
This sausage egg and cheese breakfast slider recipe transforms ordinary breakfast ingredients into an irresistible, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weekend brunches or game day gatherings. The combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese nestled between sweet Hawaiian rolls creates the ultimate handheld breakfast experience.
I first made these sliders for a family reunion breakfast and they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Now they have become our Christmas morning tradition while we open gifts, since everyone can eat at their own pace without a formal sit down breakfast.
Ingredients
- Ground pork sausage: The foundation of flavor in these sliders. The slightly sweet notes in breakfast sausage complement the Hawaiian rolls perfectly.
- Hawaiian rolls: Their subtle sweetness creates the perfect balance with the savory fillings. The soft texture also holds everything together beautifully.
- Scrambled eggs: Creates a creamy layer that adds richness. Cook them slightly underdone as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Pepper jack cheese: Adds a gentle heat that elevates the entire slider. Look for a quality brand that melts well.
- American cheese: Provides that classic melty texture that holds everything together. Opt for deli sliced rather than individually wrapped slices for better flavor.
- Butter: Creates a golden brown top and adds richness. Use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness.
- Maple syrup: The secret ingredient that creates an addictive sweet glaze. Always use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for the best flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat. This temperature allows for gentle, even cooking that melts the cheese without burning the rolls.
- Cook the sausage patties:
- Form the ground sausage into 12 equal patties slightly larger than your rolls. Remember they will shrink while cooking. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly cooked with no pink remaining, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Avoid pressing down on the patties as this releases their flavorful juices.
- Prepare the rolls:
- Use a long serrated knife to slice the entire sheet of rolls horizontally, keeping them connected. This creates a bottom slab and top slab. Place the bottom half in your baking dish, creating a base for building your sliders.
- Layer the fillings:
- Start with a layer of scrambled eggs spread evenly across the bottom rolls. This creates a bed for the other ingredients. Next add the pepper jack slices, followed by the cooked sausage patties, ensuring each roll area has a patty. Top with American cheese slices for that perfect melt.
- Create the glaze:
- Mix melted butter and maple syrup until completely combined. This sweet and savory mixture transforms ordinary rolls into something magical. The butter helps the tops brown beautifully while the maple syrup adds caramelization.
- Assemble and bake:
- Place the top half of the rolls over the layered ingredients. Pour the butter maple mixture over the tops, allowing it to seep down the sides and into the bottom. Make sure to use all the glaze. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the tops are golden brown.

The first time I served these at a tailgate, I watched a friend eat four in one sitting. He now requests them for every football gathering we host. The combination of sweet rolls and savory filling creates an almost addictive quality that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Make Ahead Tips
These sliders are perfect for advance preparation. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to account for the chilled ingredients. The ability to prepare these ahead makes them perfect for busy mornings when you want something special without the work.

Customization Options
These sliders welcome customization based on your preferences. Try substituting bacon or ham for the sausage, or use a combination for even more flavor. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with vegetable sausage patties. The cheese varieties can also be switched according to taste crispy cheddar creates more texture, while monterey jack offers a milder flavor. For a spicier version, add a thin layer of sriracha or hot sauce to the eggs. You can also incorporate vegetables like sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or caramelized onions between the egg and cheese layers.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders stand perfectly on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides elevates the meal. Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery contrast to the sweet and savory sliders. For brunch gatherings, set up a slider bar with additional toppings like avocado slices, hot sauce, and fresh herbs allowing guests to customize their experience. For an extra special touch, serve with a side of warm maple syrup for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the ground pork sausage with turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian sausage patties based on your preferences.
- → What’s the best way to scramble the eggs?
Cook the eggs on medium-low heat while continuously stirring to create soft, fluffy scrambled eggs.
- → Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and bake them right before serving.
- → Can I make these without the maple syrup glaze?
Yes, the glaze is optional. However, it adds a sweet and savory flavor that enhances the taste of the sliders.
- → What’s the best type of cheese to use?
Pepper jack and American cheese are recommended, but you can use other types like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone based on your preference.
- → Can I freeze the sliders for later use?
Yes, you can wrap the assembled sliders individually in foil and freeze them. Simply bake from frozen when ready to enjoy.