English Muffin Breakfast Pizza – Easy and Delicious Recipe

English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is the ultimate way to start your morning. This dish combines crispy English muffins with layers of fluffy scrambled eggs, savory breakfast sausage, creamy sawmill gravy, and melted cheddar cheese. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, perfect for family breakfasts or a brunch treat. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make this irresistible dish step-by-step, along with tips, variations, and storage suggestions to elevate your breakfast game.

Ingredients

Base and Toppings:

• 1 package of English muffins (split in halves)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 8 oz mild cheddar cheese (thinly sliced or shredded)

For the Sawmill Gravy:

• 2 cups milk
• ¼ cup sausage drippings (add butter if needed to reach this amount)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage:
   Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet, leaving ¼ cup drippings behind. Add butter if needed to make up the quantity.
2. Prepare the Sawmill Gravy:
   Add the flour to the reserved drippings in the skillet. Stir continuously over medium heat for 5–10 minutes until the roux turns golden brown. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly. Heat the mixture until it reaches a boil, then continue cooking until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toast the English Muffins:
   Lightly toast the English muffin halves while preparing the other components to ensure they’re crispy.
4. Scramble the Eggs:
   In a non-stick skillet, whisk the eggs with a dash of milk for added fluffiness. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until fully scrambled. Avoid overcooking for soft, tender eggs.
5. Assemble the Breakfast Pizzas:
   Preheat your oven broiler to high.
   
   Arrange the toasted English muffin halves evenly on a baking sheet. Spread a layer of sawmill gravy on each muffin half, followed by scrambled eggs, a slice of cheddar cheese, and crumbled sausage.
6. Broil and Serve:
   Broil the assembled pizzas for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty breakfast creation!

Helpful Tips

Toast Muffins Thoroughly
To create a strong base, toast English muffins until they are golden brown. This prevents the muffins from becoming soggy when layered with toppings like gravy and scrambled eggs.

Prepare Gravy Smoothly
When making the sawmill gravy, stir the roux constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually add milk while whisking to achieve a creamy and smooth consistency. Proper seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the flavor.

Don’t Overcook Eggs
Scramble the eggs gently over medium heat to keep them fluffy and soft. Stir frequently and remove them from heat just before they fully set, as they will continue cooking from residual heat.

Broil with Care
Keep an eye on the pizzas while broiling. The cheese should melt and bubble but not burn. Broil for 1–2 minutes for the perfect finish.

Experiment with Toppings
Customize the recipe by adding crumbled bacon, sliced jalapeños, or sautéed vegetables. These additions bring variety and extra flavor to the pizzas.

Variations

• Variations
• Vegetarian Delight
• Replace the breakfast sausage with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These veggies add vibrant colors and flavors, making the dish equally hearty and satisfying.
• Spicy Kick
• For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes over the toppings. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy can also give it a fiery twist.
• Different Cheeses
• Experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or smoked gouda. These alternatives melt beautifully and introduce new flavors to the dish.
• Protein Boost
• Enhance the dish with cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or turkey sausage. These options add variety and cater to different protein preferences.
• Mini Pizzas
• Use mini bagels, pita bread, or small naan as a base instead of English muffins. These substitutes provide an interesting texture while keeping the portion sizes manageable.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration:
Keep leftover breakfast pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator to stay fresh for up to 3 days. Allow the pizzas to cool completely before transferring them to a container to prevent condensation.

Freezing:
Wrap each breakfast pizza individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Place the wrapped pizzas in a freezer-safe bag or container, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.Allow frozen pizzas to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating..

Reheating:
For the best results, reheat the pizzas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. To retain their crispness, avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may make the muffins soggy. If using a toaster oven, heat on a low setting for even warming.

Meal Prep Tip:
If preparing these ahead of time, assemble the pizzas up to the broiling step and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, broil as directed for freshly melted cheese and a warm, crispy base.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Fresh Fruit
Serve these breakfast pizzas alongside a medley of fresh fruit for a refreshing and nutritious addition. Strawberries, orange slices, or mixed berries create a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the pizzas.

Add a Side Salad
For a balanced meal, pair the pizzas with a light salad. A simple mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette enhances the dish and adds a refreshing element.

Serve with Beverages
Accompany these pizzas with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of fresh orange juice. These beverages complement the rich flavors and round out the meal.

Include Other Breakfast Favorites
Add hash browns, roasted potatoes, or scrambled eggs to the table for a complete breakfast spread. This combination works well for a hearty family brunch.

Perfect for Brunch Buffets
When hosting a gathering, place the pizzas on a platter and surround them with other brunch staples like muffins, bagels, or pastries. The variety keeps guests engaged and satisfied.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda. Each option adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the sausage with sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These ingredients offer a savory depth and pair wonderfully with the creamy gravy and eggs.

What’s the Best Way to Prevent Sogginess?
To keep the muffins crispy, toast them thoroughly before layering with gravy and toppings. This step ensures a sturdy base that holds up well.

Can These Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the pizzas up to the broiling step, cover them, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply broil them fresh to melt the cheese and crisp the edges.

How Do I Reheat Leftovers?
Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. This method retains the crispness and prevents the muffins from becoming soggy, which can happen with microwaving.

Can I Freeze These Pizzas?
Yes, wrap individual pizzas in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.

What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to add crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even jalapeños for extra flavor. Toppings like avocado slices or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate the dish further.

Conclusion

English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. With layers of crispy muffins, creamy gravy, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, it’s a complete meal packed with comforting flavors. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the suggested variations, this dish is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or meal prep, these pizzas are guaranteed to delight everyone at the table!