There’s something utterly satisfying about the warm, inviting aroma of sausage and eggs baked right into a golden braid. This Savory Breakfast Sausage Braid Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together so easily, it’s perfect for mornings when you want to impress without stress.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times this breakfast braid has rescued a rushed weekend morning or turned a casual brunch into a mini celebration. It has all the classic breakfast flavors you love—sausage, eggs, cheese—but wrapped up in this gorgeous braid that just makes you smile when you slice it.
- Effortlessly impressive: Looks like you spent hours, but it only takes about 35 minutes total.
- Balanced flavors: Savory sausage and creamy cheddar perfectly complement the soft scrambled eggs inside.
- Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents can’t get enough of this braid.
- Versatile and customizable: You can easily swap cheeses or add veggies to match your tastes.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic here lies in simple ingredients that play off each other beautifully. The refrigerated pizza dough creates a flaky, sturdy crust that holds all the filling, while the sausage adds a rich, meaty base. Eggs and cheese bring creaminess and a wonderful texture.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: Super convenient and bakes up with a crisp, golden crust that’s easy to braid.
- Ground breakfast sausage: Pre-cooked and crumbled to lock in flavor without making the dough soggy.
- Eggs: Scrambled soft with bell pepper adds moisture and a subtle sweetness.
- Milk: Keeps the eggs tender and fluffy when scrambled.
- Black pepper: Brings a gentle warmth and depth to the egg mixture.
- Diced red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a slight crunch that balances the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into melty pockets of sharp flavor throughout the braid.
- Melted butter: Brushed on top after baking for a shiny, rich finish.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Savory Breakfast Sausage Braid Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Sometimes I add mushrooms or spinach to the eggs, other times I swap cheddar for pepper jack to give it a little kick. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own—it’s a forgiving canvas.
- Variation: One time, I used turkey sausage to lighten it up, and honestly, it was just as delicious and a bit less greasy.
- Vegetarian swap: Try sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers with a plant-based sausage alternative for a meat-free version.
- Cheese alternatives: Mozzarella or Gruyere offer a different but equally tasty melt.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Savory Breakfast Sausage Braid Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Base
Start off by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier. When you unroll the pizza dough, gently press it into a rough rectangle shape. This is your canvas, so don’t stress if the sides aren’t perfect. Just aim for roughly equal sides to make braiding easier.
Step 2: Layer the Filling
Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage right down the center third of the dough. Don’t pile it too thick; you want room to fold the dough strips over without bursting the braid open. Then, scramble your eggs with milk, black pepper, and red bell pepper until just cooked—don’t overcook! Spread those eggs evenly over the sausage, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Cut and Braid
Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough on each side into 12-15 strips, making the slits about halfway across to the filling. Now comes the fun part: folding each strip over the filling, alternating sides in a crisscross pattern. This zig-zag fold is what makes the braid so eye-catching—take your time here, and don’t worry if it’s a little rustic; it’ll still taste amazing.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Pop the braid in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the dough is puffed and golden brown on top. When it’s out of the oven, immediately brush it with melted butter for that extra layer of richness and shine. Slice it up while it’s warm and be ready for all the compliments.
Top Tip
This Savory Breakfast Sausage Braid Recipe is so straightforward, but a few simple tricks truly elevate it based on my experience.
- Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to pile on the sausage and cheese, but keeping filling modest helps the dough cook evenly and prevents leaks.
- Pre-cook the sausage: I always brown the sausage beforehand to avoid soggy dough and ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Use a pizza cutter: Makes cutting the dough strips clean and easy—plus it saves your fingers during braiding.
- Brush with butter right away: Doing this while it’s hot locks in moisture and adds a gorgeous sheen that looks professional.
How to Serve Savory Breakfast Sausage Braid Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top—it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that balances the richness perfectly. A drizzle of hot sauce or a side of tangy salsa also works wonders if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
Pair this braid with crispy hash browns or a light mixed green salad for contrast. Fruit salad or fresh berries provide a nice, sweet complement that rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, I’ve laid the braid on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces—maple syrup, mustard, or chipotle mayo. It turns the whole thing into a fun build-your-own breakfast experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I wrap leftover braid tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for 3-4 days, and heating slices in a toaster oven brings back some of that lovely crispness.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the braid wrapped in foil and sealed in a freezer bag for up to a month. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the flaky texture.
Reheating
Heating slices in a toaster oven or regular oven on a baking sheet keeps the crust crisp without drying out the filling. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Homemade bread or pastry dough works beautifully, just make sure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness as the pizza dough to ensure even baking.
I prefer traditional pork breakfast sausage for authentic flavor, but you can swap in turkey sausage or even a spicy chorizo for a twist. Just be sure to cook it fully before adding it to the braid.
You can assemble the braid up to the braiding step a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it fresh for the best rise and crispness.
Cooking the sausage fully beforehand and using a moderate amount of filling helps avoid soggy dough. Also, spreading the eggs and cheese evenly and not too thickly keeps moisture balanced. Baking on parchment paper helps promote even heat.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Savory Breakfast Sausage Braid Recipe has become a weekly staple in my house for good reason. It’s comfort food wrapped in something fun and a little bit special. Whether you’re sharing it around the family table or impressing guests, I know you’ll enjoy the delicious layers and easy prep as much as I do. Give it a try and start your morning with a little extra joy!
Print
Savory Breakfast Sausage Braid Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This savory Breakfast Braid combines flaky pizza dough with a hearty filling of seasoned breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, red bell peppers, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch, it’s easy to assemble and bakes to a golden, flaky perfection with a buttery finish.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 10-ounce tube refrigerated pizza dough
Filling
- 12 ounce ground breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Dough Base: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet and gently press it into a rectangular shape, smoothing the edges to create an even base.
- Add Sausage: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage down the center one-third of the dough rectangle, forming a line of filling.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, black pepper, and diced red bell pepper until fully combined.
- Cook Scrambled Eggs: Pour the egg mixture into a hot skillet and scramble over medium heat until cooked through and slightly set.
- Assemble Filling: Evenly spread the cooked scrambled eggs over the sausage layer on the dough, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the eggs.
- Cut Dough Strips: Using a pizza cutter, cut strips about 12 to 15 on each side of the dough, running parallel to the sausage layer, to create alternating flaps for braiding.
- Braid the Breakfast Braid: Fold the dough strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided pattern that encloses the filling securely.
- Bake: Place the braid in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Add Butter Finish and Serve: Remove the braid from the oven, brush the top generously with melted butter for extra flavor and shine, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use fully cooked sausage to avoid excess grease in the braid.
- Ensure eggs are scrambled just until set to keep filling moist and tender.
- Press dough edges gently to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 478 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 173 mg

Leave a Reply