
This sausage, egg and cheese breakfast roll-up recipe transforms classic morning ingredients into portable, delicious bundles that make breakfast exciting again. The flaky crescent rolls wrap around savory sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melty cheese for a complete breakfast in every bite.
I created these roll-ups when my sister and her kids were visiting and needed something they could eat while rushing to catch their flight. Now they make these at home and send me pictures of their creative variations.
Ingredients
- Eggs: Provide protein and create the fluffy filling that holds everything together
- Pillsbury crescent rolls: Offer convenient flaky layers that bake to golden perfection
- Sausage links: Add savory flavor and protein
- Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds richness
- Salt and pepper: Enhance all the flavors without overpowering
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat while preparing the ingredients. A properly preheated oven ensures even cooking and the perfect golden color on your crescents.
- Prepare Eggs:
- Beat all five eggs in a small bowl, but remember to set aside about two tablespoons for brushing the rolls later. This egg wash creates that beautiful golden sheen on the finished roll-ups.
- Cook Eggs:
- Scramble the remaining beaten eggs in a nonstick pan over medium heat until just set but still slightly moist. Overcooked eggs will become dry during baking.
- Prepare Crescent Dough:
- Unroll the crescent dough on a clean work surface and separate into the eight triangles along the perforations. If the dough seems sticky, lightly flour the surface.
- Add Cheese:
- Cut each cheese slice in half diagonally and place one half on the wide end of each crescent triangle. The cheese serves as a barrier to prevent the eggs from making the dough soggy.
- Add Eggs and Sausage:
- Spoon a portion of scrambled eggs over the cheese and place one sausage link on top. Be careful not to overfill or the rolls may burst during baking.
- Roll the Crescents:
- Starting from the wide end, gently roll up each triangle, tucking in any filling that tries to escape. Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet with the point tucked underneath.
- Add Egg Wash:
- Brush the tops of each roll-up with the reserved beaten egg and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the crescents are puffed up and golden brown. The cheese inside should be completely melted.

The sausage links are really the star here. I discovered using fully cooked breakfast links saves time and ensures perfect texture. One Christmas morning, my nephew declared these better than presents, which might be the highest praise a breakfast recipe can receive.
Make-Ahead Options
These breakfast roll-ups work beautifully as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare them the night before, store them covered in the refrigerator, and bake them fresh in the morning. Just add a minute or two to the baking time if cooking from cold. You can even freeze the unbaked roll-ups for up to a month. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Customization Ideas
This recipe welcomes creative variations. Try swapping the sausage links for crispy bacon, ham, or even vegetarian breakfast patties. The cheese can be changed to pepper jack for spice lovers, Swiss for a milder flavor, or a Mexican blend for a southwestern twist. Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the egg mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. Some family favorites include adding a dash of hot sauce to the eggs or sprinkling everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these roll-ups fresh from the oven with a side of fresh fruit for a complete breakfast. For brunch gatherings, create a breakfast bar with these roll-ups alongside a bowl of salsa, sour cream, avocado slices, and hot sauce so guests can customize their toppings. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad for lunch or breakfast-for-dinner nights. For a special touch, drizzle maple syrup over the roll-ups just before serving for a sweet and savory combination.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover roll-ups will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a toaster oven on medium setting for 3-4 minutes. While microwave reheating works in a pinch, it may make the crescent dough slightly chewy rather than crisp. For best results when reheating, wrap each roll-up loosely in foil, leaving the top partially open to maintain some crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare these roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roll-ups a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh when ready to serve, or reheat pre-baked roll-ups in the oven for a few minutes until warm.
- → What other cheeses work well for this dish?
Cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss can be used as alternatives to cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- → How do I ensure the crescent rolls bake evenly?
Ensure the rolls are spaced evenly on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
- → Can I substitute the sausage links with other proteins?
Ground sausage, cooked bacon, or even cooked diced ham are excellent substitutes for the sausage links in this recipe.
- → How can I make these roll-ups vegetarian?
Replace the sausage links with sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
- → Can I freeze these roll-ups for later use?
Yes, bake the roll-ups fully and let them cool. Wrap individually and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.