The Ideal Breakfast: What to Pair with Fresh Cinnamon Rolls
Wondering what to serve with homemade cinnamon rolls? These 15 breakfast companions have you covered. Whether you’re serving sourdough cinnamon rolls or a cinnamon roll casserole (with cream cheese frosting, of course), these companion dishes create a balanced breakfast spread that offers something for everyone.

There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. Especially on weekends or holiday gatherings like Christmas morning breakfast.
While these sweet treats are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary breakfast items creates a more balanced meal. Your entire family will remember these special breakfast spreads for years to come.
I’ve found that serving the right companions alongside warm cinnamon rolls can transform a simple breakfast into a special occasion. This works whether I’m making sourdough discard cinnamon rolls or quick cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting.
From savory proteins that cut through sweetness to fresh fruits that add brightness, the perfect cinnamon roll breakfast offers something for everyone. You’ll create the ideal sweet-savory balance we all crave at the breakfast table.
My family loves a warm cinnamon dolce latte alongside our pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls. This combination creates the ultimate fall morning experience that fills our kitchen with wonderful aromas.
Whether you’re planning a special holiday breakfast or simply wanting to elevate your weekend brunch, these easy breakfast recipes are perfect companion dishes that help you create a truly memorable breakfast experience with enough time to enjoy every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Breakfast Companions
Perfect balance. These pairings cut through the sweetness of traditional cinnamon rolls, creating a harmonious breakfast experience. They satisfy both sweet and savory cravings in one memorable meal that’s perfect for holiday brunches.
Family favorites. Each companion recipe has been tested and loved by my own family. They’ll be hits at your breakfast table too! Ditch the can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and whip up some cinnamon roll pull-apart bread! Or bake a batch of classic cinnamon rolls with brown sugar cinnamon filling for a sweet breakfast everyone will enjoy. They’ll be your new family favorite, too!
Make-ahead possibilities. Many pairings can be prepared the next day and stored in an airtight container. You’ll have minimal work to do in the morning while still serving a complete, impressive breakfast spread.
What Makes a Great Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Spread?
A great cinnamon roll breakfast spread complements the sweetness of cinnamon rolls with golden brown tops. It balances their gooey centers with contrasting flavors and textures.
Unlike serving cinnamon rolls alone (which can feel like dessert), a proper spread incorporates savory elements and fresh components. This creates a more complete breakfast experience for everyone at the table.
The ideal spread transforms cinnamon rolls from a standalone sweet treat into the centerpiece of a balanced breakfast. It typically includes protein-rich options to provide staying power throughout the morning.
Fresh fruits or vegetables add nutritional balance, while complementary beverages enhance the flavors of the rolls. The right accompaniments elevate the entire breakfast experience from a simple sweet treat to a complete meal. Whether you’re serving sourdough cinnamon rolls with gut health benefits or pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing, the right sides elevate your breakfast. They transform a simple sweet treat into a complete meal.

15 Perfect Companions to Serve with Cinnamon Rolls
1. High-Protein Breakfast Casserole

This protein-packed breakfast casserole creates the perfect savory counterpoint to sweet cinnamon rolls. It’s ideal for Christmas morning or Easter brunch celebrations.
This easy breakfast casserole can be prepared the night before. Just bake it alongside your rolls in the morning when time is precious during holiday gatherings.
The combination of savory herbs and cheese creates a delicious contrast to sweet cinnamon and brown sugar flavors. Plus, the added protein helps prevent sugar crashes from eating cinnamon rolls alone.
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with quick cinnamon rolls. Together, they make a special weekend breakfast that satisfies everyone at the table.
2. Sourdough Chocolate Chip Scones

For those who love variety in their breakfast sweets, these sourdough chocolate chip scones are a great recipe when you want a textural contrast to soft dough cinnamon rolls. The slightly crisp exterior and tender interior of these scones, along with the melty chocolate chips, provide a different kind of sweetness that complements rather than competes with your cinnamon rolls.
The sourdough element adds a subtle tang that helps balance the overall sweetness of your breakfast spread. These scones can be made the day before and reheated briefly before serving, making them a convenient addition to your cinnamon roll breakfast table. They’re especially nice for guests who might prefer a less sweet option or appreciate having choices at the breakfast table.
3. Easy Delicious Sausage Ball Recipe

These homemade sausage balls (made without Bisquick!) are perfect savory bites to serve alongside sweet cinnamon rolls for a complete breakfast. The rich, savory flavor and protein from the sausage create an excellent contrast to the sweetness of your cinnamon rolls, while the texture offers something completely different for your palate.
Easy to make ahead and reheat, these sausage balls are particularly wonderful for holiday breakfast spreads when you want to offer a variety of options. They’re also finger-food friendly, making them great for more casual breakfast gatherings where people might be mingling. Pair them with pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls for a special fall breakfast that’s sure to impress your entire family.
4. Maple Cinnamon Latte

Our homemade maple cinnamon latte is the perfect beverage companion for cinnamon rolls, offering warming spices that echo and enhance the flavors in your sweet breakfast treats. This easy recipe doesn’t require an espresso maker, making it accessible for any home kitchen and perfect for busy mornings when you want something special without extra equipment.
The combination of real maple syrup, a little milk, and cinnamon creates a beverage that complements cinnamon rolls beautifully, while the slight bitterness of the coffee helps cut through the sweetness of the cream cheese glaze. It’s an ideal pairing for fall mornings or holiday breakfasts when you want to create a cohesive flavor experience with your warm cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven.
5. Cinnamon Dolce Latte

Another perfect beverage option, our cinnamon dolce latte brings complementary flavors that enhance your cinnamon roll experience. Made with brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla extract, this coffee drink mirrors the flavors in your traditional cinnamon rolls. It’s delicious with a dash of heavy cream, too!
The beauty of this latte is that it doesn’t require special equipment—just a milk frother and basic kitchen tools make this elevated coffee experience possible at home. Serve alongside warm rolls for a coffeehouse-worthy breakfast that will impress family and guests alike on special occasions or holiday mornings, giving you enough time to enjoy both your coffee and your cinnamon roll pieces without rushing.
6. Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins

These wholesome muffins offer a less indulgent sweet option to serve alongside your cinnamon rolls. Made with nutritious ingredients like whole milk, oats, bananas, and minimal added sugar, they provide a healthier alternative for those who might want just a taste of a cinnamon roll while still enjoying something satisfying.
The natural sweetness and moist texture of these muffins complement cinnamon rolls beautifully while adding nutritional diversity to your breakfast spread. They’re particularly good for families with varying dietary preferences, as they offer a whole-grain, fruit-based option alongside more indulgent choices. These muffins can be made days in advance and stay fresh in an airtight container, making them perfect for busy holiday mornings when time might be tight.
7. Overnight Sourdough Bagels

For a breakfast spread with impressive variety, include these chewy sourdough bagels that provide a completely different texture and flavor profile from soft cinnamon rolls with gooey perfection centers. The slight tanginess from the sourdough fermentation creates a wonderful contrast to sweet cinnamon rolls with melted butter, while the chewy texture offers something entirely different for your palate.
Set up a small bagel bar with cream cheese, sliced fruit, and perhaps some crispy bacon for a sophisticated addition to your cinnamon roll breakfast. This combination works beautifully for brunch gatherings where guests appreciate having both sweet and savory options. The bagels can be made the day before and briefly reheated, making them convenient for special breakfast occasions like Easter brunch or Christmas morning breakfast.
8. Overnight Sourdough English Muffins

These homemade English muffins offer nooks and crannies perfect for holding melted butter, providing a simpler, less sweet option to balance your cinnamon roll breakfast spread. The sourdough fermentation gives them a slight tang that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of cinnamon rolls.
Like the bagels, these can be part of a build-your-own breakfast station, with options for both sweet toppings (jam, honey) and savory ones (eggs, avocado). This versatility makes them perfect for feeding a group with diverse preferences. The make-ahead nature of this recipe also gives you enough time to focus on baking your cinnamon rolls fresh for the best part of your breakfast spread.
9. Carrot Apple Bread

This nutritious quick bread brings vegetables and fruit to your breakfast table in a delicious package that complements cinnamon rolls beautifully. The natural sweetness from carrots and apples offers a different flavor profile than cinnamon rolls, while still fitting into the breakfast bread category alongside traditional cinnamon rolls.
Rich in fiber and moisture, this bread provides a healthier alternative that guests can enjoy alongside or instead of cinnamon rolls, depending on their preference. The warm spices in the bread echo those in your cinnamon rolls, creating a cohesive flavor experience. This bread can be made a day ahead and stays wonderfully moist in an airtight container, making it perfect for busy morning preparations during the holiday season.
10. Easy Delicious Oat Bread

This hearty oat bread offers a more rustic, nutritious option alongside your sweet cinnamon rolls for a complete breakfast. The nutty flavor of oats and the substantial texture create a wonderful contrast to the soft, sweet cinnamon rolls, giving your breakfast spread more dimension and variety for your whole family.
Toast slices of this bread and serve with melted butter and jam for a simple yet satisfying addition to your breakfast table. The wholesome nature of this bread helps balance the indulgence of cinnamon rolls, creating a more nutritionally complete breakfast experience. This recipe can be prepared in advance, saving you time during busy morning preparations on special occasions.
11. Homemade Greek Yogurt

Create protein-rich yogurt parfaits using this homemade Greek yogurt recipe for a perfect breakfast side dish. The only thing you need is an Instant Pot! The tanginess of the yogurt provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of cinnamon rolls, while the added protein helps create a more filling, nutritionally balanced breakfast.
The next time you host, set up a yogurt parfait bar with granola, fresh berries, honey, and nuts, allowing guests to create their own custom parfaits to enjoy alongside your cinnamon rolls. This interactive element adds fun to your breakfast spread while offering a lighter, protein-packed option. The yogurt can be made days in advance, making it perfect for special occasion breakfast planning!
12. Sourdough Pumpkin Bread

During fall and winter months, our sourdough pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with cinnamon rolls for a festive breakfast spread that smells amazing. The subtle tanginess from the sourdough starter balances the sweetness, while the warm spices complement those in your cinnamon rolls for a cohesive flavor experience.
This nutritious quick bread offers additional substance to your breakfast while maintaining a seasonal theme that’s similar to apple pie flavors. It’s especially wonderful when served alongside pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls for an autumn breakfast that celebrates the flavors of the season with maple syrup and warm spices like cinnamon roll spice blends.
13. One Bowl Pumpkin Chai Bread

Another autumn favorite, our one-bowl pumpkin chai bread complements the spices in cinnamon rolls while adding nutritional diversity to your breakfast spread. Made with warm spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves, this bread echoes the flavors in your cinnamon rolls while providing a different texture and taste experience for a sweet breakfast option.
The simplicity of this recipe—requiring just one large bowl for mixing—makes it an easy addition to your breakfast preparation. Slice and serve alongside cinnamon rolls for a varied carbohydrate offering that gives your family or guests options to choose from.
14. Overnight Bread

For those who appreciate contrasting textures and flavors, this overnight bread provides a wonderful counterpoint to soft, sweet cinnamon rolls. With a crusty exterior and tender interior, this artisan-style bread offers a different kind of experience that complements rather than competes with your sweet rolls.
The beauty of this recipe is that most of the work happens the night before, allowing you to bake fresh bread in the morning with minimal effort. Serve slices with high-quality butter or cream cheese for a simple yet elegant addition to your cinnamon roll breakfast spread on holiday mornings when you want to impress without spending all your time in the kitchen.
15. Sourdough Tortillas

For a creative breakfast spread, use these sourdough tortillas to create quick breakfast wraps filled with scrambled eggs, vegetables, and shredded cheese. These provide a savory, protein-rich option that balances the sweetness of your cinnamon rolls while incorporating the digestive benefits of sourdough fermentation.
The tortillas can be made in advance and warmed just before serving on a large skillet, allowing you to assemble breakfast wraps quickly while your cinnamon rolls are baking to golden brown perfection. Place breakfast burritos in a casserole dish and cover with foil to keep warm.
This combination offers substantial protein alongside your sweet treats, creating a more complete breakfast that satisfies diverse preferences and dietary needs at the breakfast table.
Setting the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Table
Creating a memorable cinnamon roll breakfast experience goes beyond just the food—presentation matters, too. Here are some tips for setting a beautiful breakfast table:
- Use a tiered stand to display your cinnamon rolls, creating height and visual interest on your breakfast table.
- Arrange complementary items in separate serving dishes around the table, considering color and texture contrasts for visual appeal. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Provide small plates and napkins for easy self-serving, especially if you’re hosting a casual brunch-style gathering.
- Set up a beverage station with coffee, specialty lattes, and juice options so guests can help themselves.


Classic Savory Sides for Cinnamon Rolls
While our recipe collection provides many delicious options, here are some classic savory sides that pair beautifully with cinnamon rolls:
- Crispy bacon: The savory, salty flavor of perfectly cooked bacon creates an irresistible contrast to sweet cinnamon rolls. It provides perfect balance on your breakfast plate.
- Breakfast sausage links: The savory spices in breakfast sausage complement the sweet spices in cinnamon rolls beautifully. This makes for a traditional breakfast pairing.
- Fluffy scrambled eggs: Light, protein-rich scrambled eggs provide a simple, satisfying counterpoint to sweet rolls. They’re easy to prepare with just an egg mixture and a skillet.
- Fresh fruit salad: A bright, colorful fruit salad adds refreshing balance to rich cinnamon rolls. It cuts through the sweetness with natural flavors and nutrients.
- Hash browns or breakfast potatoes: Crispy, well-seasoned potatoes provide a savory, textural contrast to soft, sweet cinnamon rolls. They create the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
Holiday Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Ideas
- Fall harvest breakfast spread. Create a cozy autumn spread with pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls and sourdough pumpkin bread. Add a high protein breakfast casserole and cinnamon dolce lattes to complete the meal. The warm spices and seasonal ingredients create a cohesive breakfast experience. It’s perfect for chilly fall mornings when you want your home filled with cinnamon aromas.
- Christmas morning breakfast. For a special holiday breakfast, serve quick cinnamon rolls or cinnamon roll pull-apart bread as your centerpiece. Pair with easy, delicious sausage balls and fresh fruit salad. Add maple cinnamon lattes to make the morning extra special. This balanced spread provides something for everyone with traditional cinnamon rolls at the center.
- Easter brunch ideas. Create an elegant Easter morning spread with sourdough discard cinnamon rolls and healthy banana oatmeal muffins. Include a high-protein breakfast casserole and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast experience. The make-ahead nature of these recipes lets you celebrate without kitchen stress. You’ll have enough time to enjoy the special occasion with your family.
- Weekend breakfast for the whole family. Create a relaxed weekend breakfast with sourdough discard cinnamon rolls and healthy banana oatmeal muffins. Add fresh fruit and breakfast meats like crispy bacon. These make-ahead recipes create an impressive yet easy spread. You’ll enjoy quality family time around the breakfast table while savoring warm cinnamon rolls as the highlight.
