If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing breakfast or snack that comes together with minimal fuss, this Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine golden, flaky biscuit cups loaded with savory sausage, a subtle hint of garlic and onion, topped with a sweet and spicy pepper jelly that pops with each bite. These little bites are not only delicious but also versatile, perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or even as a fun party appetizer. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for any occasion that calls for big flavor in a small package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe shine. Let’s break down why each is essential for your Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Use mild or spicy based on your flavor preference; this is the heartiness and savory base of the bites.
- 1/4 cup pepper jelly: Offers a delightful balance of sweetness and heat that brightens every bite.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Adds a creamy, melty richness if you love cheesy breakfast treats.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Elevates the sausage with a gentle onion undertone.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right kick of spice to round out the seasoning.
- 1 package mini biscuit dough: The buttery, flaky vessel that holds all the delicious fillings. You can also use homemade biscuit dough if you prefer.
How to Make Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Season the Sausage
Start by browning the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spatula to get nice, even crumbles. Cooking it fully ensures every bite bursts with flavor and juiciness. After it’s browned, drain off the excess grease for a less greasy bite. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to infuse the meat with aromatic, balanced seasoning that complements the pepper jelly beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Dough Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). To get those perfectly flaky bites, grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Roll out the mini biscuit dough and cut it into smaller rounds that will fit snugly into each muffin cup. Press each dough round into the muffin tins, forming little cups that will cradle the savory and sweet fillings.
Step 3: Assemble the Bites
Spoon about a tablespoon of the cooked sausage mixture into each biscuit cup, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Next, add a teaspoon of pepper jelly on top of the sausage for that signature kick of sweet heat. If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top to add gooey creaminess that melts perfectly in the oven.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Pop the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for golden brown biscuit edges—the perfect sign that your bites are ready! Once baked, let them cool slightly before removing them from the tin so they hold their shape and are easier to handle.
How to Serve Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh touch by garnishing these bites with finely chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The herbs not only brighten the appearance but also add a subtle freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sausage and pepper jelly.
Side Dishes
These bites are fantastic on their own but pair wonderfully with classic breakfast sides like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a colorful fruit salad. They also make a brilliant snack on their own during afternoon gatherings or game days.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch buffet, arrange these bites on a platter lined with lettuce or kale leaves. Add small dipping bowls of extra pepper jelly or honey mustard for guests to customize their bites. You can also thread a toothpick or decorative skewer through each one to make grab-and-go appetizers perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover breakfast bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy your Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe anytime without starting from scratch.
Freezing
These bites freeze beautifully! After cooling completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. This way, you’ll always have a quick breakfast or snack option on hand.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds on a microwave-safe plate if you’re short on time, though the oven gives better texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is traditional here, you can substitute with spicy Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based alternative to suit your dietary preferences.
Is homemade pepper jelly better than store-bought?
Both work well, but homemade pepper jelly lets you control sweetness and spice levels. Store-bought varieties are a convenient and tasty option that saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes, swap the biscuit dough for your favorite gluten-free biscuit or pastry dough. Just be mindful of baking times and check for doneness as gluten-free doughs can sometimes bake faster or slower.
How spicy are these bites?
The spice level depends mostly on the pepper jelly and sausage you choose. Using mild sausage and mild pepper jelly results in a gentle warmth, while spicier versions deliver a noticeable kick. You can adjust both to your taste.
Can I prepare these the night before?
You can assemble the bites the night before and refrigerate them unbaked, then bake fresh in the morning. This is a great way to save time while still serving hot, fresh bites.
Final Thoughts
Making these Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe is such a joyful culinary adventure that brings a deliciously unique blend of flavors to your table. They’re simple enough for a busy morning, yet special enough to impress guests any time of day. Give this recipe a try—you may find it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your breakfast or snack rotation. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites combine savory breakfast sausage with a sweet and spicy pepper jelly topping, all nestled inside flaky mini biscuit dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a flavorful appetizer, these bite-sized treats are simple to make and sure to impress with their balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping and Dough
- 1/4 cup pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 package of mini biscuit dough (or homemade biscuit dough)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up into crumbles. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season the Sausage: Drain any excess grease from the sausage, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Form Biscuit Bases: Roll out the mini biscuit dough and cut it into smaller rounds. Press each round firmly into the muffin cups to create the base for your breakfast bites.
- Add Sausage Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooked sausage mixture into each biscuit-lined muffin cup.
- Top with Pepper Jelly and Cheese: Add a small spoonful (approximately 1 teaspoon) of pepper jelly on top of each sausage portion. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the jelly if desired for added richness.
- Bake the Bites: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm as a delicious breakfast, brunch item, appetizer, or snack. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level of the sausage or pepper jelly to suit your taste preferences.
- Using paper liners makes cleanup easier but is optional.
- These bites can be prepared in advance and reheated gently before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheddar cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
