English Muffin Breakfast Pizza: A Quick, Easy, and Customizable Morning Meal

A Fun and Flavorful Twist on Breakfast Classics

English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas are a creative and delicious way to start your day. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of a classic breakfast – sausage, eggs, and cheese – with the convenience of an English muffin base. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or even a fun breakfast-for-dinner option. These mini pizzas are also highly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your liking with different toppings and variations. They’re a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

A Breakfast Creation Born from Creativity and Convenience

I first made these English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas when I was looking for a way to use up some leftover ingredients in my fridge. I had a package of English muffins, some cooked sausage, and a few eggs. Inspired by the idea of breakfast pizza, I decided to combine these ingredients into a quick and easy meal. The result was surprisingly delicious! The toasted English muffins provided a perfect base, the sausage gravy added a rich and savory flavor, and the scrambled eggs and melted cheese created a satisfying and comforting combination. These pizzas have since become a favorite in my household, a go-to recipe for a quick and delicious breakfast or brunch. I often make them on weekends when I have more time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast with my family.

Ingredient Insights: Building a Delicious Breakfast Pizza

Let’s break down the key ingredients that make these breakfast pizzas so satisfying:

• English Muffins: The foundation of the pizzas, providing a sturdy and slightly chewy base.
  • Tip: Look for good-quality English muffins that are not too soft or crumbly.
  • Alternative: You can also use bagels, biscuits, or even thick slices of toast.
• Eggs: Scrambled eggs add protein and a familiar breakfast flavor.
  • Tip: The recipe suggests adding a dash of milk to the eggs for fluffier scrambled eggs.
• Breakfast Sausage: Provides a savory, flavorful element.
  • Tip: You can use any type of breakfast sausage you like – links, patties, or ground.
  • Alternative: For a spicier kick, use Italian sausage.
• Mild Cheddar Cheese: Adds a classic cheesy flavor and melts beautifully under the broiler.
  • Tip: You can also use a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack.
  • Alternative: Provolone or mozzarella would be great.
• Milk: Used to make the sawmill gravy, adding creaminess and moisture.
• Sausage Drippings: The flavorful fat rendered from cooking the sausage, used as the base for the sawmill gravy.
  • Tip: If you don’t have enough sausage drippings, you can supplement with butter.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the sawmill gravy, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the gravy.
• Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice to the gravy.

Essential Equipment: Tools for Easy Pizza Assembly and Cooking

• Large Skillet: For cooking the sausage and making the sawmill gravy.
• Medium Skillet: For scrambling the eggs.
• Baking Sheet: For toasting the English muffins and broiling the assembled pizzas.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: For making the sawmill gravy.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Knife: For slicing the English muffins, if needed.

The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Perfection

Ingredients with Measurements

• 1 package of English muffins
• 8 eggs
• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 8 oz mild cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
• 2 cups milk (for sawmill gravy)
• ¼ cup sausage drippings (add butter if insufficient drippings)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for sawmill gravy)
• ½ teaspoon salt (for sawmill gravy, or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (for sawmill gravy, or to taste)

Detailed Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage: The Foundation of Flavor

1. Heat Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add Sausage: Add the breakfast sausage to the hot skillet.
3. Brown and Crumble: Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
4. Drain and Reserve: Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. Carefully pour off all but about ¼ cup of the sausage drippings, reserving the rest for the gravy.

2. Prepare the Sawmill Gravy: A Creamy and Flavorful Topping

1. Make Roux: To the skillet with the ¼ cup of reserved sausage drippings, add the flour. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture starts to turn a light golden brown. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
2. Add Milk: Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring it’s fully incorporated before adding more. This prevents lumps from forming.
3. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the English Muffins: Toasting for Texture

1. Split Muffins: While the gravy is simmering, split the English muffins in half using a fork or a serrated knife.
2. Toast: Lightly toast the English muffins under the broiler or in a toaster oven until they are just lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
   • Tip: Toasting the muffins helps them hold up to the toppings without becoming soggy.

4. Scramble the Eggs: Adding Protein and Fluffiness

1. Whisk Eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs with a small dash of milk (about 1-2 tablespoons). The milk will make the eggs fluffier.
2. Cook Eggs: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until the eggs are cooked through but still moist.

5. Assemble the Pizzas: Building Layers of Flavor

1. Preheat Broiler: Turn your oven broiler on high.
2. Arrange Muffins: Place the toasted English muffin halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up.
3. Spread Gravy: Spread a generous layer of the sawmill gravy over each English muffin half.
4. Top with Eggs: Divide the scrambled eggs evenly among the English muffin halves, placing them on top of the gravy.
5. Add Cheese: Top each with a slice of mild cheddar cheese.
6. Add Sausage: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled sausage evenly over the cheese on each muffin half.

6. Broil the Pizzas: Melting the Cheese to Perfection

1. Broil: Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler.
2. Watch Closely: Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
   • Important: Keep a very close eye on the pizzas while they’re under the broiler, as they can burn quickly.
3. Remove from Oven: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.

7. Serve and Enjoy: A Delicious Start to the Day

1. Cool Slightly: Let the English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas cool for a minute or two before serving.
2. Serve Hot: Serve immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is gooey.

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Tips for Success

• Gravy Too Thick:
  • Problem: The sawmill gravy is too thick.
  • Solutions: Stir in a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Gravy Too Thin:
  • Problem: The gravy is too thin and runny.
  • Solutions: Make sure you cooked the roux long enough. Let the gravy simmer for a few more minutes to thicken. You can also whisk in a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water.
• Muffins Soggy:
  • Problem: The English muffins get soggy.
  • Solutions: Make sure to toast the muffins before adding the toppings. Don’t add too much gravy to each muffin.

Tips and Variations: Customize Your Breakfast Pizzas

• Cheese Variations:
  • Pepper Jack: Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
  • Monterey Jack: For a milder, creamy flavor.
  • Swiss: Adds a nutty flavor.
• Meat Options:
  • Bacon: Substitute cooked and crumbled bacon for the sausage.
  • Ham: Use diced ham for a different flavor.
  • Chorizo: Add some cooked chorizo for a spicy twist.
• Vegetable Additions:
  • Onions: Add some finely chopped onions to the gravy.
  • Peppers: Sauté some diced bell peppers and add them to the gravy or on top of the pizzas.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms would be a delicious addition.
  • Spinach: Add some wilted spinach for extra nutrients.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy or a dash of hot sauce to the scrambled eggs.
• Herb Infusion: Stir in some chopped fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, into the gravy for a fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions: A Versatile Breakfast for Any Occasion

• Family Breakfast: A fun and easy breakfast that the whole family will love.
• Brunch: These pizzas are a great addition to a brunch spread.
• Game Day: A hearty and satisfying snack to enjoy while watching the game.
• Breakfast for Dinner: Who says you can’t have breakfast for dinner? These pizzas are perfect for a fun and easy weeknight meal.

Pairing Recommendations: Drinks and Sides

• Drinks:
  • Coffee: A classic breakfast beverage that pairs well with the savory flavors.
  • Orange Juice: A refreshing and citrusy option.
  • Milk: A good choice for kids.
  • Bloody Mary or Mimosa: For a brunch pairing.
• Sides:
  • Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side dish.
  • Hash Browns: For a more substantial breakfast.
  • Bacon or Sausage: If you want even more breakfast meat.
  • Yogurt: A healthy and simple side.

Nutritional Information: A Hearty and Flavorful Breakfast

Per serving (1 assembled pizza, approximate, will vary based on size and specific ingredients): Calories: 350-450, Fat: 20-25g, Carbohydrates: 25-30g, Protein: 15-20g. (Note: This is an approximation and may vary based on the specific ingredients used).

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Your English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Questions Answered

• Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
  • A: You can prepare the sausage and gravy ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and broil the pizzas just before serving for the best results.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?
  • A: Store leftover pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Q: Can I freeze these pizzas?
  • A: It’s not recommended to freeze the fully assembled pizzas, as the texture of the English muffins may be affected. However, you can freeze the cooked sausage and gravy separately for up to 2 months.
• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
  • A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
• Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
  • A: Yes, you can substitute cooked and crumbled bacon, Italian sausage, or even diced ham for the breakfast sausage.
• Q: What if I don’t have a broiler?
  • A: You can bake the assembled pizzas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
  • A: You could try using a plant-based sausage crumble or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and onions for a vegetarian version.
• Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
  • A: Yes, you can use bagels, biscuits, or even thick slices of toast as a base for the pizzas.
• Q: How can I make the gravy even creamier?
  • A: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the gravy at the end of cooking.
• Q: Can I add vegetables to these pizzas?
  • A: Yes, you can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the gravy, or top the pizzas with fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes or avocado after broiling.
• Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
• A: Yes, this will save some time. You may not have enough drippings for the gravy however, so add butter as needed.
• Q: Can I make these without the gravy?
• A: Yes, you could use a different sauce, or omit it all together.