When mornings get busy, and you need a hearty, satisfying breakfast that doesn’t compromise on flavor, English Muffin Breakfast Pizza comes to the rescue. Combining the rich comfort of creamy sawmill gravy, fluffy scrambled eggs, savory breakfast sausage, and melted cheddar cheese, all layered on a perfectly toasted English muffin, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, fueling up for a busy day, or simply indulging in a weekend treat, these breakfast pizzas are sure to delight.
PrintEnglish Muffin Breakfast Pizza: A Delightful Start to Your Day
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 breakfast pizzas (4–6 servings) 1x
Ingredients
To make 8 English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas, you’ll need:
- 1 package English muffins (6–8 muffins, split in half)
- 8 eggs, scrambled
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz mild cheddar cheese, thinly sliced or shredded
For the sawmill gravy:
- ¼ cup sausage drippings (or butter)
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (to taste)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Breakfast Sausage
- Begin by browning the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to break the sausage into crumbles, ensuring even cooking.
- Once cooked through, reserve ¼ cup of the sausage drippings to use for the gravy. Drain the remaining fat and set the sausage aside.
2. Make the Sawmill Gravy
- In the same skillet, heat the reserved sausage drippings (or substitute with butter). Add ¼ cup of flour, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste.
- Cook this roux for 5-10 minutes until it turns a golden hue, which enhances the flavor. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat until thickened, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Toast the English Muffins
- Split the English muffins in half and toast them lightly. This can be done under a broiler for a minute or two, or in a toaster for convenience. The goal is to achieve a crisp exterior that can hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
4. Scramble the Eggs
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs with a splash of milk for extra fluffiness. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, and scramble the eggs gently, ensuring they remain soft and moist. Set aside once cooked.
5. Assemble the Breakfast Pizzas
- Lay out the toasted English muffin halves on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of sawmill gravy over each muffin half, ensuring even coverage.
- Top the gravy with a portion of scrambled eggs, followed by the cooked sausage crumbles.
- Finish each muffin with a layer of shredded or sliced cheddar cheese.
6. Broil to Perfection
- Preheat your broiler to high. Place the assembled breakfast pizzas under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the pizzas from the oven and serve them immediately. Pair with a side of fresh fruit, orange juice, or coffee for a complete breakfast experience.
Notes
- Advance Preparation: Save time by making the sausage, gravy, and scrambled eggs the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling.
- Toast for Texture: Always toast the English muffins before adding toppings to maintain a sturdy base that doesn’t become soggy.
- Broiling Basics: Keep a close eye on the broiler to ensure the cheese melts without burning. A little golden browning adds an irresistible touch!
- Serving Size: This recipe makes 8 breakfast pizzas, perfect for feeding 4-6 people. For larger gatherings, simply double the ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance of flavors and textures. The toasted English muffins provide a crisp, sturdy base, while the sawmill gravy adds a luscious, velvety layer. The eggs contribute a light, fluffy element, while the sausage brings savory depth. Topped with gooey melted cheddar, each bite is a medley of rich, satisfying flavors.
Let’s dive into the ingredients and how to create this culinary marvel in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
To make 8 English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas, you’ll need:
- 1 package English muffins (6-8 muffins, split in half)
- 8 eggs, scrambled
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz mild cheddar cheese, thinly sliced or shredded
For the sawmill gravy:
- ¼ cup sausage drippings (or butter)
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Breakfast Sausage
- Begin by browning the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to break the sausage into crumbles, ensuring even cooking.
- Once cooked through, reserve ¼ cup of the sausage drippings to use for the gravy. Drain the remaining fat and set the sausage aside.
2. Make the Sawmill Gravy
- In the same skillet, heat the reserved sausage drippings (or substitute with butter). Add ¼ cup of flour, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste.
- Cook this roux for 5-10 minutes until it turns a golden hue, which enhances the flavor. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat until thickened, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Toast the English Muffins
- Split the English muffins in half and toast them lightly. This can be done under a broiler for a minute or two, or in a toaster for convenience. The goal is to achieve a crisp exterior that can hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
4. Scramble the Eggs
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs with a splash of milk for extra fluffiness. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, and scramble the eggs gently, ensuring they remain soft and moist. Set aside once cooked.
5. Assemble the Breakfast Pizzas
- Lay out the toasted English muffin halves on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of sawmill gravy over each muffin half, ensuring even coverage.
- Top the gravy with a portion of scrambled eggs, followed by the cooked sausage crumbles.
- Finish each muffin with a layer of shredded or sliced cheddar cheese.
6. Broil to Perfection
- Preheat your broiler to high. Place the assembled breakfast pizzas under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the pizzas from the oven and serve them immediately. Pair with a side of fresh fruit, orange juice, or coffee for a complete breakfast experience.
Flavor Profile
This dish is a symphony of complementary flavors and textures. The toasted English muffins deliver a satisfying crunch, while the sawmill gravy provides a rich, creamy base that ties everything together. The scrambled eggs are light and airy, contrasting beautifully with the hearty, savory sausage. The melted cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy note, completing each bite with gooey, cheesy goodness.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of English Muffin Breakfast Pizza lies in its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize the recipe to your taste or dietary needs:
- Protein Options: Swap out breakfast sausage for crispy bacon, diced ham, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles. Each option offers a unique twist on the flavor profile.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella for a milder flavor, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or gouda for a smoky depth.
- Gravy Alternatives: If you’re short on time, use a store-bought gravy mix. Alternatively, replace sawmill gravy with marinara or pesto for an entirely different spin.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms to add color, flavor, and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free English muffins and a gluten-free flour blend for the gravy.
Tips for Success
- Advance Preparation: Save time by making the sausage, gravy, and scrambled eggs the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling.
- Toast for Texture: Always toast the English muffins before adding toppings to maintain a sturdy base that doesn’t become soggy.
- Broiling Basics: Keep a close eye on the broiler to ensure the cheese melts without burning. A little golden browning adds an irresistible touch!
- Serving Size: This recipe makes 8 breakfast pizzas, perfect for feeding 4-6 people. For larger gatherings, simply double the ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these breakfast pizzas alongside a fresh fruit salad or a vibrant green smoothie for a balanced meal. For a hearty brunch, pair them with hash browns, roasted potatoes, or a crisp garden salad. Don’t forget to offer an array of condiments like hot sauce, ketchup, or even a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The English Muffin Breakfast Pizza combines the comforting flavors of classic breakfast staples in an innovative way. The individual portions are not only visually appealing but also practical for serving. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting guests, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is adaptable to your needs. Its balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy elements makes it a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that turns ordinary mornings into something special. The combination of simple, wholesome ingredients creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, delicious breakfast.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your loved ones with this delightful creation. Trust us—your mornings will never be the same!