Savory Breakfast Sliders

This ultimate breakfast crowd-pleaser combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese sandwiched between sweet Hawaiian rolls and topped with a maple butter glaze. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or meal prepping for busy weekdays.

I first made these sliders for a family Christmas morning and they disappeared faster than the presents could be unwrapped. Now they're requested at every family gathering, especially when we have overnight guests.

• Ground pork sausage adds rich flavor and hearty protein. Look for a breakfast blend with sage and other seasonings for extra flavor.
• Large eggs provide fluffy texture and protein. Farm fresh eggs will give the best color and taste.
• Hawaiian slider buns bring a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements. Their soft texture holds up well to the fillings.
• Pepper jack cheese adds a mild kick that complements the sausage. Choose a quality brand that melts well.
• American cheese creates that classic melty breakfast sandwich texture. Splurge on deli counter American for better flavor.
• Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level. European style has higher butterfat for richer flavor.
• Maple syrup infuses the rolls with sweetness. Use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for authentic flavor.

How To Make Sausage Egg Cheese Breakfast Sliders

Prepare the oven

Set your oven to 175°C and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the other components. This ensures even cooking throughout.

Form and cook sausage patties

Shape the ground sausage into 12 equal patties slightly larger than your slider buns. They will shrink as they cook. Cook over medium heat until thoroughly browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. The caramelization adds important flavor.

Prepare the bun base

Slice the entire package of slider buns horizontally while keeping them connected. This creates a solid base and top that makes assembly much easier. Place the bottom half in your baking dish.

Layer the fillings

Start with a layer of scrambled eggs spread evenly across all buns. Next add pepper jack cheese, followed by the cooked sausage patties, and finally top with American cheese. This layering order prevents the buns from getting soggy.

Create the glaze

Combine melted butter and maple syrup in a small bowl, whisking until fully incorporated. The warm butter helps the syrup distribute evenly.

Assemble and glaze

Place the top bun layer over your fillings and generously brush with the maple butter mixture. Be sure to get into all the crevices and allow some to drip down the sides for maximum flavor.

Bake to perfection

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and crispy and all cheese is completely melted. Look for bubbling cheese around the edges as a sign they're done.

My secret to these sliders is letting them rest for about 5 minutes after baking before cutting. This allows the cheeses to set slightly so they don't all ooze out with the first bite. My husband claims the corner pieces are the best because they get extra crispy from the glaze.

Make Ahead Options

These sliders are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare all components separately up to two days ahead and assemble just before baking. Alternatively, assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Just add an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Storing and Reheating

Once baked, these sliders will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap individual portions in foil and reheat in a 150°C oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For the best texture, avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the buns soggy. These also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Customization Ideas

These sliders are incredibly versatile. Try substituting bacon or ham for the sausage, or go vegetarian with plant-based breakfast patties. Switch up the cheese varieties based on your preferences. Add sautéed peppers and onions for extra flavor and nutrition. For spice lovers, mix some hot sauce into the scrambled eggs or add pickled jalapeños. The Hawaiian rolls can be swapped for brioche slider buns for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these breakfast sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the components (cook sausage patties and scramble eggs) the night before and refrigerate them. Assemble the sliders in the morning, add the maple butter glaze, and bake. You can also fully assemble the sliders, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight before baking the next morning (may require a few extra minutes of baking time).

→ What can I substitute for Hawaiian slider buns?

While Hawaiian buns provide the perfect sweet contrast to the savory fillings, you can substitute regular slider buns, dinner rolls, or mini brioche buns. Any small, soft roll that can be purchased in a connected sheet will work well for this recipe.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! The pepper jack and American cheese combination provides great flavor and meltability, but you can substitute with cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or any melting cheese you prefer. For best results, use at least one cheese that melts easily.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap individual sliders in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 30-45 seconds. The foil method helps maintain moisture and prevent sogginess.

→ Can I freeze these breakfast sliders?

Yes, these freeze well! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

→ What can I serve with these breakfast sliders?

These sliders pair perfectly with fresh fruit, hash browns, roasted potatoes, a simple green salad, or yogurt parfaits. For a complete brunch spread, add a pitcher of mimosas or bloody marys.