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If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s bursting with sweet, spicy, and savory flavors all at once, you have to try this Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe. These little pockets of joy bring together perfectly seasoned breakfast sausage, a tantalizing hint of pepper jelly, and flaky biscuit dough for a combination that’s utterly irresistible. They bake up golden and flaky on the outside with a juicy, flavorful filling inside, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or even a party appetizer. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be flying off your plate at lightning speed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze with these straightforward ingredients that each play a key role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture. From savory sausage to that standout pepper jelly, every item adds something special to these bites.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference; this is the hearty base that makes the dish so satisfying.
- 1/4 cup pepper jelly: Adds a sweet and spicy kick that makes these bites truly unique—store-bought or homemade works great.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts beautifully for a creamy, sharp contrast to the pepper jelly’s sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle aromatic warmth to the sausage mixture.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings an extra layer of spice to complement the pepper jelly.
- 1 package mini biscuit dough: Provides a tender, flaky crust that holds everything together perfectly; homemade versions work just as well.
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 until it’s browned and crumbled, about 6 to 8 minutes. This forms the rich, savory heart of your bites. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to avoid sogginess, then mix in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. These spices elevate the sausage flavor without stealing the show, ensuring every bite is deeply satisfying.
Step 2: Prepare Your Bakeware and Dough
While the sausage cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy cleanup. Roll out your mini biscuit dough and cut it into smaller rounds that fit snugly into each muffin cup. Press each round into the bottom and up the sides of the cups to create a perfect little dough “cup” ready to hold the filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Bites
Fill each biscuit dough cup with about a tablespoon of the seasoned sausage mixture, packing it gently but evenly. On top of that, spoon roughly a teaspoon of pepper jelly to add a bright sweetness with a bit of bite. If you opted for cheese, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar on top of each one. This triple layer of sausage, jelly, and cheese promises a perfect harmony of flavors.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when the biscuit dough turns a beautiful golden brown and looks flaky and cooked through. Once out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes so you don’t burn your mouth but still enjoy them warm and melty.
How to Serve Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh pop of color and flavor, consider topping these bites with chopped fresh chives or parsley. A light dollop of sour cream can also offer a creamy balance to the sweet heat of the pepper jelly. These simple touches can transform a party bite into a little gourmet delight.
Side Dishes
Pair these sausage bites with fresh fruit, like orange slices or grapes, for an easy and refreshing contrast. A crisp green salad or some roasted breakfast potatoes can round out the meal, turning it into a full breakfast or brunch plate that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, try serving these Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe on a beautiful wooden board with small bowls of extra pepper jelly and spicy mustard for dipping. You can also thread a toothpick through each bite for easy grabbing at parties or brunch buffets. Their hand-held size makes them incredibly versatile for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These breakfast bites keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they are cooled to room temperature before storing to prevent sogginess. They’re great for quick breakfasts or snacks the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save these for another time, they freeze beautifully. Arrange the cooled bites on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to heat just the amount you need.
Reheating
To warm leftovers or frozen bites, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain the biscuit’s crispness and melts the cheese properly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that freshly baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken sausage can be substituted to lighten up the dish, but keep in mind the flavor might be milder. Adding a pinch more seasoning can help boost the taste.
Is the pepper jelly really necessary?
The pepper jelly is what makes this recipe stand out with its delightful sweet and spicy twist. While you could skip it, you would lose that unique flavor contrast that defines these bites.
Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free biscuit dough or even puff pastry made without gluten to keep the recipe friendly for those with gluten sensitivities, just make sure the dough fits well into your muffin tin cups.
How spicy are these bites?
The spice level mainly depends on your choice of sausage and pepper jelly. Using mild sausage and a milder jelly will keep it tame, whereas spicy sausage or hot pepper jelly can add a nice kick. Adjust according to your family’s preference.
Can I prepare these the night before and bake in the morning?
Definitely! Assemble the bites in the muffin tin and cover them tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge overnight. When ready, bake as directed; you might need an extra couple of minutes if the bites are cold from refrigeration.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and exciting about making and sharing this Easy Pepper Jelly Sausage Breakfast Bites Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for any busy morning or casual get-together. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a surefire crowd-pleaser, and I’m confident it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine. Give it a try and watch these bites disappear fast!
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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 combination of savory sausage, sweet and spicy pepper jelly, and fluffy biscuit dough, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a tasty appetizer, they offer a flavorful bite-sized treat that’s quick to prepare and guaranteed to please crowds.
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. Continue cooking until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season the sausage: Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to enhance the flavor of the sausage mixture.
- Prepare the 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 that will fit into the muffin cups. Press each dough round firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cups to create a base.
- Add sausage filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooked sausage mixture into each biscuit-lined muffin cup, spreading it evenly.
- Top with pepper jelly and cheese: Add approximately 1 teaspoon of pepper jelly over the sausage in each cup. If desired, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor and richness.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuit dough turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the pan. Then, carefully remove them from the muffin tin and serve warm.
- Enjoy: These bites make a perfect breakfast item, appetizer, or snack – enjoy their perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors!
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or spicy sausage and picking a pepper jelly that suits your taste.
- The addition of cheddar cheese is optional but adds a nice creamy texture and flavor contrast.
- If mini biscuit dough is unavailable, use regular biscuit dough and cut it into appropriately sized rounds.
- These bites can be prepared ahead and reheated gently in the oven to retain their crispiness.
- Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
