Get ready to discover your new favorite breakfast obsession: Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Rolls. This recipe is the perfect marriage of sweet, gooey cinnamon rolls and savory, delicious breakfast sausage. It’s an incredibly simple, crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re planning a special holiday brunch, a fun weekend breakfast for the kids, or just craving a unique treat, this recipe delivers on all fronts. In just a few easy steps, you can create a memorable meal that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors in every single bite.
Why This Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a Must-Try
You’re going to fall in love with this recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s unbelievably easy to make, using just a handful of simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. It’s the kind of recipe that delivers a “wow” factor without any of the stress. It’s also a fantastic way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen. The salty, savory sausage is the perfect complement to the warm, sweet cinnamon and sugary icing, creating a flavor combination that is truly irresistible. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a few key ingredients to create this mouthwatering breakfast.
- Canned Cinnamon Rolls: We recommend using a standard 12.4 oz can of 8 refrigerated cinnamon rolls. The included icing is perfect for the finishing touch!
- Breakfast Sausage Links: You’ll need 8 fully cooked breakfast sausage links. Using pre-cooked links saves time and ensures they are perfectly done inside the warm cinnamon roll.
- Optional Maple Syrup: A little brush of maple syrup before baking can add an extra layer of delicious caramelized flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sausage.
That’s it! This short ingredient list makes it a perfect recipe for a last-minute breakfast idea. For another savory breakfast favorite, check out our Chipotle Breakfast Sandwich.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Rolls
Follow these simple steps to create a flawless batch of sweet and savory rolls. We’ve broken it down to ensure you get golden, delicious results every time.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking pan or a similar-sized baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Separate the Dough: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and carefully separate each of the 8 rolls. Place the icing container aside for later.
- Assemble the Rolls: Take one cinnamon roll and unroll it into a long strip of dough. Place one cooked sausage link at one end of the strip.
- Wrap Them Up: Tightly wrap the strip of cinnamon roll dough around the sausage link. Tuck the end of the dough under the roll to secure it. Repeat this process for all 8 sausage links.
- Arrange in Pan: Place each wrapped sausage roll into your prepared baking pan, leaving a small amount of space between them for expansion.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll dough is a beautiful golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Drizzle: Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, drizzle the reserved icing over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!
Pro Tips for Recipe Success
Want to make your Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Rolls even better? Here are a few expert tips.
- Pat the Sausage Dry: Before wrapping, gently pat the sausage links with a paper towel. This removes any excess grease and helps the dough adhere better.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there’s a little space between each roll. This allows hot air to circulate, ensuring the dough bakes evenly all the way around.
- Warm the Icing: For a smoother, more drizzle-able consistency, you can microwave the icing for 5-10 seconds before applying it.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is fantastic, there are many ways to customize it! If you love cinnamon rolls, you should also try our famous Cinnamon Roll Bars.
- Cheesy Pigs: Before wrapping the sausage, place a small slice of cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on the dough for a gooey, cheesy surprise.
- Spicy & Sweet: Use a spicy breakfast sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet icing.
- Bacon-Wrapped: For the ultimate savory twist, use pre-cooked bacon strips instead of sausage links.
- Maple Glaze: Instead of the included icing, create a simple maple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a tablespoon of pure maple syrup.
Make-Ahead and Storage Guide
These rolls are great for planning ahead! They are a perfect addition to a make-ahead breakfast spread.
How to Make Ahead
You can assemble the Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare them as directed, place them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove them from the fridge while the oven preheats and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for about 20-30 seconds for a soft texture, or place them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their slight crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. Place the unbaked rolls in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the cook time.
Absolutely! For a delicious variation, you can use strips of pre-cooked bacon. Simply wrap the cinnamon roll dough around the bacon strips just as you would with the sausage links.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or, for a crispier result, in an air fryer or oven.
Yes, the included icing is perfect for this recipe! For the best consistency, we recommend warming it for 5-10 seconds in the microwave before drizzling it over the warm rolls.
Fully cooked breakfast sausage links are the best choice. They are the perfect size and using pre-cooked sausage ensures they are heated through perfectly by the time the cinnamon roll dough is baked.
The Perfect Sweet and Savory Breakfast
This Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Rolls recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves that irresistible combination of sweet and savory. It’s a fun, simple, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for making any morning feel special. We know you’ll love it as much as we do!
If you tried this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest!
Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Rolls (The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Treat)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking pan.
- Open the can of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside. Separate each roll, then unroll one into a long strip of dough.
- Place a sausage link at one end of the dough strip and wrap the dough snugly around it. Tuck the end to secure. Repeat for all 8 sausages.
- Place the wrapped rolls in the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the dough is golden brown.
- Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes in the pan. Drizzle with the reserved icing and serve warm.
Notes
Tip 2: Feel free to add a thin slice of cheddar cheese to the dough before wrapping for a cheesy version!
