Description: A hearty and comforting breakfast pizza featuring a creamy sausage gravy, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melted cheese, all on a crispy pizza crust. Perfect for weekend brunch or a satisfying breakfast for a crowd.
Ingredients:
For the Gravy:
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Pizza:
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent dough sheet)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp butter (for scrambling eggs)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Optional: chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pizza bakes evenly and the crust becomes nice and crispy.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage. In a medium skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the breakfast sausage until it is fully browned and cooked through. Use a spatula or spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Ensure there are no pink bits remaining, which indicates it is thoroughly cooked. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Leaving the grease can make the gravy too oily.
Step 3: Make the Gravy. Add the butter to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Let it melt completely. Then, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sausage and melted butter. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes. This creates a roux, which is essential for thickening the gravy. Make sure to cook out the raw flour taste by stirring it well.
Step 4: Add the Milk. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking as the mixture heats up, bringing it to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes. The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Season the Gravy. Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste. Be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Once seasoned, remove the gravy from the heat and set it aside.
Step 6: Prepare the Pizza Dough. Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly greased baking sheet or pizza pan. Gently stretch and press the dough to fit the pan, creating a slight crust border around the edges. This helps contain the toppings and creates a nice, finished look.
Step 7: Pre-bake the Crust. Bake the pizza crust in the preheated oven for 6–7 minutes. This par-bakes the crust, preventing it from becoming soggy once the wet toppings are added. You want it to be lightly golden and slightly firm.
Step 8: Scramble the Eggs. While the pizza crust is pre-baking, prepare the scrambled eggs. In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the eggs and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are just set but still slightly moist. They will continue to cook in the oven, so don’t overcook them at this stage. Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 9: Assemble the Pizza. Remove the pre-baked pizza crust from the oven. Spread the sausage gravy evenly over the crust, covering it completely. Distribute the scrambled eggs evenly over the gravy.
Step 10: Add the Cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend) generously over the eggs. If desired, you can add more cooked sausage on top of the cheese for extra flavor.
Step 11: Bake the Pizza. Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The crust should be cooked through and crispy on the bottom.
Step 12: Garnish and Serve. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor and visual appeal. Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza is a delightful twist on traditional breakfast flavors, transforming them into a fun and shareable dish. The creamy, savory sausage gravy paired with fluffy scrambled eggs and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will satisfy your cravings. It’s easy to customize with your favorite cheeses and toppings, making it a versatile option for any brunch or breakfast gathering. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover sausage or eggs. The combination of textures, from the crispy crust to the creamy gravy and tender eggs, makes each bite a culinary delight. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or simply want to treat yourself to a special breakfast, this pizza is sure to be a hit.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza hot and fresh from the oven.
- Pair it with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or melon, for a balanced meal.
- Offer a variety of hot sauces for those who like a little extra heat.
- Complement it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage links for an even heartier breakfast.
- Serve alongside a light salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness of the pizza.
- Offer beverages such as orange juice, coffee, or mimosas to complete the brunch experience.
Tips:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough a little longer.
- Use a pizza stone for an even crispier crust.
- If you don’t have pizza dough, crescent roll dough works well as a substitute.
- Customize the cheese blend to your liking – pepper jack or Monterey Jack adds a nice kick.
- Add vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sausage gravy for extra nutrients and flavor.
- If you have leftover cooked sausage, this is a great way to use it up.
- For a spicier gravy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make the sausage gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a quicker assembly in the morning.
- If you prefer a thinner crust, use a rolling pin to flatten the dough before placing it on the baking sheet.
- To prevent the crust from sticking, lightly dust the baking sheet or pizza pan with cornmeal before placing the dough on it.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 20-25g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion:
The Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza is a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. With its creamy, savory gravy, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this recipe will become a staple in your breakfast repertoire. Enjoy the delicious flavors and share the joy of this comforting pizza with friends and family. It’s a surefire way to start your day on a delicious note!
Questions and Answers:
Q: Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sausage gravy and scramble the eggs ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the pizza just before baking. This reduces the preparation time in the morning.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a blend of cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack all work well. Experiment to find your perfect combination.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this pizza?
A: Yes, you can! Adding diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sausage gravy will add extra flavor and nutrients. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the gravy to ensure they are cooked through.
Q: What can I use instead of pizza dough?
A: If you don’t have pizza dough, crescent roll dough is a great substitute. You can also use a pre-made pizza crust or even naan bread for a quick and easy option.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
A: While the individual components (sausage gravy, scrambled eggs) can be frozen, it is not recommended to freeze the assembled pizza. The crust may become soggy upon thawing and reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
