English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe | Quick, Cheesy & Savory
I have to admit, finding the perfect breakfast can be a challenge, but this English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe changed the game for me. It combines the comfort of pizza with classic breakfast staples like sausage, egg, and cheese. The first time I made these English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas, the savory aroma filled my kitchen, and I knew it was a winner.
The creamy sawmill gravy instead of traditional pizza sauce is a genius touch. This is now my go-to for a hearty, satisfying morning meal that feels both special and incredibly easy. You can also enjoy similar flavors in dishes like Beef Fried Rice Recipe or a fun twist like Crispy Oven Baked Birria Pizza.
Ingredients
This recipe brings together simple, hearty ingredients to create a breakfast masterpiece. Below is what you’ll need, along with a few tips to ensure the best results.
For the Breakfast Pizza
- 1 package English Muffins – Use your favorite brand. These form the perfect crispy yet chewy crust for your mini pizzas.
- 8 Eggs – The cornerstone of any good breakfast, these will be scrambled to fluffy perfection.
- 1 lb Breakfast Sausage – Crumbled sausage adds a savory, spiced flavor. You’ll also use its drippings for the gravy.
- 8 oz Mild Cheddar Cheese – For the best melt, I highly recommend grating your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
For the Sawmill Gravy
- 2 cups Milk – Whole milk will give you the richest, creamiest gravy, but 2% also works well.
- ¼ cup sausage drippings – This is the secret to a flavorful gravy. If you don’t have enough from the sausage, you can add butter to make up the difference.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour – This acts as the thickener for the gravy, creating a smooth and luscious texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Or to taste. Adjust based on the saltiness of your sausage.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper – Freshly ground black pepper provides the best flavor and a gentle kick.
Note: This recipe makes enough for 4 servings.
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Meat Swaps: If sausage isn’t your thing, try using crispy bacon, diced ham, or even Canadian bacon. For a vegetarian option, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions are delicious substitutes.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while a blend of mozzarella and provolone gives it a more classic pizza feel. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based cheese shreds.
- Gravy Alternatives: If you’re short on time or not a fan of sawmill gravy, you can use a store-bought country gravy mix. For a different flavor profile entirely, a spread of hollandaise sauce or even a simple garlic-infused olive oil would be fantastic.
- Flavor Boosters: Kick up the flavor by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for some heat. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley sprinkled on top before serving add a touch of freshness and color.
Cooking Time
This recipe is surprisingly quick, making it perfect for a weekend brunch or even a special weekday breakfast. Here is the time breakdown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just some standard kitchen tools. Having the right equipment on hand makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Cast Iron Pan: Ideal for cooking the sausage and making the gravy, as it distributes heat evenly and helps prevent scorching.
- Baking Sheet: You’ll need this to assemble and broil the breakfast pizzas, ensuring the cheese gets perfectly bubbly.
- Non-stick Skillet: Perfect for scrambling the eggs to a light, fluffy consistency without sticking.
- Whisk: Essential for making a lump-free gravy by incorporating the flour and milk smoothly.
- Toaster: To lightly toast the English muffins, giving them a sturdy base that won’t get soggy.
How to Make English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
Making these breakfast pizzas is a straightforward process that comes together in just a few stages. From cooking the sausage to assembling the final product, each step is simple and leads to a delicious result.
Prepare the Sausage and Gravy
First, cook the breakfast sausage in your cast iron pan over medium heat until it’s well-done and nicely browned. Remove the cooked sausage from the pan with a slotted spoon, setting it aside. Be sure to leave about a quarter cup of the rendered fat in the skillet for the gravy.
Next, add the flour to the sausage drippings in the pan. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 5 to 10 minutes until it turns a light golden brown. This step is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a rich, nutty flavor base for your gravy.
Once the flour mixture is toasted, slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the gravy comes to a boil and thickens into a creamy, luscious sauce. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking.
Prepare the Eggs and Muffins
While the gravy is simmering, you can prepare the other components. Split the English muffins and lightly toast them in a toaster until they are just beginning to turn golden. This creates a firm base for your pizza toppings.
In a separate non-stick skillet, scramble the eggs. For extra fluffy eggs, you can add a small splash of milk before whisking them. Cook them over medium-low heat until they are soft and just set, as they will cook a little more under the broiler.
Assemble and Broil
Now for the fun part: assembling your breakfast pizzas. Turn your oven’s broiler on high and arrange the toasted English muffin halves on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of the warm sawmill gravy over each muffin half.
Next, top the gravy with a portion of the scrambled eggs, followed by the cooked sausage crumbles. Finish by placing a slice of cheddar cheese over the top of each pizza. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
After making this recipe a few times, I’ve discovered a few little tricks that take it from great to absolutely perfect. These small adjustments can make a big difference in the final result.
- I found that adding the cooked sausage crumbles directly into my scrambled eggs while they cook is a great time-saver. It also helps the sausage stay on the pizza better instead of rolling off.
- Don’t be afraid to slightly undercook your scrambled eggs. Since they get another blast of heat under the broiler, starting with softer eggs ensures they don’t become dry or rubbery.
- I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to my sawmill gravy. It gives it a subtle, warming kick that beautifully complements the rich sausage and cheese.
- For an even crispier base, try lightly buttering the English muffins before you toast them. It adds another layer of flavor and ensures they stand up to the hearty toppings.
How to Serve English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
These breakfast pizzas are a treat for the eyes as well as the palate. A little attention to presentation makes the meal feel even more special. Serve them immediately while they are hot and the cheese is gloriously melted. For a pop of color and fresh flavor, garnish with freshly chopped chives, green onions, or parsley.
If you’re serving a crowd, arrange the pizzas on a large platter for a beautiful brunch display. They pair wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit salad or some simple sliced tomatoes to cut through the richness. For a true comfort food experience, serve them with an extra side of warm gravy for dipping.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this English Muffin Breakfast Pizza. Please note that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 458 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fat: 31g
Make Ahead and Storage
These breakfast pizzas are great for meal prep, making busy mornings much easier. Proper storage ensures they stay fresh and delicious.
Storing
To store leftovers, allow the pizzas to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for an incredibly quick and satisfying breakfast or lunch.
Freezing
These pizzas freeze wonderfully. Assemble them completely, but do not broil them. Place the assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat from refrigerated, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the English muffin chewy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this hearty and delicious breakfast. Here are just a few of the things that make this recipe a standout favorite.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It combines the best elements of a classic American breakfast—sausage, egg, and cheese—with the fun and satisfying format of a pizza. The creamy sawmill gravy ties everything together for a truly comforting meal.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With a total time of just 35 minutes, this recipe is achievable even on a bustling morning. The steps are simple and straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Highly Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap out the meat, cheese, and even the sauce to suit your preferences. This flexibility makes it a new and exciting meal every time you make it.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is ideal for making ahead of time. Prepare a batch over the weekend and enjoy quick, delicious breakfasts throughout the week without any of the morning rush.
English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, cook the breakfast sausage in your cast iron pan over medium heat until it’s well-done and nicely browned. Remove the cooked sausage from the pan with a slotted spoon, setting it aside. Be sure to leave about a quarter cup of the rendered fat in the skillet for the gravy.
- Next, add the flour to the sausage drippings in the pan. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 5 to 10 minutes until it turns a light golden brown. This step is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a rich, nutty flavor base for your gravy.
- Once the flour mixture is toasted, slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the gravy comes to a boil and thickens into a creamy, luscious sauce. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking.
- While the gravy is simmering, you can prepare the other components. Split the English muffins and lightly toast them in a toaster until they are just beginning to turn golden. This creates a firm base for your pizza toppings.
- In a separate non-stick skillet, scramble the eggs. For extra fluffy eggs, you can add a small splash of milk before whisking them. Cook them over medium-low heat until they are soft and just set, as they will cook a little more under the broiler.
- Now for the fun part: assembling your breakfast pizzas. Turn your oven’s broiler on high and arrange the toasted English muffin halves on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of the warm sawmill gravy over each muffin half.
- Next, top the gravy with a portion of the scrambled eggs, followed by the cooked sausage crumbles. Finish by placing a slice of cheddar cheese over the top of each pizza. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
Notes
- I found that adding the cooked sausage crumbles directly into my scrambled eggs while they cook is a great time-saver. It also helps the sausage stay on the pizza better instead of rolling off.
- Don’t be afraid to slightly undercook your scrambled eggs. Since they get another blast of heat under the broiler, starting with softer eggs ensures they don’t become dry or rubbery.
- I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to my sawmill gravy. It gives it a subtle, warming kick that beautifully complements the rich sausage and cheese.
- For an even crispier base, try lightly buttering the English muffins before you toast them. It adds another layer of flavor and ensures they stand up to the hearty toppings.
