If you are ready to revolutionize your breakfast routine, this Savory Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine flaky, buttery pastry pockets filled with rich breakfast beef gravy and fluffy, seasoned scrambled eggs with melty cheese—all baked to golden perfection. These handheld delights combine the comfort of a classic breakfast with the convenience of a pop tart, making mornings (or any time of day) truly special. Easy to make yet wildly impressive, this recipe will have you wondering how you ever started the day without them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each contribute a unique touch to the final dish—flour and butter create the tender, flaky crust, while the combination of breakfast beef gravy and scrambled eggs provides a savory, satisfying filling that bursts with flavor. The seasoning and optional herbs add just the right aromatic notes to keep things exciting.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for our flaky pastry crust, essential for structure and texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt (for dough): Enhances the dough’s flavor and balances the richness.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into ½-inch cubes: Key for that irresistible buttery flakiness in the crust.
- ½ cup to ¾ cup ice water: Brings the dough together without warming the butter, keeping it tender.
- ¼ pound breakfast beef, crumbled: Adds hearty, savory depth to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy): Thickens the savory breakfast gravy creating a luscious texture.
- 1¼ cups whole milk: Makes the gravy creamy and smooth.
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt: Infuses the gravy with balanced seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and spice.
- ½ teaspoon minced fresh rosemary (optional): Brings an herbal freshness to the mix.
- A pinch of dried sage (optional): Complements the beef with its earthy flavor.
- 5 large eggs: The star of the scrambled filling, providing fluffy comfort inside each tart.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Jack cheese (optional): Offers gooey melted goodness that ties the flavors together.
- Your favorite seasoning blend: Personalizes the egg filling with your preferred taste profile.
- 1 large egg (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden crust once baked.
- 1 tablespoon water or milk (for egg wash): Helps the egg wash brush on smoothly and evenly.
How to Make Savory Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Pastry Dough
Start by whisking together the flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs—this step is crucial for that flaky texture everyone loves. Gradually add ice water, just until the dough begins to come together. Divide into two discs, wrap tightly, and chill the dough for at least one to two hours to relax the gluten and keep the butter cold.
Step 2: Make Breakfast Beef Gravy Filling
In a hot skillet, cook and crumble the breakfast beef until nicely browned. Drain most of the fat, leaving about one tablespoon for flavor. Stir in flour and cook for a minute to get rid of the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer until thickened to a creamy gravy. Season with seasoned salt, pepper, and if you like, rosemary and sage to create a fragrant and savory filling that’s simply irresistible once cooled.
Step 3: Prepare Egg Filling
While the gravy cools, scramble the eggs in your favorite style and season them with your preferred blend of spices. For a luscious touch, stir in shredded cheddar or Jack cheese while the eggs are still warm so it melts beautifully. Let the eggs cool slightly before assembling to avoid soggy pastry.
Step 4: Assemble Pop Tarts
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one chilled dough disc into a roughly 12 by 16-inch rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Trim the edges and cut it into eight 3 by 4-inch rectangles. Repeat with the second dough disc to make 16 total pieces. This careful sizing ensures a perfect pop tart every time.
Step 5: Fill and Seal
Place half of the pastry rectangles on your baking sheets. Spoon a generous layer of the cooled breakfast beef gravy onto each, keeping about a half-inch border around the edges. Top with scrambled egg filling, then cover with the remaining pastry pieces. Press the edges firmly to seal, then use a fork to crimp them for a decorative finish and airtight seal.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Vent
Whisk one egg with water or milk to create a shiny egg wash. Brush this gently over the tops of your pop tarts for that golden glow once baked. Don’t forget to cut 2–3 small slits on top of each—these vents let steam escape so your filling stays perfectly set and pastry stays crisp.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the pastry turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling and fully set. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary—once you get that golden look and a little puffiness, they are ready to come out.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the pop tarts sit on the sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of crisp crust and savory, creamy filling. They’re as perfect for a busy morning breakfast as they are for brunch guests or even a snack later in the day.
How to Serve Savory Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes offers an extra pop of color and flavor. Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or more rosemary on top for a burst of fragrant greenery. You can also serve with a dollop of sour cream or a smear of your favorite hot sauce to add a creamy or spicy contrast to the savory filling.
Side Dishes
Pair your Savory Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe with fresh fruit for balance and brightness or a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Crispy hash browns or roasted tomatoes also complement the rich flavors perfectly, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, arrange the pop tarts on a wooden board with small bowls of extra gravy or dipping sauces nearby. Wrap individual pop tarts in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming grab-and-go option, perfect for picnics or breakfast on the run. You can also slice them into smaller triangles for a fun appetizer-sized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover pop tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days. This makes them an excellent option for prepping breakfast ahead of time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pop tarts by placing them on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This allows you to enjoy the Savory Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe anytime without extra effort.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore the crispness of the pastry and warm the filling through. You can also pop them in the toaster oven for a quicker option. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delicious flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the breakfast beef gravy filling for sautéed mushrooms or a mix of cooked vegetables and use a vegetarian gravy or thickened vegetable broth. The cheese and eggs still add plenty of protein and flavor.
Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of making dough from scratch?
Yes, pre-made pie crust works in a pinch and saves time. Just make sure to roll it out to a similar thickness and keep it chilled before assembling to achieve a flaky and tender crust.
Can I prepare the fillings ahead of time?
Definitely. Both the beef gravy and scrambled egg fillings can be made a day before. Just keep them refrigerated and assemble the pop tarts when you’re ready to bake for maximum freshness.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack are excellent choices because they melt well and add a creamy, tangy note. Feel free to try other melty cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella depending on your taste.
Are these pop tarts good for meal prepping breakfasts?
Yes! They store well and reheat beautifully, providing a quick, satisfying meal any morning. Their portable size also makes them perfect for breakfast on the go.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Savory Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe, you’ll wonder how breakfast ever felt complete without these flaky, flavorful pockets of goodness. They’re a perfect blend of comforting homestyle flavors and the convenience of a pop tart, ready to brighten any morning with their deliciousness. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch—it’s a breakfast upgrade you won’t regret!
Print
Savory Breakfast Pop Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 filled Pop Tarts)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These savory breakfast Pop Tarts combine a flaky homemade pastry crust with a rich, flavorful filling of breakfast beef gravy and scrambled eggs, optionally enhanced with cheese and herbs. Perfect for a comforting morning meal, these handheld pastries are baked until golden and make great warm breakfasts or snacks.
Ingredients
Pastry Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into ½-inch cubes
- ½ cup to ¾ cup ice water, as needed
Breakfast Beef Gravy Filling
- ¼ pound breakfast beef, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon minced fresh rosemary (optional)
- A pinch of dried sage (optional)
Egg Filling
- 5 large eggs
- Your favorite seasoning blend
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Jack cheese (optional)
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water or milk
Instructions
- Prepare Pastry Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them tightly, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours.
- Make Breakfast Beef Gravy Filling: Cook and crumble the breakfast beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with seasoned salt, black pepper, and optionally rosemary and sage. Let cool completely before using.
- Prepare Egg Filling: Scramble the eggs in a pan and season with your favorite seasoning blend. While still warm, stir in shredded cheese if using. Allow the egg mixture to cool slightly.
- Assemble Pop Tarts: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one chilled dough disc to a 12×16 inch rectangle about â…›-inch thick. Trim edges and cut into eight 3×4 inch rectangles. Repeat with the second dough disc to have sixteen pastry pieces total.
- Fill and Seal: Place eight pastry rectangles on the prepared baking sheets. Spoon a layer of the cooled breakfast beef gravy onto the center of each pastry, leaving a ½-inch border. Top each with a portion of the scrambled egg filling. Cover with the remaining eight pastry rectangles. Press edges to seal and crimp with a fork for a decorative finish.
- Egg Wash and Vent: Whisk the egg with water or milk to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the assembled Pop Tarts thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, create 2-3 small slits on the top of each pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Bake the Pop Tarts in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set. Monitor closely as oven temperatures vary.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days and gently reheat before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough discs is essential for flaky pastry and easier rolling.
- The seasoned salt and optional herbs add depth, but can be omitted or substituted based on preference.
- Cheese in the egg filling is optional but adds a nice creamy texture and flavor.
- Ensure the filling is cooled before assembling to prevent soggy pastry and to help seal the edges properly.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat gently to maintain pastry texture.
- You can customize seasoning blends in the egg filling to suit your taste.
