Here’s a simple fruit salad recipe to complement your meal:
Quick Fruit Salad Recipe:
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1 cup of cubed watermelon
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 tbsp of honey or maple syrup (optional)
- A handful of mint leaves for garnish
Mix the fruits together in a bowl, drizzle with honey if desired, and garnish with fresh mint leaves. This vibrant and refreshing side dish adds a burst of flavor to balance the savory breakfast braid.
Conclusion
The Cream Cheese Sausage & Egg Breakfast Braid is a delicious and indulgent breakfast option that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a show-stopping centerpiece for a brunch or making breakfast sliders for a fun, portable meal, this recipe is versatile and sure to please everyone. The combination of sausage, eggs, and cream cheese wrapped in crescent rolls creates a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and filling. Try this recipe today, and you’ll have a delicious, hearty breakfast that will keep you going all day long!
