Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars
Table of Contents
Growing up, the kitchen was always the heart of our home. I can still remember the early morning aroma of breakfast wafting through the house, breaking the silence of dawn with the promise of warmth and comfort. It’s those cherished memories that inspired this Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars recipe. Imagine the delight of biting into a flaky puff pastry filled with savory sausage gravy, crispy hash browns, and melted cheese — it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of nostalgia. These bars are not just a meal; they’re a journey back to simpler times, bringing families together over a shared love for hearty, homemade goodness. They’re perfect for those busy mornings when you need a quick, satisfying breakfast but still want to savor the little joys of life. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is as approachable as it is delicious, transforming your kitchen into a haven of culinary comfort.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars are a delightful addition to any morning routine, offering a balance of convenience and indulgence. They are perfect for family gatherings, where the ease of serving a dish that everyone can enjoy makes breakfast stress-free. These bars are also versatile — you can prepare them ahead of time, making them ideal for hosting brunch or even as a grab-and-go option for busy weekdays. The combination of familiar breakfast flavors wrapped in a delicate pastry shell is sure to win hearts, making it a staple in your breakfast repertoire.
Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning with the prospect of a delicious breakfast already sorted. These bars are that promise. Their versatility is a key feature, allowing you to tailor the filling to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re accommodating a crowd or just feeding your family, this recipe simplifies the morning chaos. The layers of flavor and texture, from the creamy sausage gravy to the crispy hash browns, create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also memorable. Plus, their make-ahead nature means you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the company of loved ones.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To bring these delightful bars to life, you’ll need just a few kitchen essentials. A cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat is perfect for baking the pastry to golden perfection. A reliable frying pan will help you whip up the sausage gravy and crisp the hash browns. Don’t forget a sharp knife for chopping bacon and cheese, and a small bowl to whisk that egg wash for the perfect pastry finish. With these tools at your disposal, you’re all set to create a breakfast masterpiece with ease.
A rolling pin can also be handy if you need to adjust the thickness of your puff pastry, ensuring it fits your baking sheet perfectly. Having a pastry brush for the egg wash can make a significant difference in achieving that golden, glossy finish on your top layer of pastry. A spatula will help you handle the cooked hash browns and sausage gravy with ease, ensuring even distribution across the pastry. These tools not only streamline the process but also enhance the end result, making your breakfast bars look and taste like they came from a professional kitchen.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
- 2 puff pastry sheets
- 8 oz ground sausage
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 egg
- 6 slices of cheese (Havarti or cheddar)
- 4-6 oz bacon, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a small/medium cookie sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- Bake one puff pastry sheet for 10 minutes, ensuring it’s not fully cooked to avoid a soggy bottom.
- In a frying pan, cook ground sausage until brown. Do not drain. Mix in 2 tbsp of flour with the sausage grease over medium-low heat to create a roux. Add 1/3 cup of milk and 1 tsp pepper, then remove from heat. Spread the sausage gravy on the pastry sheet.
- Cook shredded hash browns in a frying pan until golden, using olive oil sparingly. Layer them over the sausage gravy.
- Mix an egg in a small bowl and pour about half over the hash browns. Brush the pastry edges with some egg mixture.
- Cook bacon using your preferred method, crumble it, and sprinkle over the layered breakfast. Place 6 slices of cheese on top.
- Place the second puff pastry sheet on top, pressing edges to seal. Brush with egg wash and bake for 18-23 minutes until golden. Cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting into pieces. Serve warm.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 33 minutes • Total Time: 48 minutes • Calories: 450 • Servings: 9
Note: For a vegetarian twist, skip the sausage and bacon, and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
This methodical approach ensures that each layer of your Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars is cooked to perfection. Pre-baking the bottom layer of puff pastry prevents it from becoming soggy once the fillings are added. The sausage gravy acts as a flavorful base, rich and creamy, while the hash browns provide a delightful crunch. The egg wash not only helps to bind the layers but also gives the top pastry a beautiful golden hue. By following these steps, even novice cooks can achieve a dish that looks and tastes like it was made by a seasoned chef.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
Each ingredient in these Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars contributes to a flavorful and nutritious start to your day. Puff pastry offers a flaky, buttery texture that pairs perfectly with the savory elements. Sausage provides protein, while the hash browns add a satisfying crunch. Cheese introduces creamy richness, and bacon gives a smoky flavor that enhances the overall dish. With such a delicious blend of textures and tastes, these bars are not just comforting but also offer a balance of nutrients to fuel your morning.
Sausage, while often seen as indulgent, is a great source of protein and certain essential nutrients when consumed in moderation. Hash browns, made from potatoes, provide carbohydrates that are essential for energy, making them a great component of breakfast. Cheese, particularly varieties like Havarti or cheddar, adds calcium and a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients. Bacon, with its smoky flavor, adds depth and richness to the dish. The balance of flavors and nutrients in these bars makes them not just a treat but a well-rounded meal choice.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars pair wonderfully with a fresh side salad or a bowl of seasonal fruit, adding a touch of lightness to the meal. For a complete breakfast experience, serve with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a steaming cup of coffee. If you’re hosting a brunch, consider including a platter of assorted scones or muffins for a delightful spread that invites everyone to indulge in leisurely morning moments.
For a more substantial brunch, you might add a quiche or a frittata to the table, offering guests a variety of flavors and textures. A yogurt parfait with granola and berries can add a refreshing note to the meal. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, consider serving a fruit tart or a selection of pastries alongside. These pairings not only enhance the meal but also create a memorable dining experience, full of diverse options that cater to different tastes.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
Leftovers? Not a problem! These bars store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to refresh their crispiness. These bars also freeze well — wrap them tightly before freezing and reheat in the oven as needed. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast on the go or a satisfying lunch by pairing with a simple green salad.
Freezing individual portions is a great way to ensure you have a quick meal ready whenever you need it. When wrapping for freezing, consider using foil to ensure no air gets in, preserving the freshness and flavor. To reheat from frozen, simply place in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. These convenient storage options mean you can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade breakfast bars any day of the week, with minimal effort.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about sharing homemade meals with loved ones, and these Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars are a testament to that joy. They offer a blend of nostalgia and convenience, reminding us of the simple pleasures found in our kitchens every day. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or savoring a quiet morning moment, these bars embrace the heart of home cooking — warm, inviting, and deliciously easy peasy.
Pin this Easy Peasy recipe!
Love this recipe? Pin the image below to your favorite Pinterest boards and bring a little Easy Peasy comfort to your kitchen whenever you need it.
Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350F and line a small/medium cookie sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- Bake one puff pastry sheet for 10 minutes until partially cooked. Avoid fully cooking to prevent a soggy bottom crust.
- In a frying pan, cook ground sausage until browned. Add flour to create a roux, then add milk and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Spread sausage gravy on the pre-baked puff pastry sheet.
- Cook hash browns until golden and crispy, then layer on top of the sausage gravy.
- Mix an egg and pour half over the hash browns. Brush pastry edges with egg.
- Prepare bacon to your liking, crumble, and sprinkle over the layers.
- Layer cheese slices on top of the bacon.
- Place the second puff pastry sheet on top, seal edges with a fork, and brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 18-23 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
