English Muffin Breakfast Pizza

Naomi

Everyday Culinary Delights 👩‍🍳

 

Are you ready to transform your breakfast routine? English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is a delicious and quick way to combine your favorite morning staples—eggs, sausage, and cheese—on a crispy base. This creative recipe offers a twist on the classic breakfast, making it ideal for families, brunches, or anyone in need of a hearty start to the day.

One of the reasons why this breakfast pizza stands out is its simplicity. By using English muffins, you get a pre-portioned, crunchy base that perfectly complements the creamy sawmill gravy, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese. Plus, it’s highly customizable! Whether you’re a fan of savory sausage or prefer a vegetarian option, you can easily adapt this recipe to your taste. The flavor and texture make it a satisfying and versatile meal, perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches.

The Ingredients Breakdown

To create this savory delight, you’ll need simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

  • English Muffins: These serve as the crisp foundation for your breakfast pizza. They hold up well under toppings, adding the perfect crunch. Learn more about the history of the English muffin here.
  • Eggs: Scrambled eggs provide a soft, creamy layer that pairs beautifully with the sausage and cheese. You can customize the texture by adding milk to make them fluffier. Check out some tips on making the best fluffy scrambled eggs here.
  • Breakfast Sausage: This ingredient adds a savory and hearty flavor. For a healthier option, try using turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative. Explore different types of breakfast sausage here.
  • Cheddar Cheese: The cheese pulls everything together with its creamy, melty texture. Mild cheddar works great, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
  • Sawmill Gravy: Made from flour, milk, and sausage drippings, this thick and creamy gravy brings everything together. You can learn more about the origins of sawmill gravy here.

Preparing the Sausage and Sawmill Gravy

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to start with the most important components of this English Muffin Breakfast Pizza—the sausage and the creamy sawmill gravy. These two elements add a rich, savory base that sets this recipe apart from other breakfast options.

  • Cooking the Sausage: Begin by browning your breakfast sausage in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. This step adds flavor and helps render the fat needed for the gravy. Cook the sausage until it’s well done and nicely browned, then remove it from the skillet. Be sure to leave around ¼ cup of sausage drippings in the pan. If you don’t have enough drippings, you can add a bit of butter to make up the difference.
  • Making the Roux: The next step is to create a roux, which serves as the base for the gravy. To the reserved sausage drippings, slowly whisk in ¼ cup of flour. Continue stirring over medium heat for 5–10 minutes, or until the mixture begins to turn a golden brown. This step is essential for developing the depth of flavor in your gravy. Roux is a key technique in many recipes, like those using sawmill gravy.
  • Creating the Gravy: Once your roux is ready, slowly begin adding 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps. Keep cooking the mixture until it boils and thickens into a smooth, creamy gravy. Don’t forget to season it with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, or adjust to taste. If you want to experiment with flavors, you can add herbs like thyme or parsley at this stage. Gravy is a classic component in southern cooking—learn more about its versatility here.

By this point, your sausage and gravy should be ready, providing the perfect base for the rest of your breakfast pizzas.

Preparing the Eggs and Toasting the English Muffins

While your sausage and sawmill gravy are coming together, you can start preparing the next layers of your English Muffin Breakfast Pizza—the eggs and muffins.

  • Scrambling the Eggs: In a separate non-stick skillet, scramble the 8 eggs over medium-low heat. Add a dash of milk to make them fluffier, and stir frequently to ensure even cooking. It’s important not to overcook the eggs, as they’ll spend a little more time under the broiler later. For best results, cook them until they are just set but still slightly soft. If you’re interested in mastering the art of scrambled eggs, you can check out additional tips here.
  • Toasting the English Muffins: While the eggs are cooking, lightly toast the English muffins in a toaster or under a broiler. Toasting the muffins is crucial because it prevents them from becoming soggy once the toppings are added. The crispy muffin base provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy gravy and soft eggs. English muffins also add a distinct texture that makes this breakfast pizza unique—learn more about their history here.

Once your eggs are scrambled and your muffins are toasted, you’re ready to assemble the pizzas!

Assembling and Broiling the Breakfast Pizzas

Now that all your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to bring everything together for the final step—assembling and broiling the English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas. This step is quick and easy, and within minutes, you’ll have a delicious, golden-brown breakfast pizza ready to serve.

  • Assembling the Pizzas: Start by laying out your toasted English muffins on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of the warm sawmill gravy over each half. The gravy acts as the base, adding creamy richness that complements the toppings. After the gravy, layer on the scrambled eggs, followed by a slice of mild cheddar cheese. Finally, top each muffin with some of the cooked breakfast sausage.
  • Broiling the Pizzas: Turn your oven’s broiler on high and place the assembled muffins under the broiler. Broil for just a few minutes, watching closely to ensure the cheese melts to a bubbly perfection without burning. The broiler adds a delicious golden color and helps fuse the flavors of the sausage, eggs, and cheese. If you’re new to broiling, you can learn more about the technique here.
  • Alternative Toppings: If you want to get creative, consider adding extra toppings like sliced avocado, sautéed spinach, or a sprinkle of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Customize the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs!

Your English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas are now ready to serve! They’re perfect for family breakfasts, quick meals, or even as a brunch centerpiece.

Nutritional Information and Customization

Each serving of English Muffin Breakfast Pizza contains approximately 458 kcal, making it a filling and satisfying breakfast. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional value:

  • Calories: 458 kcal
  • Protein: Eggs and sausage provide a great source of protein.
  • Carbohydrates: The English muffins add carbs to fuel your morning.
  • Fat: The sausage and cheese add fat for flavor and richness.

For those looking to modify the recipe, there are several options to make it lighter or tailored to specific diets:

  • Lower Calorie Option: Use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage, and opt for reduced-fat cheese.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap the English muffins for gluten-free muffins.
  • Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based sausage or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers instead of meat. Check out other vegetarian breakfast ideas on Pinterest.

These options allow you to enjoy this delicious breakfast while accommodating your dietary preferences!

Serving Suggestions

English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or just need a hearty breakfast for a busy morning, this dish is both versatile and crowd-pleasing. Here are some ideas for serving:

  • Brunch Spread: Serve these breakfast pizzas alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or a leafy green salad for a complete brunch experience. Pair with coffee, tea, or freshly squeezed orange juice to round out the meal.
  • Quick Morning Meal: Make ahead and store the pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be easily reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick breakfast on busy weekdays.
  • Family Breakfast: These pizzas are a great option for feeding a crowd. Kids love assembling their own pizzas, making this meal interactive and fun.

Cooking Tips for Beginners

Cooking the perfect English Muffin Breakfast Pizza doesn’t have to be complicated, even for beginners. Here are a few simple tips to ensure everything turns out delicious:

  • Avoid Overcooking the Eggs: Scrambled eggs should be soft and slightly undercooked when you remove them from the heat since they’ll continue cooking under the broiler. This prevents them from becoming rubbery.
  • Gravy Consistency: If your sawmill gravy seems too thick, simply add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. Stirring constantly while adding the milk helps avoid lumps.
  • Toast the Muffins Just Right: Lightly toast the muffins to keep them crispy under the toppings. You don’t want them too soft, or they’ll become soggy once you add the gravy.
  • Watch the Broiler: Broilers can quickly turn cheese from melty to burnt. Keep an eye on the pizzas as they broil to achieve a golden-brown top without overcooking.

With these basic tips, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering breakfast pizza, even if you’re a kitchen novice!

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong in the kitchen. Here are solutions to some common issues you might encounter while making English Muffin Breakfast Pizza:

  • Gravy Too Thick or Too Thin: If your gravy turns out too thick, whisk in more milk gradually until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, allow it to cook a little longer, or add a teaspoon of flour mixed with water to thicken it up.
  • Soggy Muffins: If your English muffins end up soggy, it’s likely due to under-toasting. Make sure to give them a good toast before adding toppings, and spread the gravy sparingly to avoid soaking the muffin.
  • Burnt Cheese: Broiling the pizzas requires close attention. If the cheese is browning too quickly, move the baking sheet to a lower rack in the oven or reduce the broiler temperature slightly. Keeping an eye on the cheese is key to preventing it from burning.
  • Overcooked Eggs: To avoid rubbery eggs, cook them on low heat and remove them from the pan while they’re still slightly soft. They’ll finish cooking in the oven without becoming overdone.

By troubleshooting these common mistakes, you’ll be able to perfect your breakfast pizzas with ease!

Creative Twists on English Muffin Breakfast Pizza

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are countless ways to get creative with English Muffin Breakfast Pizza. Whether you want to try a new flavor or accommodate dietary preferences, here are some fun variations to explore:

  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and load up on veggies like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. You can even try using a plant-based sausage substitute. This option keeps the pizza hearty while adding more nutrients.
  • Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or swapping the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. You could also drizzle the finished pizzas with your favorite hot sauce for an extra fiery finish.
  • Kid-Friendly Customizations: Get the kids involved by letting them build their own pizzas. Use turkey sausage, mild cheese, and add familiar toppings like sliced tomatoes or bell peppers. This can be a fun way for children to personalize their meal while making healthy choices.
  • Seasonal Ingredients: Take advantage of seasonal produce to add a fresh twist. In the summer, try topping the pizzas with roasted tomatoes or fresh basil. During the fall, you could experiment with ingredients like roasted butternut squash or sage.

No matter how you customize it, this recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to adapt based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is a versatile, delicious way to enjoy breakfast favorites in a new form. With layers of scrambled eggs, savory sausage, creamy sawmill gravy, and melted cheddar cheese atop a crispy English muffin, this dish is sure to become a staple in your morning routine. Whether you’re serving it to a family, making it ahead for busy weekdays, or customizing it with your favorite ingredients, this recipe offers endless possibilities. Experiment with different flavors, toppings, and modifications to make it your own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this breakfast pizza!

FAQs

  • Can I freeze English Muffin Breakfast Pizza?
    Yes, these breakfast pizzas freeze well. To freeze, assemble the pizzas without broiling them. Once assembled, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Can I make this without gravy?
    Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter option, you can skip the sawmill gravy and replace it with other sauces like cream cheese, tomato sauce, or a garlic butter spread.
  • What other cheeses can I use?
    While cheddar is classic, you can switch it up with mozzarella, Swiss, or even a spicy pepper jack. Each cheese brings a different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your taste.
  • How do I make this healthier?
    For a lighter version, opt for whole-grain English muffins, use turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative, and choose reduced-fat cheese. You can also add more vegetables to the pizza for extra nutrients and flavor.
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English Muffin Breakfast Pizza


  • Author: Naomi
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is a savory and hearty breakfast dish that combines classic morning staples—scrambled eggs, sausage, creamy sawmill gravy, and melted cheddar cheese—on a crispy English muffin base.


Ingredients

1 package of English muffins
8 eggs
1 lb breakfast sausage
8 oz mild cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
2 cups milk (for sawmill gravy)
¼ cup sausage drippings (add butter if insufficient drippings)
¼ cup flour (for sawmill gravy)
½ teaspoon salt (for sawmill gravy, or to taste)
¼ teaspoon pepper (for sawmill gravy, or to taste)

Instructions

Cook sausage in a cast iron pan until well done. Remove from pan and pour off all but ¼ cup of fat.
To the reserved meat drippings in the skillet, add flour. Cook and stir over medium heat 5 to 10 minutes or until mixture starts to turn golden.
Slowly add milk to the roux, stirring constantly. Cook gravy until it boils and thickens.
Lightly toast English muffins while making the gravy.
Scramble eggs in a non-stick skillet, adding a small dash of milk to make them fluffier, if desired.
Turn oven broiler on high and assemble pizzas on a baking sheet. Spread sawmill gravy on the open-faced toasted English muffins, then top with scrambled eggs, a slice of cheese, and sausage.
Broil until cheese is bubbly and melted.

Notes

  • Gravy Consistency: If your sawmill gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer or add a touch more flour.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage, eggs, and gravy in advance. Store them in the fridge, and assemble the pizzas just before broiling for a quick breakfast.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
  • Freezing: Assemble the pizzas without broiling and freeze them on a tray until solid. Store in an airtight container. To serve, thaw and broil.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pizza
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 458 kcal

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