“`html
If you’re craving a breakfast dish that is as comforting as it is fun to eat, the English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a beautifully toasted English muffin serving as the perfect base, layered with a rich sausage gravy, fluffy scrambled eggs, savory breakfast sausage, and a melty blanket of mild cheddar cheese. This delightful combination creates a savory breakfast pizza that’s quick to assemble, full of flavor, and guaranteed to brighten your morning or brunch spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors — from the slightly crispy English muffin base to the creamy sausage gravy and bubbly melted cheese. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building this delicious breakfast masterpiece.
- English muffins: These provide the sturdy, toasted foundation that holds all the toppings perfectly.
- Eggs: Scrambled until fluffy, they add a fresh, protein-packed component to the pizza.
- Breakfast sausage: Cooked until well done for a hearty, savory punch and meaty texture.
- Mild cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the eggs and sausage, adding creamy, tangy richness.
- Milk: Used both in the gravy and eggs to help create that smooth, velvety consistency.
- Sausage drippings: Packed with flavor, these are the secret to the perfectly rich sawmill gravy.
- Flour: Thickens the gravy, giving it that luscious, comforting consistency.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice and balance.
How to Make English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Reserve Drippings
Start by cooking your breakfast sausage in a cast iron skillet or heavy pan until it’s browned and completely cooked through. This first step develops that savory, meaty flavor crucial to the dish. Once done, remove the sausage and carefully save about a quarter cup of the drippings—that’s going to form the base of your rich sausage gravy.
Step 2: Make the Sawmill Gravy
Using the reserved sausage drippings, sprinkle in the flour and cook it gently until it turns a warm golden color. This process unlocks a toasty, nutty flavor that makes the gravy truly special. Slowly add milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, continuing until the gravy thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this gravy is what elevates your English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe from ordinary to spectacular.
Step 3: Toast the English Muffins
While the gravy thickens, lightly toast your English muffins. A crisp, golden-brown exterior creates a satisfying contrast to the soft toppings and keeps the muffin from becoming soggy when loaded with gravy and eggs.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
In a separate skillet, whisk together eggs and a splash of milk before scrambling them over medium heat. The milk helps make the eggs wonderfully fluffy and tender—perfect for layering on top of your muffins.
Step 5: Assemble the Breakfast Pizzas
Preheat your broiler to get ready for that irresistible melted cheese finish. Spread a generous spoonful of sausage gravy over each toasted English muffin half, then add a layer of fluffy scrambled eggs. Scatter cooked breakfast sausage on top, then crown each pizza with shredded mild cheddar cheese, ensuring every bite will have that melty, gooey goodness you want.
Step 6: Broil Until Bubbling and Delicious
Place the assembled English muffin breakfast pizzas on a baking sheet and slide them under the broiler for just a couple of minutes. Watch closely as the cheese bubbles and browns to perfection. The result is a perfectly warm, cheesy, and satisfying breakfast treat that’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
To make your English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe pop visually and taste-wise, try sprinkling fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley on top. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce can also add a wonderful kick and freshness that balances the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the centerpiece of your breakfast or brunch table, but a few simple sides can complement it perfectly. Think crisp fruit salad, roasted potatoes, or even a light green salad to add some brightness and contrast to the hearty pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or want to jazz things up, serve these breakfast pizzas on a rustic wooden board with individual small bowls of toppings and sauces. Alternatively, cut each English muffin pizza into quarters to create shareable, bite-sized snacks—perfect for a brunch party or casual get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any uneaten English Muffin Breakfast Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the best texture, store the muffins and toppings together, but reheat carefully to avoid drying out the eggs.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this breakfast pizza, assemble but don’t broil yet. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and broil fresh for that homemade taste.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is under the broiler or in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This method restores the cheese’s melty texture and crisps up the edges of the muffin, making it taste almost like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of breakfast sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well as a leaner alternative while still providing plenty of savory flavor. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and reserve some drippings or add a bit of butter for the gravy base.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Mild cheddar cheese is the classic choice because it melts beautifully and complements the sausage and eggs without overpowering them. However, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist.
Is there a vegetarian version of the English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the breakfast sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option. For the gravy, use vegetarian butter and flour, and skip the sausage drippings or replace them with vegetable oil.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can definitely cook the sausage and make the gravy ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge. Scramble the eggs fresh before assembling and broiling to keep them light and fluffy.
What can I serve as a beverage with this breakfast pizza?
Coffee and fresh orange juice make classic breakfast companions, but you could also enjoy this with a light herbal tea or even a mimosa for a festive brunch treat.
Final Thoughts
Bringing together simple ingredients to create something spectacular, this English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe is a showstopper for any morning meal. It’s quick, comforting, and endlessly customizable, making it a personal favorite that I can’t wait for you to try and share. Once you taste that first bite, I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your breakfast rotation just like it has in mine!
“`
