These Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups are the ultimate grab-and-go morning meal, perfect for busy weekdays or a leisurely weekend brunch. Each roll-up features a savory filling of perfectly cooked breakfast sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melty shredded cheddar cheese, all wrapped snugly in a soft, warm tortilla. The exterior of the tortilla is often lightly browned and sometimes seasoned, providing a delightful textural contrast to the tender interior. These roll-ups are incredibly satisfying, offering a complete breakfast experience in a convenient, portable package.
What truly makes these breakfast roll-ups a family favorite is their comforting combination of classic breakfast flavors and their simple, assembly-line preparation. The seasoned sausage adds a robust, meaty base, while the eggs provide a light and airy texture, and the cheese brings a creamy, gooey element that binds everything together. They are not only delicious fresh out of the pan but also reheat beautifully, making them excellent for meal prepping ahead of time. This versatility makes them a go-to option for hectic mornings when you need a nutritious and delicious start to your day without sacrificing flavor or quality. The process involves cooking the sausage and scrambling the eggs separately, then warming tortillas, filling them generously, rolling them up, and giving them a quick pan-fry or bake to achieve that appealing golden finish. The aroma of breakfast sausage and warm tortillas filling your kitchen is sure to get everyone out of bed! These roll-ups are highly customizable; you can add sautéed vegetables, different cheeses, or even a dash of hot sauce to the filling to suit individual tastes, ensuring they become a cherished part of your breakfast repertoire. They are substantial enough to keep you full until lunch, making them a practical and delightful choice for any breakfast occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, or a blend like Colby Jack)
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk or 2% recommended, for fluffier eggs)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional additions for extra flavor:
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 cup finely diced bell pepper (any color)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley
For the Roll-Ups:
- 8-10 large (burrito-size, about 10-inch) flour tortillas
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, for pan-frying (optional, for browning)
- Optional seasoning for tortillas:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, crumble the breakfast sausage and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until it is fully browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. If using, add the finely diced onion and bell pepper during the last 5-7 minutes of sausage cooking, stirring occasionally until they soften.
- Once the sausage is cooked, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. You can blot it with paper towels if necessary. Set the cooked sausage aside in a bowl.
- Scramble the Eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Using the same skillet (you can wipe it clean if there’s excessive residue from the sausage, or leave a little for flavor), melt a tiny bit of butter or oil over medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet.
- Cook the eggs, stirring gently and consistently with a spatula, until they are set but still soft and fluffy. Do not overcook them, as they will continue to cook slightly when rolled. If using, stir in fresh chives or parsley during the last minute of cooking. Transfer the scrambled eggs to a separate bowl.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups:
- Warm Tortillas: For easier rolling and to prevent tearing, warm your tortillas slightly. You can do this by wrapping a stack of 2-3 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 15-20 seconds, or by heating them briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10-15 seconds per side until pliable.
- Prepare your station: Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Layer the filling: Towards the bottom third of the tortilla (closest to you), spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the cooked sausage.
- Top the sausage with about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the scrambled eggs.
- Sprinkle a generous tablespoon or two of the shredded cheddar cheese over the eggs and sausage. If adding other optional ingredients like a pinch of red pepper flakes to the individual roll-ups, do so now.
- Roll them up: Fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then starting from the bottom (the side closest to you), tightly roll the tortilla upwards into a log. Ensure the ends are tucked in neatly to prevent filling from spilling out. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Optional Browning (for a crispier exterior):
- In a clean large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Carefully place the assembled roll-ups seam-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning as needed, until they are golden brown and lightly crispy, and the cheese inside is fully melted. If desired, sprinkle the optional garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning onto the tortillas as they brown in the skillet for extra flavor.
- Alternatively, you can place the assembled roll-ups on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. This method is great if you’re making a large batch.
- Serve: Serve the Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups immediately while warm. They are excellent on their own, or with sides of salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, or avocado slices for dipping.
Make-Ahead and Storage: These roll-ups are fantastic for meal prep! Assemble and cook them fully. Let them cool completely, then wrap each roll-up tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, remove plastic wrap and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy. You can also freeze them: wrap individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a microwave or oven until warm.