Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza: A Southern Comfort Food Mashup

A Creative Fusion of Breakfast Favorites

This Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza is a creative and mouthwatering fusion of two beloved breakfast staples. It takes the comforting flavors of biscuits and gravy and transforms them into a fun and shareable pizza format. A pre-baked pizza crust serves as the base, which is then topped with a generous layer of creamy sausage gravy, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch option that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a unique twist on your morning meal.

A Recipe Born from a Love of Southern Comfort Food

I’ve always been a huge fan of biscuits and gravy. It’s one of my favorite Southern comfort food dishes. One day, I was craving biscuits and gravy but wanted to try something a little different. That’s when the idea for this Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza popped into my head. I thought, why not combine the two? I used a pre-made pizza crust to keep things simple, and the result was amazing! The crispy crust, the creamy gravy, the fluffy eggs, and the melted cheese were a perfect combination. This pizza has become a regular in my weekend brunch rotation. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic Southern dish, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. I love that it’s so easy to make and that it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredient Insights: Choosing the Right Ingredients for Flavor and Texture

The success of this breakfast pizza lies in the combination of classic breakfast ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pre-baked Pizza Crust (1, 12-inch): Provides the base for the pizza.
  • Tip: Using a pre-baked crust saves time and ensures a crispy base.
  • Alternative: You can use a homemade pizza crust or a store-bought fresh dough, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Breakfast Sausage (1 pound): The main protein source, providing a savory and flavorful element.
  • Tip: You can use any type of breakfast sausage you like – mild, spicy, or maple-flavored.
• All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Used to make a roux, which thickens the gravy.
• Milk (2 cups + ¼ cup): Forms the base of the sausage gravy (2 cups) and is added to the eggs for fluffiness (¼ cup).
  • Recommendation: Whole milk is recommended for a richer gravy, but you can use 2% milk as well.
• Eggs (6 large): Scrambled and added as a layer on the pizza, providing protein and a familiar breakfast flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Adds a sharp, cheesy flavor and a melty, gooey topping.
  • Tip: You can also use a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon, optional): For brushing the crust, adding flavor and promoting browning.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.

Essential Equipment: Tools for Pizza Assembly and Baking

• Large Skillet: For cooking the sausage and making the gravy.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the pizza.
• Mixing Bowls (Medium and Small): For whisking the eggs and making the gravy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: For making the gravy and whisking the eggs.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Pastry Brush (Optional): For brushing the crust with olive oil.

The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza

Ingredients with Measurements

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• 1 pre-baked pizza crust (12-inch)
• 6 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk (for the eggs)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage Gravy: A Creamy and Flavorful Topping

1. Cook Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain Grease: Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Make Roux: Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the cooked sausage in the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will thicken the gravy.
4. Add Milk: Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-10 minutes.
6. Season: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside and keep warm.

2. Set Up the Pizza Base: Preparing the Crust

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Crust: Place the pre-baked pizza crust on a baking sheet.
3. Optional: Brush with Oil: If desired, lightly brush the surface of the pizza crust with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This will help create a crispier crust.

3. Cook the Eggs: Fluffy and Light

1. Heat Skillet: Spray a separate large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
2. Whisk Eggs and Milk: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs and ¼ cup of milk until well combined.
3. Scramble Eggs: Pour the egg mixture into the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are fully cooked but still moist, about 5 minutes.
   • Tip: Don’t overcook the eggs, as they will continue to cook slightly in the oven.

4. Assemble the Pizza: Building Layers of Flavor

1. Spread Gravy: Spread about half of the prepared sausage gravy evenly over the pre-baked pizza crust.
   • Tip: Leave a small border around the edge of the crust for a cleaner presentation.
2. Add Eggs: Spoon the scrambled eggs evenly over the gravy layer.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the scrambled eggs.

5. Bake the Pizza: Achieving a Golden, Bubbly Finish

1. Bake: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven.
2. Baking Time: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve: Enjoying Your Breakfast Pizza Creation

1. Cool Slightly: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza into wedges and serve warm.
3. Optional: Top with extra gravy, or other toppings of your choice.

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Tips for Success

• Gravy Too Thick:
  • Problem: The sausage gravy is too thick.
  • Solutions: Stir in a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
• Gravy Too Thin:
  • Problem: The gravy is too thin and runny.
  • Solutions: Make sure to cook out the roux for a few minutes.
• Eggs Overcooked:
  • Problem: The scrambled eggs are dry and overcooked.
  • Solutions: Cook the eggs until they are just set but still slightly moist. They will continue to cook in the oven.
• Crust Soggy:
  • Problem: The pizza crust is soggy.
  • Solutions: Make sure to use a pre-baked crust.

Tips and Variations: Customize Your Breakfast Pizza

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a little heat.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the gravy for added flavor and nutrients.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Bacon: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the pizza for even more savory flavor.
• Biscuit Crust: Instead of a pizza crust, use a can of refrigerated biscuit dough. Separate the biscuits, flatten them slightly, and arrange them on the baking sheet to form a crust.
• Sausage Gravy: Use your own favorite sausage gravy recipe.

Serving Suggestions: A Versatile Breakfast for Any Occasion

• Weekend Brunch: A perfect centerpiece for a delicious weekend brunch spread.
• Holiday Breakfast: A fun and festive breakfast for Christmas morning or other holidays.
• Breakfast for Dinner: Who says you can’t have breakfast for dinner? This pizza is a fun and satisfying meal any time of day.
• Game Day: A hearty and flavorful snack to enjoy while watching the game.

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.
  • Mimosas or Bloody Marys: For a festive brunch pairing.
• Sides:
  • Fresh Fruit: A bowl of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or grapes, provides a light and refreshing contrast.
  • Hash Browns: For extra potato goodness.
  • Yogurt: A dollop of plain or vanilla yogurt adds a creamy element.

Nutritional Information: A Hearty and Satisfying Breakfast

Per serving (approximate, will vary based on size and specific ingredients): Calories: 400-450, Fat: 20-25g, Carbohydrates: 30-35g, Protein: 20-25g. (Note: This is an approximation and may vary based on the specific ingredients used).

Print

Your Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza Questions Answered

• Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
  • A: You can prepare the sausage gravy and the scrambled eggs ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the pizza and bake it just before serving for the best results. You can also fully assemble and bake, then reheat.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?
  • A: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Q: Can I freeze this pizza?
  • A: It’s not recommended to freeze the fully assembled pizza, as the texture of the crust and eggs may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the sausage gravy separately for up to 3 months.
• Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
  • A: Yes, you can substitute cooked and crumbled bacon, chorizo, or ground turkey for the breakfast sausage.
• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
  • A: Absolutely! Monterey Jack, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.
• Q: What if I don’t have a pre-baked pizza crust?
  • A: You can use a homemade pizza crust or a store-bought fresh dough, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly. You may want to prebake the crust for a few minutes.
• Q: Can I add other vegetables to this pizza?
  • A: Yes, sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers would be great additions to the gravy. You could also add spinach.
• Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
  • A: You could try using a plant-based sausage crumble or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Q: How can I make this spicier?
  • A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy. You can also use a spicier sausage or add diced jalapenos.
• Q: Can I use a different type of gravy?
• A: While sausage gravy is traditional, you could experiment with other types of gravy, such as a country gravy or a brown gravy.
• Q: Can I double this recipe?
• A: Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled. You may need to use two baking sheets or bake in batches.
• Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
• A: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350F for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave.