Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts Recipe
If you’re in the mood for something outrageously comforting that’ll turn any morning into a special occasion, these Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts absolutely hit the spot. Imagine flakey homemade pastry pockets stuffed with creamy sausage gravy, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese—basically everything you love about breakfast, all bundled into the perfect hand pie. They boast cozy flavors, golden crusts, and just the right amount of indulgence to make you leap out of bed. Whether you’re sharing them for brunch or sneaking one as a midnight snack, this treat is about to become your new favorite way to start the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to pull together these Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts, but each one is essential—contributing richness, flakiness, or a pop of morning flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand, plus some tips on how to make each ingredient truly shine.
- Breakfast sausage: Choose a good-quality sausage for maximum flavor; both spicy and mild work well here.
- All-purpose flour: This thickens the luscious gravy filling, making it spoonable and hearty.
- Milk: Whole milk works best to create a creamy, dreamy gravy.
- Seasoned salt: Adds depth and a hint of savory bite; Lawry’s or your favorite blend works perfectly.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked offers a welcoming little kick.
- Minced rosemary (optional): If you love a herbal note, this is a must—use fresh or dried.
- Sage (optional): Just a pinch brings a classic, cozy breakfast flavor.
- Eggs: You’ll need five for scrambling, and one more for the dough—plus an extra for the all-important egg wash.
- Shredded cheddar or jack cheese (optional): Melts deliciously on top or inside for maximum cheesiness.
- Everyday Seasoning (like Trader Joe’s) or other seasoning blend: Sprinkle on before baking for flair and flavor.
- All-purpose flour (for dough): The base of your impossibly flakey pop-tart crust.
- Salt (for dough): Brings out the flavor in each buttery bite.
- Vegetable shortening: This helps guarantee that irresistible, tender, layered pastry.
- Butter: Cold butter makes for flakey layers that shatter deliciously with each bite.
- White vinegar: Just a splash for a beautifully tender dough.
- Cold water: Keeps your dough light and easy to handle.
How to Make Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts
Step 1: Make the Sausage Gravy
Start by setting a large skillet over medium-high heat and let it get nice and hot. Add the breakfast sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks—you’re aiming for deep browning and lots of crispy, golden bits since these will flavor the gravy beautifully. Once your sausage is browned, do not drain off the fat (it’s all flavor!). Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat each morsel. Let this cook together for two or three minutes, which cooks off the “raw” flour taste and sets you up for creamy success.
Step 2: Create the Gravy Base
With a flat-bottomed whisk handy, slowly pour in your milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Lower the heat to medium low and keep stirring as the gravy starts to thicken—you’ll see it come together into a velvety base after about 4-5 minutes. Off the heat, add your seasoned salt, black pepper, and the optional rosemary and sage if you’re feeling herbal. Taste as you go—this gravy should be flavorful and irresistible. Set aside while you prep your next part.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
In a separate skillet, scramble five eggs just the way you like them. I love a soft scramble for a little creaminess, but cook them through if you prefer firmer eggs. Once done, set aside to cool slightly. These fluffy eggs will give the Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts their signature substantial “breakfasty” feel.
Step 4: Make the Pop-Tart Dough
Preheat your oven to 375 F so things are nice and hot for baking later. In a large bowl, mix together flour and salt, then cut in the vegetable shortening and butter using a fork (or pastry blender) until your mixture resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs. In another bowl, whisk together one egg, the white vinegar, and cold water until combined. Pour this mixture into the flour blend and stir gently until a dough forms—be careful not to overwork, as this is the secret to a tender, flaky crust!
Step 5: Shape and Assemble the Pop-Tarts
Turn your dough out onto a well-floured surface and split in half for easier rolling. Roll each portion to about 1/8-inch thick; use a ruler if you want perfect rectangles! Cut into 3 x 4-inch pieces—you’ll need two for each tart. Place bottom rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush edges with egg wash (one beaten egg mixed with two tablespoons water) to help things seal. Spoon on a layer of scrambled eggs, a spoonful of your dreamy sausage gravy, and a sprinkle of cheese if you like.
Step 6: Seal and Bake
Top each with another dough rectangle, gently stretching if needed to fit. Use a fork to crimp the edges all around, sealing in that glorious filling. These pop-tarts hardly expand, so nestle them close together on the sheet. Brush more egg wash on top, then sprinkle over your chosen seasoning blend and/or cheese. Bake for 25 minutes until beautifully golden. Cool for five minutes—you’ll want to dig in, but they’re piping hot!
How to Serve Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts
Garnishes
A few thoughtful garnishes can elevate Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts from delicious to completely unforgettable. Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives, a scattering of parsley, or even a little extra cheese. A dash of hot sauce or a dollop of creamy salsa on the side works wonders for a little flavor excitement.
Side Dishes
While Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts are definitely filling on their own, they’re wonderful as part of a breakfast spread. Pair them with crisp green salad, a medley of fresh fruit, or some roasted breakfast potatoes. And don’t forget ample coffee, tea, or fresh-squeezed juice for that classic brunch vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
One of the joys of Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts is how portable and easy they are to serve. Stack them high on a serving platter for a crowd, or wrap them up in parchment for a perfect breakfast-on-the-go. If you’re entertaining, lay them on a wooden board with ramekins of sauce and herbs so guests can customize each bite. They also make a stellar addition to a bountiful brunch buffet!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extras, keep any leftover Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, and make for a truly excellent snack or speedy weekday breakfast.
Freezing
These pop-tarts freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap each individually in plastic wrap, then pop into a large zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay at their best for up to two months. Label them with the date so you always know when you made them for perfectly planned, delicious mornings.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked taste, reheat refrigerated or frozen Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts in a 350 F oven for about 10-15 minutes (20 from frozen). For a quick fix, you can microwave them for a minute, but the oven method keeps the crust crisp and flaky. Let them cool a minute or two before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie dough instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, premade pie crusts work in a pinch. Just roll them to the right thickness and trim to size. The flavor and texture will be a little different from homemade, but still delicious.
Can these Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts be made vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms. Use a flavorful vegetarian gravy and the same egg and cheese fillings for an equally tempting vegetarian version.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely—feel free to add sautéed spinach, peppers, mushrooms, or even caramelized onions to the filling. Just be sure to cook off any extra moisture to keep the pastry crisp.
How do I prevent the pop-tarts from leaking during baking?
To avoid leaks, make sure to brush the dough edges with egg wash before sealing, and press firmly with a fork all around the edges. If your filling is very runny, let it cool and thicken a bit more before assembling.
Are Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts good for meal prep?
They’re fantastic for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead, store in the fridge or freezer, and reheat for a filling breakfast anytime. Plus, they travel well for work or school mornings.
Final Thoughts
I have a feeling these Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts are about to become a staple in your kitchen—just like they are in mine. There’s something truly magical about a homemade pastry piled with rich, satisfying breakfast flavors. Don’t wait for a special occasion; treat yourself (and anyone lucky enough to join you) to these any day of the week!
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Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 pop-tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts are a delicious twist on the classic sweet treat, featuring a flaky pastry filled with savory sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, and cheese. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients
Filling
- 1/4 pound breakfast sausage
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1–1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon season salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon minced rosemary (optional)
- 1 pinch sage (optional)
- 5 eggs scrambled (cooked separately from sausage gravy ingredients above)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or jack cheese (optional for topping)
- Everyday Seasoning from Trader Joe’s or other seasoning of choice
Poptart English Wig Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 5 tablespoons cold water
- 1 extra egg, plus 2 tablespoons water for egg wash
Instructions
- Country Sausage Gravy & Filling – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sausage until browned. Stir in flour, then milk. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Cook scrambled eggs separately.
- Poptart Dough & Assembly – Preheat oven. Make dough, roll out, cut rectangles. Place bottom crust, add filling, seal with top crust. Brush with egg wash, season, bake for 25 minutes @ 375 F. Cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop-tart
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Savory, Breakfast, Pop-Tarts, Sausage Gravy, Pastry, Eggs, Cheese
