If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any time of the day, let me introduce you to the Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe. This delightful recipe brings together savory breakfast sausage, a touch of spicy-sweet pepper jelly, and flaky biscuit dough to create the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Each bite offers a comforting combination of spicy, sweet, and cheesy notes wrapped up in a golden, warm package that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re prepping for a family breakfast or a casual gathering, these bites deliver big on taste without any hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, but each plays a crucial role in turning simple components into an irresistible treat. From the rich sausage that brings hearty savor, to the pepper jelly that adds a tantalizing kick, every item contributes texture, color, and mouthwatering layers of flavor.
- Breakfast sausage (1 pound): Choose mild or spicy sausage depending on how much heat you want in your bites.
- Pepper jelly (1/4 cup): Adds the perfect balance of sweet and spicy that makes these bites stand out.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, optional): Melts beautifully on top to add a creamy, tangy layer.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances savoriness with a subtle depth of flavor.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a mild aromatic sweetness that complements the sausage.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of spice to round out the seasoning.
- Mini biscuit dough (1 package): The golden, fluffy base that holds everything together perfectly.
How to Make Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Season the Sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the breakfast sausage. Break it up into small crumbles as it browns evenly, usually about 6 to 8 minutes. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess grease and then stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This seasoning step is key to ensuring every bite explodes with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Tin and Dough
While your sausage simmers, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking. Unroll the mini biscuit dough and carefully cut it into smaller rounds. Press each piece firmly into the bottom of the muffin cups, creating a little dough cup ready to cradle your savory filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Bites
Next, spoon about one tablespoon of the cooked sausage mixture into the center of each biscuit dough cup. Then, add approximately one teaspoon of pepper jelly on top of the sausage – this is what infuses each bite with its signature sweet and spicy surprise. If you love cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar over everything now for that irresistible gooey finish.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the biscuit dough turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen will have you eagerly awaiting the first bite.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the sausage breakfast bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes them easier to handle. Serve warm and watch these little gems disappear fast!
How to Serve Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives over the bites for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness. A dollop of sour cream or cream cheese on the side also pairs wonderfully, balancing the spicy jelly with its rich creaminess.
Side Dishes
Black coffee or a fruity fresh juice complements these savory bites well, making them a perfect start to your morning. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a crisp mixed green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your pepper jelly sausage breakfast bites on a decorative platter with various dipping sauces like spicy mustard or honey mustard. You can also serve them as finger foods at brunch or cocktail parties—we promise they’ll be the first to vanish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves their flavor and texture perfectly.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the assembled but unbaked bites by placing the muffin tin in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the biscuit dough stays fluffier and less soggy when warmed in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of jelly instead of pepper jelly?
Absolutely! While pepper jelly adds that signature sweet and spicy kick, you can experiment with other jellies like apricot or cranberry for a sweeter, milder flavor profile. Just keep in mind the flavor impact.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
Breakfast sausage is the classic choice since it’s already seasoned and crumbled for easy cooking. You can choose mild or spicy based on your heat preference, or even try turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Can I make the biscuit dough from scratch?
Yes, homemade biscuit dough works beautifully if you prefer. Just make sure it’s rolled out to the right thickness and cut to fit nicely into your mini muffin tin to hold all the savory goodness.
Are these bites suitable for a crowd?
Definitely! This Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe yields 12 servings and can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings. They’re great for brunches, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
Can these be made gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the biscuit dough for your favorite gluten-free biscuit or pastry dough. Just be sure to check all other ingredients like the pepper jelly and sausage for hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this wonderful Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe in your back pocket, you’re ready to wow friends and family with an effortless yet incredibly tasty dish. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a special snack for entertaining, these bites offer big flavor with minimal fuss. Give them a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
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 are a delicious and savory snack perfect for breakfast or party appetizers. Featuring a flavorful blend of breakfast sausage seasoned with garlic, onion, and black pepper, topped with a sweet and spicy pepper jelly and optional cheddar cheese, all nestled inside tender mini biscuit bases baked to golden perfection.
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
Toppings 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. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season the Sausage: Drain any excess grease from the cooked sausage. Stir in the 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 for easy removal.
- Form the Biscuit Bases: Roll out the mini biscuit dough and cut it into smaller rounds if needed. Press each round firmly into the bottom and sides of the muffin cups to form a base and little crust walls.
- Assemble the Bites: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooked sausage mixture into each biscuit-lined muffin cup.
- Add Pepper Jelly and Cheese: Top each sausage-filled cup with about 1 teaspoon of pepper jelly, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if using.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the sausage bites to cool slightly in the muffin tin before removing. Serve warm as a delightful breakfast, appetizer, or snack.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy sausage and the type of pepper jelly.
- Using fresh homemade biscuit dough can add extra flavor and freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the biscuit dough with a gluten-free dough alternative.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the sausage to avoid greasy bites.
- These bites can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
