These Breakfast Stuffed Puff Pastry Bars are a delicious and fun way to start your day! Flaky pastry wraps around tasty fillings like eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats.
Honestly, who can resist a warm pastry in the morning? I love making these ahead for busy days—just pop them in the oven for a quick breakfast treat that feels fancy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! You can find it in the freezer section of most grocery stores. If you’re short on time or looking for a healthier alternative, try using phyllo dough. It won’t be as flaky but still provides a nice crunch.
Breakfast Sausage and Bacon: These add rich flavors to your bars. Feel free to swap turkey sausage or cooked ham if you’re aiming for a lighter meat option. Vegetarian sausage can also work well if you’re going meatless, just check the cook time.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but you can also use Monterey Jack for a milder taste or pepper jack for a kick! For dairy-free options, try vegan cheese shreds that melt well.
Onions and Peppers: While onions and red bell peppers are delicious, you can opt for green onions or even spinach for a different flavor. You can also leave them out if you prefer a simpler filling.
How Do I Get Perfectly Flaky Puff Pastry Bars?
The key to making these bars wonderfully flaky is treating the puff pastry right. Here’s how to avoid common issues:
- Keep the pastry cold. Let it thaw just enough to roll but don’t let it get warm.
- Roll it out gently on a floured surface to avoid tearing.
- After cutting, avoid over-filling to prevent sealing issues.
- Make sure to seal the edges well using a fork or pinch them shut—this keeps the filling inside!
- Don’t forget to poke vent holes to allow steam to escape; otherwise, the pastry can puff up too much.
These tips will help you achieve that perfect flaky texture that makes each bite delightful!
Breakfast Stuffed Puff Pastry Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, for a total of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a fun brunch treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Veggies:
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and red bell pepper if you’re using it. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this egg mixture into the skillet with your sautéed veggies. Cook gently, stirring, until the eggs are scrambled but still moist. Remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Mix in the Meat and Cheese:
Stir in the crumbled sausage, chopped bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese into the warm egg mixture. This will help melt the cheese a bit as you mix.
5. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle that’s about 10 x 12 inches. If it’s already flat, you can skip this step.
6. Cut and Fill the Pastry:
Cut the pastry into 6-8 equal rectangles. Spoon a portion of the egg and meat mixture onto the center of half of these rectangles.
7. Seal the Bars:
Lightly brush the edges of the filled pastry rectangles with a bit of water. Place another pastry rectangle on top and gently press the edges with a fork to seal them. Make sure the filling is secure inside!
8. Prepare for Baking:
Place the filled pastry bars on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of the bars for a nice golden color.
9. Vent and Bake:
Using a sharp knife, poke a few small vent holes on top of each bar to let steam escape during baking. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious breakfast stuffed puff pastry bars!
These bars make for a quick breakfast or can be enjoyed any time of the day. They’re perfect for freezing and reheating too, making them a versatile choice for busy mornings!
Can I Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry is a great time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before rolling it out.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed pastry bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for the best texture.
Can I Freeze These Pastry Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Assemble the bars but don’t bake them. Instead, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
The options are endless! You can use ham, mushrooms, spinach, or even different types of cheese. Just keep the total filling amount similar, around 1 to 1.5 cups, to ensure proper cooking.
