
This breakfast dish combines two morning favorites into one delightfully portable meal. Sausage links wrapped in French toast create the perfect balance of sweet and savory that will have everyone asking for seconds.
I first made these roll ups for my nephews during a sleepover weekend, and now they request them every time they visit. The combination of sweet French toast with savory sausage creates the most satisfying breakfast bite.
Ingredients
- Bread slices: preferably white or brioche for the best texture and flavor
- Sausage links: choose high quality breakfast sausages for the best flavor profile
- Eggs: create the custard base that transforms regular bread into French toast
- Milk: adds richness to the egg mixture and helps create the perfect consistency
- Cinnamon: adds warmth and that classic French toast flavor we all love
- Vanilla extract: deepens the flavor profile and enhances the sweetness naturally
- Butter: for frying gives the exterior a beautiful golden crust
- Maple syrup: real maple syrup elevates this dish with authentic flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the sausages:
- Cook sausage links thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides. This should take about 8 minutes total depending on thickness. Allow sausages to cool slightly before handling.
- Create the French toast batter:
- Whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla extract together in a shallow bowl until completely combined. The consistency should be smooth with no visible egg whites remaining. This mixture will infuse the bread with classic French toast flavor.
- Prepare the bread:
- Remove crusts from each bread slice using a sharp knife. Gently flatten each slice with a rolling pin, applying even pressure to thin the bread without creating holes. This makes the bread pliable enough to wrap around the sausage.
- Roll the sausages:
- Place one cooked sausage link at the edge of each flattened bread slice. Roll the bread tightly around the sausage, pressing the seam slightly to seal. The bread should completely encase the sausage.
- Dip and cook:
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbling slightly. Dip each roll up completely in the egg mixture, ensuring all surfaces are coated. Place in the hot skillet seam side down and cook for about 2 minutes per side, rotating to achieve golden brown color on all surfaces.
- Serve immediately:
- Transfer finished roll ups to serving plates while still hot. Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar according to preference. The contrast between the crispy exterior and soft interior is best enjoyed fresh from the pan.

My favorite part of making these roll ups is watching the transformation of simple bread into a golden, cinnamon scented delight. My grandmother taught me that the secret to perfect French toast is letting the bread soak in the egg mixture just long enough to absorb flavor without becoming soggy.
Make Ahead Options
These roll ups can be prepared the night before to save morning time. Simply cook the sausages, roll them in the bread, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In the morning, dip in the egg mixture and cook as directed. This makes them perfect for holiday mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavor Variations
The basic recipe is wonderfully versatile. Try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the egg mixture for a seasonal twist. For a savory version, omit the cinnamon and vanilla, and add a pinch of herbs like thyme or sage instead. You can even spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the bread before rolling for an indulgent cream cheese stuffed version.
Serving Suggestions
Create a beautiful breakfast board by serving these roll ups alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and additional maple syrup. For a complete brunch, pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. These also make excellent finger food for kids birthday parties or baby showers when cut into bite sized pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Brioche, whole wheat, or white bread work well. Just make sure to flatten slices for easy rolling.
- → What alternatives are there for sausage?
Vegetarian, turkey, or chicken sausage are great options to suit dietary preferences.
- → How do I prevent the roll-ups from unrolling while cooking?
Ensure the seam side is pressed down firmly and cook that side first to seal the roll.
- → What toppings pair best with these roll-ups?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even shredded cheese are great choices.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate. Dip and fry just before serving for best results.