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Savory Breakfast Rolls

Savory Breakfast Rolls are warm pastries filled with eggs, cheese, and various savory fillings, perfect for busy mornings or brunch.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the dough
  • 3 1/2 cups 3 1/2 cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C) Warm to the touch but not hot.
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (120 ml) water, warmed to 110°F (43°C) Warm to the touch but not hot.
  • 1 large 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
For the filling
  • 6 large 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar or gruyere
  • 4 strips 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled - or 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (25 g) finely chopped chives or parsley
  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • to taste Salt to taste
For finishing
  • 1 large 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water - for egg wash
  • Sesame seeds or everything seasoning - optional
  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing

Method
 

Activation and Mixing
  1. Combine yeast and liquids in a small bowl: stir the yeast and a pinch of sugar into the warm milk and water. Let sit 5-8 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix on low until a shaggy dough forms, then increase speed and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. (If kneading by hand, knead for 10-12 minutes.)
First Rise
  1. Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Prepare the Filling
  1. Whisk eggs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook gently in a skillet over medium-low to make soft scramble - remove before fully firm as residual heat will finish them.
  2. Stir in cheese, crumbled bacon or sausage, and chopped herbs. Let cool to room temperature.
Shaping the Rolls
  1. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 even pieces. Flatten each piece into a 3-inch disc.
  2. Spoon a tablespoon of the egg-cheese filling into the center of each disc. Fold edges up and pinch to seal, shaping into smooth balls. Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet.
Proof and Glaze
  1. Cover shaped rolls with a towel and let them proof for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 10 minutes of proofing. Brush each roll lightly with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.
Bake
  1. Place rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and internal dough registers 190°F (88°C). Rotate pan halfway for even color. Cool slightly on a rack and brush with melted butter for sheen and flavor.
Serve
  1. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving so the filling sets slightly. Enjoy with hot coffee, or add a side of fresh fruit for balance.

Notes

If you love rolls with a sweet twist, see how I make cinnamon rolls from scratch here. Tips include managing dough stickiness and filling consistency, as well as freezing and reheating options.