Italian Breakfast Bombs are yummy pastries filled with delicious ingredients like eggs, cheese, and tasty meats. These little snacks are perfect for a fun morning bite!
Honestly, who wouldn’t love a breakfast that feels like a warm hug? I like to whip these up for brunches with friends, and they always leave everyone smiling! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Using refrigerated pizza dough is super easy and convenient. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own dough with flour, yeast, and water. A gluten-free dough also works well for those with gluten sensitivities!
Cheese: I love mozzarella for that ooey-gooey texture. You can swap it for provolone or any cheese that melts well. For a kick, consider using pepper jack cheese.
Italian Sausage: Ground Italian sausage adds fantastic flavor. If you want to keep it meatless, replace it with cooked mushrooms or sautéed spinach for a vegetarian option. You can also use turkey sausage for a lighter alternative.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs are optional, but they boost the breakfast vibe. You could also use egg whites if you’re looking to reduce cholesterol.
Herbs: Fresh parsley is a great addition, but you can also use basil for a more intense Italian flavor. Dried herbs are okay if fresh isn’t an option.
How Do I Ensure My Breakfast Bombs Are Perfectly Sealed?
Sealing the dough correctly is crucial to keep all that cheesy goodness inside. Here’s how to do it:
- After placing your filling in the center, lift the edges of the dough up around the filling.
- Pinch the seams together tightly, ensuring there are no gaps for the cheese to ooze out.
- Shape each filled dough piece gently between your hands to form a nice ball.
By doing this, your Breakfast Bombs will stay intact while baking, giving you a delightful surprise when you take a bite!
How to Make Delicious Italian Breakfast Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 package (about 13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or homemade dough
For the Filling:
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 6 slices Italian sausage or spicy Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 large eggs, scrambled and cooked (optional for extra breakfast touch)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast dish will take approximately 30 minutes to prepare and 20–25 minutes to bake, totaling around 55 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a fun breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a round baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your Breakfast Bombs from sticking.
2. Preparing the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough slightly, just enough for easy handling. Divide it into 7 to 8 equal pieces to create individual Breakfast Bombs.
3. Shaping the Dough:
Flatten each piece of dough into a small circle using your hands or a rolling pin. Aim for a little larger than your palm for easy filling!
4. Filling the Bombs:
In the center of each dough circle, place a delicious cube of mozzarella cheese, and top it with a spoonful of crumbled Italian sausage. You can also add some scrambled eggs for that extra breakfast goodness!
5. Sealing the Bombs:
Carefully gather the edges of the dough around the filling and pinch them together really well. This is crucial—make sure it’s sealed tight, then shape it gently into a ball.
6. Arranging in the Dish:
Place the filled dough balls seam side down in your prepared baking dish, placing them close together so they can puff up while baking.
7. Making the Garlic Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This will add a ton of flavor!
8. Adding Some Flavor:
Brush the garlic herb butter mixture generously over each dough ball. Make sure to coat them well, and then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Baking:
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown color to know they’re perfectly cooked.
10. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the Breakfast Bombs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, and enjoy the gooey, melted mozzarella inside!
11. Final Touch:
For a little extra flair, garnish with more fresh parsley right before serving. Your Italian Breakfast Bombs are now ready to impress!
Enjoy these warm, cheesy delights as a fabulous way to kickstart your day! 😊
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Sausage for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked sausage is a great shortcut. Just crumble it as directed and incorporate it into the filling. This saves time while still offering delicious flavor.
Can I Make These Breakfast Bombs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough balls and fill them up the night before! Just cover them tightly and refrigerate. Bake them in the morning for fresh, warm Breakfast Bombs!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you’re out of olive oil, feel free to use melted butter, vegetable oil, or even a cooking spray. Each will add a little different flavor but will work just fine!
