These breakfast stuffed puff pastry bars are a tasty treat to kick-start your day! Flaky pastry filled with eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast goodies makes for a delightful bite.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a breakfast you can hold in your hand? I love to use leftover veggies or meats to fill these, making every batch unique. So good, you won’t want to share! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: The star of this recipe! Make sure to thaw it properly before using. If you can’t find puff pastry, you can use croissant dough for a similar flaky effect.
Eggs: They give the filling its structure. If you need an egg-free option, try using a mixture of silken tofu and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture.
Breakfast Sausage: I love using crumbled breakfast sausage for flavor. You can substitute it with diced ham, turkey sausage, or even chickpea crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a nice sharpness. Feel free to use mozzarella for a milder taste or feta for a tangy kick!
Onion and Bell Pepper: These provide freshness and crunch. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip them or use spinach for a different twist.
How Can I Get My Puff Pastry to Rise Perfectly?
Getting your puff pastry to rise beautifully is all about preparation and technique. Here’s how to ensure it puffs up just right!
- Make sure your pastry is cold before baking. Warm dough doesn’t rise as well.
- Use a sharp knife to create small slits on top for steam to escape. This helps puffing without breaking.
- Apply an egg wash evenly for that golden color, but avoid oversaturating the dough!
- Lastly, give them space on the baking sheet; puff pastry needs room to puff!
By following these tips, your breakfast stuffed puff pastry bars will be perfectly golden and delicious every time!
Breakfast Stuffed Puff Pastry Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled (or bacon, chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or parsley (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to bake. So, in about 35 minutes, you’ll have warm, flaky breakfast bars ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your pastry bars don’t stick.
2. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and add the milk (or cream). Whisk them together until everything is combined. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook Your Vegetables:
Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using), sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.
4. Combine with Sausage:
Next, add the crumbled sausage (or bacon) to the skillet. Warm it through for an additional 1-2 minutes. Then, remove it from the heat.
5. Mix Everything Together:
In the bowl with the egg mixture, stir in the sautéed sausage, onion, bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. If you like, add fresh thyme or parsley for extra flavor, and mix everything well.
6. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry. Cut it in half lengthwise to create two long rectangles.
7. Fill the Pastry:
On one half of each pastry rectangle, spoon half of the egg mixture, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spills.
8. Seal the Pastry:
Carefully fold the other half of the pastry over the filling. Press the edges to seal securely. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice look and to make sure they stay closed while baking.
9. Place on Baking Sheet:
Transfer your filled pastry bars to the lined baking sheet. Do the same with the second rectangle using the remaining filling.
10. Egg Wash the Pastry:
Beat the extra egg in a small bowl and brush it gently over the tops of each pastry. This will give them a beautiful, golden color as they bake.
11. Bake the Bars:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bars cool for a few minutes. Slice them into bars and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious breakfast stuffed puff pastry bars!
Can I Use Other Fillings in the Puff Pastry Bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can use vegetables like spinach and mushrooms, different cheeses like feta or mozzarella, or even switch the meat for diced ham or a plant-based sausage alternative. Just keep the proportions similar to ensure the pastry cooks evenly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pastry bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling the night before and store it in the fridge. Assemble the bars just before baking to ensure they stay fresh and flaky. Alternatively, you can fully bake them and then reheat when ready to serve.
What Should I Serve With Breakfast Stuffed Puff Pastry Bars?
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a side of fresh fruit, a light salad, or some yogurt for a complete breakfast experience!
