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.