If you are looking for a delicious and comforting breakfast that combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and cheesy goodness all on a perfectly toasted English muffin, then the English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe is going to be your new go-to morning treat. This recipe takes humble ingredients and elevates them into a breakfast that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. The creamy sawmill gravy, melty cheddar, and hearty sausage make each bite feel like a warm hug, all layered beautifully on a crisp English muffin base. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself to a weekend brunch, this dish never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, each playing an important role in the final flavor and texture. From the rich breakfast sausage to the creamy sawmill gravy, these staples come together seamlessly to create a memorable breakfast experience.
- English muffins: The foundation of the pizza, toasted for a satisfying crunch that holds all the toppings perfectly.
- Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and a soft texture that balances the crisp muffin.
- Breakfast sausage: Provides a savory, spiced element with plenty of flavor and juiciness when browned.
- Cheddar cheese: Mild and meltable, it adds creamy richness and pulls everything together.
- Milk: Used in both scrambling the eggs and making the creamy sawmill gravy for an extra smooth touch.
- Flour: Essential for thickening the sawmill gravy to just the right consistency.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients, particularly in the gravy.
How to Make English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a cast iron skillet over medium heat and cooking the breakfast sausage until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. This step not only adds flavor but also releases those treasured sausage drippings, which you’ll reserve for making your sawmill gravy. The drippings are the secret ingredient that makes the gravy taste rich and authentic.
Step 2: Make the Sawmill Gravy
In the same pan with the sausage drippings, add the flour and stir continuously over medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture turns a beautiful golden color. This slowly cooks out the raw flour taste. Then, gradually pour in the milk while stirring, allowing the gravy to thicken into a luxuriously creamy sauce. Finish it with salt and pepper to bring out the savory depth of the gravy.
Step 3: Toast the English Muffins
While the gravy simmers, lightly toast the English muffins so they get crisp on the edges but stay soft inside. This textural contrast makes each bite delightful and helps the muffins hold up nicely to all the toppings without getting soggy too quickly.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
In a non-stick skillet, whisk together the eggs with a splash of milk for extra fluffiness and scramble them gently until soft and creamy. These eggs add a light, tender component to balance the rich sausage and gravy.
Step 5: Assemble Your Breakfast Pizzas
Now comes the fun part! Spread a generous layer of the sawmill gravy over each toasted English muffin half. Next, pile on the scrambled eggs, top each with a slice of cheddar cheese, then finish with a sprinkle of the browned, crumbled sausage. This layered build is what makes this English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Broil to Perfection
Place the assembled mini pizzas under the broiler for about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as the cheese melts and bubbles into a golden, gooey topping. This finishing step brings everything together into a warm, melty masterpiece.
How to Serve English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can add a burst of brightness to these breakfast pizzas. Try a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and subtle herbal notes. A dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can bring a hint of heat if you like things spicy. These little touches make your meal look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside some fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the gravy and sausage. Roasted potatoes or crispy hash browns make perfect hearty sides that complement the textures and flavors of the English muffin breakfast pizzas without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the assembled breakfast pizzas into bite-sized pieces for a brunch party appetizer. You could also layer ingredients in a skillet and bake it like a breakfast casserole for a crowd. Whichever way you choose, presentation can make this familiar recipe feel special and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the individual pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps retain their flavor and prevents the toppings from drying out, making it easy to enjoy them again for breakfast or a snack.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbroiled pizzas on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to freezer bags. Frozen pizzas keep well for about 1 month. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw overnight in the fridge before broiling for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftover English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas under the broiler or in an oven to revive the crisp muffin base and melt the cheese again. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it can make the muffin soggy. A toaster oven works wonderfully for reheating single servings too.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mild cheddar melts beautifully and offers a creamy flavor, you can also experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or a sharp cheddar for a different twist. Just choose a cheese that melts well for the best results.
Is there a vegetarian version of this English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe?
Yes! Substitute the breakfast sausage with vegetarian sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. You can still make the sawmill gravy using vegetarian butter or oil, ensuring a delicious meat-free alternative.
What if I don’t have sausage drippings for the gravy?
No worries! If there isn’t enough sausage fat, simply add a bit of butter to make up the amount needed. The flour to fat ratio is important for thickening the gravy properly, and butter does a great job as a stand-in.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can cook and crumble the sausage, make the sawmill gravy, and even scramble the eggs ahead of time. Store everything separately and assemble before broiling to keep textures fresh and delicious.
How spicy is this recipe?
This English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe leans towards savory and mild, making it family-friendly. However, you can easily add a kick by stirring in some chili flakes or hot sauce into the gravy or eggs to suit your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about this English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe that keeps us coming back for more. It takes classic breakfast favorites and layers them into a fun, handheld meal that’s perfect for mornings when you want something hearty but simple. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own—it’s sure to brighten your breakfast table and bring smiles all around!
Print
English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This English Muffin Breakfast Pizza recipe combines the hearty flavors of breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, and rich sawmill gravy on crispy toasted English muffins. Finished under the broiler with melted cheddar cheese, it’s a satisfying and indulgent breakfast treat perfect for family mornings or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 package of English muffins
Sausage
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- ¼ cup sausage drippings (add butter if insufficient drippings)
Eggs
- 8 eggs
- Dash of milk (for scrambling eggs)
Sawmill Gravy
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Topping
- 8 oz mild cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: In a cast iron pan over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is fully browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside for later. Reserve approximately ¼ cup of the rendered sausage fat in the pan; if there is not enough fat, add butter to compensate.
- Make Sawmill Gravy: Add the flour to the sausage drippings in the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture turns golden and forms a roux. Gradually add 2 cups of milk while stirring continuously, until the gravy thickens. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Toast English Muffins: While preparing the gravy, lightly toast the English muffins until they are crisp and golden.
- Scramble Eggs: In a non-stick skillet, scramble 8 eggs, adding a dash of milk to the eggs before cooking to make them fluffy and soft. Cook over medium heat until just set.
- Assemble Pizzas: Spread a generous layer of the sawmill gravy on each toasted English muffin half. Top with scrambled eggs, then a slice of mild cheddar cheese, and finally sprinkle with crumbled cooked sausage.
- Broil: Place the assembled English muffin pizzas under a broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese has melted, becomes bubbly, and slightly golden. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- If you don’t have enough sausage drippings, substitute by adding butter for the roux in the gravy.
- Use mild cheddar cheese for a creamy melt; sharper cheeses can also be used for more flavor.
- To save time, toast the English muffins while cooking sausage or making gravy.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the scrambled eggs.
- Serve with fresh fruit or a side salad for a balanced breakfast.
