Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pastries deliver the comfort of flaky homemade dough combined with savory breakfast fillings, offering portability, versatility, and the satisfaction of a fully customizable breakfast favorite.
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Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts: A Homemade Morning Pastry with a Comforting Twist
- Total Time: 33 mins
- Yield: 6–8 Pop-Tarts
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Flaky homemade savory Pop-Tarts filled with eggs, cheese, and breakfast sausage or bacon—perfect for make-ahead mornings or a fun brunch treat.
Ingredients
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
- 3 large eggs, scrambled
- 1/2 cup cooked breakfast sausage or crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp milk or cream (for egg wash)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional Glaze:
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scramble eggs in a skillet with salt and pepper until just set. Let cool slightly.
- Unroll pie crusts and cut into 6–8 rectangles. Arrange half on the baking sheet.
- Place a spoonful of scrambled eggs, sausage or bacon, and shredded cheddar onto each rectangle, leaving a border.
- Brush edges with egg wash. Top with remaining dough rectangles and press to seal, crimping edges with a fork.
- Poke small steam holes on top and brush with remaining egg wash.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Brush with optional butter-garlic glaze while warm.
- Serve warm or cool and store for meal prep.
Notes
- Customize fillings with veggies, ham, or pepper jack cheese.
- Freeze unbaked Pop-Tarts and bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes.
- Make vegetarian by omitting meat or swapping with plant-based sausage.
- Excellent served with salsa, hot sauce, or gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Forms the foundation of the pastry dough, giving structure while keeping the crust tender.
Cold butter
Creates flakiness in the dough as it melts during baking, resulting in crisp, layered pockets.
Salt
Enhances the dough’s flavor and balances the richness of the filling.
Ice water
Helps bring the dough together without activating gluten too much, keeping the crust delicate.
Eggs
Used both for filling (scrambled) and as an egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden finish.
Shredded cheese
Provides melty richness inside the pastry; cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend works beautifully.
Cooked bacon or breakfast sausage
Adds savory depth and hearty texture to the filling.
Milk or cream
Helps create soft, flavorful scrambled eggs that blend smoothly into the pastry.
Black pepper
Adds gentle heat and emphasizes the savory elements of the filling.
Optional vegetables
Ingredients like bell peppers, caramelized onions, or spinach contribute color and nutrition.
Directions
Begin by preparing the pastry dough. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt, then cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water gradually, stirring just until the dough begins to come together. Form it into a disc, wrap tightly, and chill for at least 30 minutes. While the dough rests, prepare the filling by whisking the eggs with a splash of milk and cooking them over low heat until softly scrambled. Stir in cheese, bacon or sausage, black pepper, and any optional vegetables, then allow the mixture to cool completely.
Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface and cut it into evenly sized rectangles. Place a spoonful of filling onto half of the rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges. Brush the edges with egg wash, then lay the remaining rectangles over the top and press firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and add a few small vent holes on top. Brush each pastry with more egg wash and transfer them to a baking sheet. Bake until golden, crisp, and fully set. Allow the Pop-Tarts to cool slightly before serving for best texture and flavor.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 8 pastries
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Dough chilling time: 30 minutes
Assembly time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 18–22 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 20 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a warm oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crisp texture. For longer storage, freeze for up to two months; reheat straight from frozen at 350°F until warmed through and flaky.
Variations and Customizations
Vegetarian Garden Pop-Tarts
Fill with scrambled eggs, spinach, mushrooms, and peppers for a wholesome, vegetable-forward option.
Ham and Swiss Version
Swap the bacon for diced ham and use Swiss cheese for a slightly sharper, nutty flavor.
Spicy Southwest Style
Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a zesty morning kick.
Herbed Egg Filling
Stir fresh chives, parsley, or dill into the scrambled eggs for a fragrant, bright finish.
Everything Seasoning Topping
Sprinkle the pastry tops with everything bagel seasoning before baking for extra crunch and flavor.
Hash Brown Addition
Fold shredded hash browns into the filling for a heartier breakfast pastry.
Turkey Sausage Variation
Use turkey sausage for a leaner but still satisfying filling.
Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Upgrade
A more sophisticated option with deep sweetness and robust cheese.
Italian-Inspired Pop-Tarts
Use mozzarella, sautéed peppers, and cooked Italian sausage for a bold, savory twist.
Make-Ahead Freezer Version
Assemble the pastries but freeze before baking; bake from frozen for an exceptionally easy breakfast prep.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, though homemade dough provides better flakiness and structure.
Can I make these without meat?
Absolutely; vegetables and cheese alone make an excellent filling.
Do I need to pre-cook the filling?
Yes, all fillings should be fully cooked and cooled before assembly.
Why must the dough stay cold?
Cold dough ensures flakiness and prevents the butter from melting too early.
Can I air-fry these pastries?
Yes, air-fry at 350°F until golden and crisp.
Can I freeze them unbaked?
Yes, freeze before baking and cook directly from frozen.
How can I prevent filling leakage?
Seal the edges firmly and crimp with a fork, adding vent holes on top.
Can I use puff pastry instead?
Yes, but expect a lighter, more delicate texture.
Are these good for meal prep?
They reheat well, making them ideal for weekly breakfast planning.
Can I add hot sauce or spices?
Yes, adjust seasoning to taste for a more assertive flavor.
Conclusion
Savory Breakfast Pop-Tarts offer a delightful combination of flaky pastry and hearty fillings, bringing a comforting yet customizable twist to the morning table. Their make-ahead convenience, adaptable flavor options, and satisfying texture make them a standout alternative to traditional breakfast dishes. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated on a busy morning, these homemade pastries deliver warmth, flavor, and a touch of creativity to your breakfast routine.
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