Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars Recipe
If you are looking for a delightful twist to your morning routine, this Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine flaky, golden puff pastry sheets layered with savory sausage gravy, crispy hash browns, smoky bacon, and melty cheese—each bite bursting with flavor and texture. This recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also straightforward enough to whip up on a weekend morning or for a special brunch with friends. It’s the perfect harmony of comfort and elegance, guaranteed to brighten up your breakfast table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all you need to create these superb Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars. Each element plays its part—from the tender puff pastry setting the flaky base to the hearty sausage gravy adding richness and the crispy bacon bringing smoky depth.
- 2 puff pastry sheets: Provides the flaky, buttery crust that makes these bars irresistible.
- 8 oz ground sausage: The savory star of the filling that forms the hearty base.
- 2 tbsp flour: Thickens the sausage mixture into a luscious gravy.
- 1/3 cup milk: Adds creaminess to the sausage gravy ensuring it’s smooth and rich.
- 1 tsp pepper: Gives a subtle kick and balances the flavors perfectly.
- ½ half bag frozen shredded hash browns: Crisps to golden perfection, adding texture contrast.
- 1 egg: Acts as a beautiful glaze and binder for the pastry edges.
- 6 slices of cheese (Havarti or cheddar): Melts deliciously, adding gooey, indulgent layers.
- 4-6 oz bacon (chopped): Adds smoky crunch and a delightful saltiness.
How to Make Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Puff Pastry Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Parbake one puff pastry sheet for about 10 minutes, making sure it does not brown fully. This parbaking step prevents a soggy bottom crust and sets the stage for all those decadent layers to shine.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage Gravy
In a frying pan, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until browned throughout, but do not drain the fat. Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the sausage, stirring constantly to create a roux. Slowly pour in ⅓ cup of milk and add the teaspoon of pepper, whisking until the mixture thickens into a creamy sausage gravy. Remove from heat and spread this luscious gravy evenly over the parbaked puff pastry.
Step 3: Crisp the Hash Browns
Using the same frying pan (after wiping it clean), cook the frozen shredded hash browns until they are crispy and golden on both sides. Add a small splash of olive oil if necessary, but be careful not to make them greasy. Layer the hash browns on top of the sausage gravy for that satisfying crunch and hearty texture.
Step 4: Add the Egg Wash and Prepare Bacon
Beat the egg in a small bowl and gently pour about half of it over the hash browns. This will help everything stick together beautifully. Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with some of this egg wash to seal the layers later. While the egg works its magic, cook your bacon using your preferred method—air fryer, stovetop, or oven—or opt for high-quality fully cooked bacon to save time. Once done, crumble the bacon evenly over the hash browns.
Step 5: Layer Cheese and Seal
Arrange six slices of your chosen cheese over the bacon, letting the melty goodness sink into every crevice. Then, carefully place the second puff pastry sheet on top, gently pressing the edges to seal the bar. Use a fork to crimp the edges all around, ensuring nothing escapes during baking. Brush the entire top pastry sheet with the remaining egg wash to achieve a golden, shiny finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your assembled breakfast bars into the oven and bake for 18 to 23 minutes or until the puff pastry is a beautiful golden brown. Let the bars cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into nine pieces or smaller portions. Serve warm for that extraordinary flaky texture and melted cheesy goodness that makes every bite unforgettable.
How to Serve Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and fresh aroma that lightens every bite. If you love a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce or a smear of spicy mustard on the side complements the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, pair with scrambled eggs or a fruit salad featuring citrus segments, which adds brightness and contrast to the savory layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or brunch buffets, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can also add dollops of sour cream or avocado crema on top for an extra indulgent touch that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to keep the puff pastry from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They will last up to 1 month, making these bars an excellent option for meal prep or busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bars on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. This method helps restore the flaky texture and reheats the filling evenly without making the bottom soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the sausage and bacon with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite plant-based protein. Just adjust the seasoning to maintain that savory, hearty flavor.
What kind of puff pastry should I use?
Store-bought frozen puff pastry sheets work wonderfully and save time. Look for ones with fewer preservatives and all-butter versions for the best flavor and flakiness.
Can I prepare the bars the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the bars up to the point of baking, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning for a quick and impressive breakfast.
Is it okay to skip the parbaking step?
You can skip parbaking if you don’t mind a softer bottom crust. Parbaking helps avoid sogginess, especially with the moist sausage gravy, so it’s recommended but not mandatory.
How do I make the hash browns crispy?
Use moderate heat with minimal oil and avoid overcrowding the pan. Let them cook undisturbed until golden before flipping. Draining excess water from frozen hash browns beforehand also helps achieve that perfect crisp.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and impressive about serving these Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars Recipe to your family or guests. With layers of flaky pastry, rich sausage gravy, crispy hash browns, savory bacon, and melty cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special without being complicated. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite breakfast tradition!
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Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
These Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars combine flaky puff pastry with a savory layer of sausage gravy, crispy hash browns, bacon, and melted cheese for a hearty and delicious breakfast treat. Perfect for meal prep or a brunch gathering, this recipe offers layers of flavor and texture cooked in the oven to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 puff pastry sheets
Sausage Gravy
- 8 oz ground sausage
- 2 tbsp flour
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tsp pepper
Hash Browns
- ½ half bag frozen shredded hash browns (see notes)
- Olive oil (as needed for frying)
Other Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 6 slices of cheese (Havarti or cheddar)
- 4–6 oz bacon, chopped and cooked
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small to medium cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Par-bake the First Puff Pastry Sheet: Place one puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. It should not be fully cooked—avoid golden color or flakiness—to ensure the bottom crust doesn’t become soggy. This step is optional if you don’t mind a softer base.
- Make Sausage Gravy: In a frying pan, cook the ground sausage over medium-high heat until browned completely. Do not drain the fat. Reduce heat to medium-low, then sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour directly into the pan with the fat and sausage. Stir continuously to form a roux, which will thicken the gravy. Slowly add ⅓ cup milk and 1 teaspoon pepper, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and spread this savory gravy evenly over the par-baked puff pastry sheet.
- Cook Hash Browns: Wipe out the pan to remove sausage residue. Add a small amount of olive oil and cook the frozen shredded hash browns over medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides. Avoid adding too much oil to keep them from becoming greasy or soggy. Layer the crispy hash browns on top of the sausage gravy.
- Add Egg Wash: Crack the egg into a small bowl and whisk. Carefully pour about half of the beaten egg over the hash browns, spreading evenly. Use some of the remaining egg wash to brush the exposed perimeter of the pastry crust for sealing later on.
- Prepare Bacon: Cook bacon using your preferred method—air fryer, stovetop, or oven—until crispy. Alternatively, use fully cooked bacon to save time. Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it evenly over the egg-washed hash browns.
- Add Cheese: Layer six slices of your chosen cheese (Havarti or cheddar) evenly over the bacon to create a melty, flavorful topping.
- Assemble and Bake: Carefully place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the layered ingredients. Press the edges of the top and bottom pastry sheets together firmly, sealing with the tines of a fork all around to prevent filling leaks. Brush the top sheet generously with the remaining egg wash for a shiny, golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-23 minutes or until the top is puffed up and a deep golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes to set the layers. Cut into 9 squares or smaller pieces as desired. Serve warm for the best flaky texture and rich flavor experience.
Notes
- Par-baking the bottom pastry sheet helps avoid a soggy crust but can be skipped if preferred.
- Use olive oil sparingly when frying hash browns to keep them crispy and avoid excess grease.
- Fully cooked bacon can be used to reduce cooking time and mess.
- This breakfast bar is excellent for meal prepping and reheats well in the oven or toaster oven.
- Use cheese varieties like Havarti or cheddar for a creamy melt and rich flavor.
- Ensure to seal the pastry edges well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
