If you’re looking to kickstart your day with a delightful and hearty meal, the English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is the perfect choice for you. This creative spin on the traditional breakfast combines all your favorites into a simple yet satisfying dish. With toasted English muffins as the base, topped with fluffy scrambled eggs, savory breakfast sausage, and melted cheddar cheese, this breakfast pizza is an exciting way to fuel your morning. Plus, the addition of sawmill gravy adds a creamy richness that makes every bite utterly irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Why We Love This English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe
This English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is an absolute gem for several reasons. First, it seamlessly combines the best elements of breakfast into one dish. The individual muffin halves are easy to customize, making them perfect for sharing or satisfying different tastes. The rich sawmill gravy provides a comforting note that pairs beautifully with savory sausage and creamy cheese. Additionally, this recipe is quick to prepare, taking under 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s an awesome option for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. Overall, you’ll appreciate the balance of flavors and textures that this dish brings to your breakfast table.
Ingredients about English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
To make this delightful breakfast dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to gather:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 package of English muffins (split into halves)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 8 oz mild cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
- For Sawmill Gravy:
- ¼ cup sausage drippings (or butter if needed)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
How to Make English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Directions
Making your own English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is straightforward and fun! Here’s how you can do it step by step:
- Cook the Sausage: Start by placing a skillet on medium heat and adding the breakfast sausage. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet, ensuring to reserve about ¼ cup of the drippings in the pan for the gravy.
- Prepare the Sawmill Gravy: In the same skillet with the drippings, add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk it together until it’s well combined, forming a roux. Cook this for about 5-10 minutes, allowing it to turn a lovely golden brown. After that, gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while continuously whisking. You’ll want to keep stirring until the gravy begins to thicken. Season it with salt and black pepper to taste, then take it off the heat.
- Toast Muffins: While your gravy is thickening, it’s time to toast those English muffins. Lightly toast each half in a toaster or on a skillet. This step is crucial to prevent them from getting soggy when you add the toppings.
- Scramble Eggs: Grab a bowl and whisk the 8 large eggs together with a splash of milk, adding a bit of salt and pepper as well. Pour them into a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Stir gently for about 3-4 minutes until the eggs are scrambled and soft but not runny.
- Broil the Pizza: Preheat your broiler on high. Take each toasted English muffin half and lay it on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the sawmill gravy over each half, followed by a scoop of the scrambled eggs, some crumbled breakfast sausage, and finally, top it all off with slices of mild cheddar cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes. Stay close by and watch it carefully—it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, serve your English Muffin Breakfast Pizza hot! You can garnish it with fresh herbs if you like and pair it with fresh fruit or crispy hash browns for a complete breakfast experience.
How to Serve English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
Serving your English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is as enjoyable as making it. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can serve each muffin half on individual plates or present the entire platter to share. To add a touch of color and freshness, consider garnishing with some finely chopped chives or parsley. Additionally, you might want to offer sides such as seasonal fruit, a light salad, or some crispy hash browns to complement the pizza. This way, you create a well-rounded breakfast that appeals to both the eyes and the taste buds.
For a casual feel, you can set up a breakfast bar where everyone can add their favorite toppings after the main pizza is baked. This could include additional cheeses, hot sauces, or extra herbs. Not only does it engage everyone in the meal preparation, but it also allows for personalization.
Expert Tips: English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
Creating an unforgettable English Muffin Breakfast Pizza can be made easier with a few expert tips:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your dish starts with the ingredients. Opt for fresh eggs, quality sausage, and good cheese to elevate your pizza’s taste.
- Customize the Toppings: Don’t hesitate to personalize your breakfast pizza. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions, or switch up the sausage for turkey sausage or a meat alternative according to your preferences.
- Make Ahead: To save time in the morning, consider preparing the sawmill gravy and the sausage the night before. Just reheat them before assembling your pizzas.
- Watch the Broiler: When broiling your pizzas, keep a close eye on them. Cheese can go from bubbly to burnt in seconds, so check frequently to achieve that perfect melt without overdoing it.
- Add Spice: For those who enjoy a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before broiling or add hot sauce to your individual servings.
How to Store English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
If you have leftovers (although that might not be likely!), storing your English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is easy. Allow any remaining pieces to cool completely at room temperature. Then, wrap each muffin half in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. If using the microwave, be aware that the texture may be slightly different, so the oven method might be preferable for a crispier finish.
Variation of English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
The beauty of the English Muffin Breakfast Pizza lies in its adaptability. Here are some variations you might want to consider:
- Veggie Lovers’ Pizza: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. You can even add some diced tomatoes for an extra fresh taste.
- Spicy Sausage Option: Use a spicy sausage to kick things up a notch. The heat will balance out nice with the creamy sawmill gravy.
- Cheesy Veggie Delight: Add extra layers of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a gooey, cheesy experience. You can also throw in some sliced olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Nutrient Boost: Incorporate some chopped kale or cooked quinoa into the scrambled eggs for an added nutritional punch.
- Sweet Twist: For a unique take, top your muffins with sliced bananas, a smear of peanut butter, and a drizzle of honey. This transforms the pizza into a more dessert-like breakfast.
FAQ
What is English Muffin Breakfast Pizza?
English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is a creative breakfast dish that features toasted English muffin halves topped with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, melted cheese, and a rich sawmill gravy, all broiled until bubbly.
Can I prepare English Muffin Breakfast Pizza ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sawmill gravy and cook the sausage in advance. Simply reheat them when you’re ready to assemble and bake the pizzas.
How do I make the sawmill gravy?
To make sawmill gravy, start by cooking breakfast sausage and reserving the drippings in a skillet. Then whisk in flour to create a roux, slowly adding milk while stirring until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Can I change the ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize the pizza with different sausages, vegetables, or cheeses according to your taste preferences.
How long does it take to make English Muffin Breakfast Pizza?
From start to finish, you can expect to spend around 30 minutes preparing and cooking this delicious breakfast pizza. It’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying morning meal!