Get ready to discover your new favorite breakfast obsession. These Sausage Cinnamon Roll-Ups are the perfect marriage of sweet and savory, combining fluffy, warm cinnamon rolls with hearty, flavorful breakfast sausage. This incredibly simple recipe delivers a “wow” factor that’s perfect for lazy weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or even as a fun and unexpected appetizer. If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that takes minimal effort, you’ve found it. We’re about to make your breakfast routine unforgettable.
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the delightful contrast of flavors. The sweet icing drizzled over the warm, savory sausage and soft pastry creates a taste sensation that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s a fantastic recipe for getting kids involved in the kitchen and is ready in under 30 minutes!
Why This Sausage Cinnamon Roll-Ups Recipe is a Game-Changer
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for so many reasons. First, the prep time is practically nonexistent. Using refrigerated cinnamon roll dough means you skip all the complicated steps of making dough from scratch. Second, the sweet and savory combination is perfectly balanced. It hits all the right notes, making it a satisfying meal for any time of day. This isn’t just another breakfast; it’s an experience that feels gourmet but is secretly one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make. For another easy breakfast idea, check out these amazing Sheet Pan Pancakes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its short ingredient list. You only need two main items, with the icing already included!
- Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: One standard 12.4 oz can of 8 cinnamon rolls. Any brand like Pillsbury works perfectly.
- Cooked Sausage Links: You’ll need 8 pre-cooked breakfast sausage links. Pat them dry before using to ensure the dough wraps snugly around them.
- Cream Cheese Icing: This comes included with the cinnamon rolls, ready for drizzling.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Roll-Ups
Making these Sausage Cinnamon Roll-Ups is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result every time.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Unroll and Separate: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and carefully separate each of the 8 rolls. Set the included icing packet aside for later.
- Flatten the Dough: Take one cinnamon roll and unroll it into a long strip of dough. Gently press the seams together if they separate. You can use your fingers or a rolling pin to slightly flatten the strip, creating a wider surface to wrap the sausage.
- Wrap the Sausage: Place one cooked sausage link at the end of the dough strip. Tightly wrap the dough around the sausage until it is completely encased. Place the roll-up seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat: Continue this process for the remaining 7 cinnamon rolls and sausages, arranging them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is a beautiful golden brown and cooked through.
- Drizzle and Serve: Let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes before drizzling them with the cream cheese icing. Serve immediately while they’re warm and gooey!
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Cinnamon Roll-Ups
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few expert tips can elevate it from great to absolutely irresistible.
- Pat the Sausage Dry: Before wrapping, make sure to pat your cooked sausage links with a paper towel. Removing excess grease helps the dough adhere better and prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the roll-ups enough space on the baking sheet. Placing them about 2 inches apart ensures that heat circulates evenly, allowing them to puff up and cook to a perfect golden brown on all sides.
- Watch Them Closely: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on your roll-ups during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from getting too dark.
- Warm the Icing: For a smooth, easy drizzle, snip the corner of the icing packet and microwave it for just 3-5 seconds. This makes it the perfect consistency for decorating.
Creative Variations to Try
This simple recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity. If you want to mix things up, try one of these delicious variations of the classic Sausage Cinnamon Roll-Ups.
Add a Cheesy Twist
For an extra layer of savory goodness, add cheese! Before you wrap the sausage, place a small slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on the dough strip. The melted cheese pairs wonderfully with the sausage and sweet dough.
Spice It Up
If you like a little heat, use a spicy breakfast sausage. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon roll dough before wrapping or even a dash of hot sauce to the icing for a surprising kick.
Maple Bacon Bliss
For the ultimate breakfast indulgence, wrap each sausage link in a half-slice of pre-cooked bacon before wrapping it in the cinnamon roll dough. You can also substitute the cream cheese icing with a simple maple glaze for a flavor that screams brunch perfection. This variation reminds us of our popular Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole.
How to Make Ahead, Store, and Reheat
These Sausage Cinnamon Roll-Ups are a fantastic option for planning ahead.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the roll-ups a day in advance. Prepare them up to the point of baking, place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready, bake them straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat the roll-ups in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the dough a bit soft.
If you enjoy make-ahead breakfast recipes, you might also love this Eggs Benedict Bake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Placing a small slice of cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese on the dough before wrapping the sausage is a delicious and popular variation. The melted cheese adds an extra savory element.
Yes! You can assemble the roll-ups, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time when cooking them from cold.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until crispy and warmed through.
These are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, or a side of yogurt to create a more complete and balanced breakfast or brunch.
Pre-cooked breakfast sausage links work best for convenience and flavor. You can use pork, turkey, or chicken sausage. For a different flavor profile, try maple-infused or spicy sausage links.
Share Your Creation!
We are absolutely certain that these Sausage Cinnamon Roll-Ups will become a staple in your home. They are the perfect dish to share with family and friends who will be begging you for the recipe! If you make them, we would love to see your creations. Snap a picture and share it with us on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
Sausage Cinnamon Roll-Ups Recipe
Sausage Cinnamon Roll-Ups: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Open the can of cinnamon rolls, separate each of the 8 rolls, and set the icing packet aside.
- Unroll one cinnamon roll into a long strip of dough. Gently flatten the strip with your fingers or a rolling pin.
- Place one cooked sausage link at the end of the dough strip and tightly wrap the dough around it.
- Place the roll-up seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for all 8 sausages.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes before drizzling with the icing. Serve warm.
Notes
Don't Overcrowd: Leave at least 2 inches between each roll-up for even baking.
Warm the Icing: Microwave the icing packet for 3-5 seconds for a perfect drizzle consistency.
