If you’re looking for a breakfast that combines the comforting sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the savory satisfaction of breakfast sausage, look no further than Breakfast Pigs Cinnamon Sausage. This indulgent yet easy-to-make morning recipe takes inspiration from the classic “pigs in a blanket” — but with a delightful twist. Imagine warm, gooey cinnamon dough wrapped around juicy breakfast sausages, baked until golden, then drizzled with creamy icing for a sweet-and-savory masterpiece that’s impossible to resist.
This recipe is perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or as a fun breakfast-for-dinner treat. Let’s dive deep into how to make these delicious breakfast bites from scratch, along with tips for achieving that perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Time
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Preparation time: 15 minutes
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Cooking time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 35 minutes
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Servings: 8 servings (2 rolls per serving)
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Calories: Approximately 310 calories per serving
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Dough (Homemade Option)
If you want to make your own dough instead of using store-bought cinnamon rolls:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1 packet (2 ÂĽ tsp) instant yeast
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¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg, room temperature
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½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling
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â…“ cup brown sugar, packed
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Sausages
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8 breakfast sausages (pork or turkey)
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1 tablespoon butter or oil (for browning)
For the Glaze (Optional but Delicious)
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 tablespoon milk
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ÂĽ teaspoon vanilla extract
Shortcut Option:
If you’re short on time, you can use a can of store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls (like Pillsbury) — just unroll and wrap around the sausages.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sausages
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or drizzle a small amount of oil. Add the breakfast sausages and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until they’re browned but not fully cooked through. They’ll finish baking in the oven later. Remove them from the skillet and let them cool slightly on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Dough (Skip if Using Store-Bought)
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the egg and mix well.
Gradually add in the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until you get a thick, spreadable paste.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×9 inches). Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the surface.
Step 5: Assemble the Breakfast Pigs
Cut the dough into long strips (about 1½ inches wide). Place one cooked sausage at the end of each strip and roll it up tightly so the sausage is completely wrapped in the dough.
If using pre-made cinnamon roll dough, unroll each piece, place a sausage at one end, and roll it up the same way.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place each rolled sausage onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down. Make sure there’s some space between each roll to allow for rising.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the cinnamon dough is puffed and golden brown. The sausages inside should be fully cooked and juicy.
Step 7: Add the Glaze
While your breakfast pigs are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner drizzle or more powdered sugar for thickness.
Once the rolls are done, let them cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
These are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, when the icing melts slightly into the cinnamon crust and the sausages are steaming hot inside. Serve them as-is for breakfast or pair them with a side of scrambled eggs, fruit salad, or coffee.
Serving Ideas
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Maple Glaze Variation: Replace the milk in the glaze with maple syrup for a warm, aromatic twist.
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Cheesy Version: Before rolling, sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the cinnamon layer for a sweet-savory fusion.
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Mini Bites: Cut the dough strips in half before wrapping smaller sausages for bite-sized treats perfect for brunch parties.
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Cinnamon Sugar Finish: Before baking, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar for extra crispness.
Tips for Perfect Breakfast Pigs Cinnamon Sausage
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Use Quality Sausages:
Choose sausages that are flavorful but not too salty. Maple or brown sugar-flavored breakfast sausages complement the cinnamon perfectly. -
Seal the Edges Well:
Pinch the dough edges tightly around the sausages before baking to prevent them from unrolling. -
Don’t Overbake:
Keep a close eye near the end of baking time — overbaking will dry out the dough and the sausages. -
Customize the Sweetness:
If you prefer a more savory version, reduce the sugar in the cinnamon filling and skip the glaze. The result will be a slightly sweet, buttery bread wrapping the sausage. -
Freezing Tip:
You can freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. -
Add Nuts or Fruit (Optional):
For a gourmet twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or bits of apple inside before rolling the dough.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~310 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 340 mg |
These values are estimates based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on your choice of sausage and dough.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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It’s the best of both worlds: The sweet cinnamon roll dough complements the savory sausage flavor beautifully.
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Kid-friendly: Children love these bite-sized rolls — they’re fun to eat and perfect for dipping in syrup.
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Easy to make ahead: You can assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and bake fresh in the morning.
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Versatile: Works with pork, turkey, or even plant-based sausages for different dietary preferences.
This dish truly transforms your breakfast table into something special — imagine warm, soft cinnamon bread with crispy edges, a tender sausage in the middle, and just enough sweetness to make every bite heavenly.
Storage and Reheating
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To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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To reheat: Microwave for 15–20 seconds or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
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To freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for about 10–12 minutes.
Perfect Pairings
These sweet and savory breakfast bites go beautifully with:
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Freshly brewed coffee or cappuccino
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Vanilla or caramel latte
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Fresh orange juice
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A side of scrambled eggs or a fruit bowl
For an indulgent brunch, serve them alongside maple bacon, crispy hash browns, or vanilla yogurt parfaits.
Final Thoughts
Breakfast Pigs Cinnamon Sausage bring together two breakfast favorites — cinnamon rolls and sausages — in a delightful fusion that hits every craving at once. The contrasting flavors of sugar and spice, the buttery dough wrapping around a juicy sausage, and the final drizzle of icing make each bite unforgettable.
Whether you’re hosting brunch for family, prepping a cozy weekend breakfast, or looking to surprise your kids with something new, this recipe delivers comfort, creativity, and pure satisfaction.
So next time you want to break free from the ordinary, bake a batch of these irresistible Breakfast Pigs Cinnamon Sausage — they’re guaranteed to make your morning deliciously unforgettable.