Description: An English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is a delightful way to start your day. This recipe takes the humble English muffin and transforms it into a savory, satisfying breakfast that’s both quick and easy to make. Imagine a crispy toasted English muffin, topped with creamy sawmill gravy, fluffy scrambled eggs, savory breakfast sausage, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a breakfast experience that’s sure to become a weekend favorite! This recipe is perfect for a quick weekday breakfast or a leisurely weekend brunch. It’s also incredibly versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (6-8) English muffins, split
- 8 large eggs
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), removed from casing
- 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, thinly sliced (or shredded)
- 2 cups whole milk (for sawmill gravy)
- ¼ cup reserved sausage drippings (add butter if needed to reach ¼ cup)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for sawmill gravy)
- ½ teaspoon salt (for sawmill gravy, or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for sawmill gravy, or to taste)
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, hot sauce, red pepper flakes
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
- In a 12-inch cast iron skillet (or another large skillet), crumble the breakfast sausage and cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully cooked and no longer pink.
Step 2: Reserve Sausage Drippings
- Once the sausage is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Carefully pour off the excess grease from the skillet, but reserve ¼ cup of the sausage drippings in the skillet. If you don’t have enough drippings, add butter to reach the ¼ cup mark.
Step 3: Make the Sawmill Gravy
- With the reserved sausage drippings still in the skillet over medium heat, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 5 to 10 minutes, until the mixture turns a light golden-brown color. This is called a roux, and it is important to cook it properly to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
- Slowly pour in the milk, about ½ cup at a time, while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking as the gravy thickens and begins to bubble. This may take a few minutes.
Step 5: Season the Gravy
- Once the gravy has reached your desired consistency (it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon), season it with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Keep the gravy warm over low heat while you prepare the other components.
Step 6: Toast the English Muffins
- While the gravy is cooking, toast the English muffins to a golden crisp. You can use a toaster, toaster oven, or even a regular oven set to broil. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
Step 7: Scramble the Eggs
- In a non-stick skillet, crack the eggs. Add a splash of milk or cream (about 1 tablespoon per 2 eggs) if you want them to be extra soft and fluffy. Scramble the eggs over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until they are cooked to your liking. Avoid overcooking them, as they will continue to cook under the broiler.
Step 8: Assemble the Pizzas
- Preheat your oven’s broiler to high.
- Place the toasted English muffin halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Spoon a generous amount of sawmill gravy onto each English muffin half, spreading it evenly.
- Top with a portion of scrambled eggs, followed by a slice of cheddar cheese and some of the cooked breakfast sausage.
Step 9: Broil the Pizzas
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler for just a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and starts to turn golden brown in spots. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 10: Serve Immediately
- Remove the English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of hot sauce, if desired.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This English Muffin Breakfast Pizza recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt it to your tastes by swapping out the sausage for bacon or ham, adding different cheeses, or including your favorite veggies.
- Satisfying: It’s a hearty and filling breakfast that will keep you energized until lunchtime.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the pizza concept, and it’s a great way to sneak in some protein and dairy.
- Comfort Food: There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of creamy gravy, cheesy goodness, and savory sausage.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Taste: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Customization: 5/5 (Highly Customizable)
- Overall: 5/5 (Highly Recommended)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or sliced bananas.
- Pair with a glass of orange juice or a cup of coffee.
- For a more complete brunch, add a side of crispy bacon or hash browns.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- To prevent the English muffins from getting soggy, toast them until they are nice and crispy.
- Don’t overcook the scrambled eggs, as they will continue to cook under the broiler.
- If you don’t have sausage drippings, you can use butter or olive oil to make the gravy.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy or sprinkle some hot sauce on top of the pizzas.
- To save time, you can make the sawmill gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 458 kcal per serving
- Protein: Approximately 25 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800 mg per serving (can vary depending on the sodium content of the sausage and cheese)
Conclusion:
This English Muffin Breakfast Pizza recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. The combination of crispy English muffins, creamy gravy, fluffy eggs, and savory sausage is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a breakfast pizza that will elevate your morning!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sawmill gravy and scramble the eggs ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling the pizzas. It’s best to toast the English muffins and broil the pizzas just before serving to maintain their crispness and avoid sogginess.
Q2: What if I don’t have breakfast sausage? Can I use something else?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the breakfast sausage with other cooked meats, such as bacon, ham, or even shredded chicken. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Q3: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Definitely! Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for breakfast pizza, but you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Choose your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses to create your perfect breakfast pizza.
Q4: How do I prevent the English muffins from getting soggy?
A: The key to preventing soggy English muffins is to toast them until they are nice and crispy before adding the toppings. This will create a barrier that prevents the gravy and eggs from soaking into the muffins. Also, avoid over-saucing the muffins with gravy.
Q5: Is this recipe suitable for kids?
A: Yes, this recipe is definitely kid-friendly! Kids love the pizza concept, and it’s a great way to get them to eat a nutritious breakfast. You can customize the toppings to suit their preferences and even involve them in the preparation process.
