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This filling English Muffin Breakfast Pizza has totally changed my morning routine for both hectic weekdays and relaxed weekends. Blending comfort food with morning favorites, these small pizzas pack tons of flavor without any fancy cooking skills.
I first tried making these breakfast pizzas when my kid turned down regular breakfast foods. The pizza style was a huge success, and now we can't miss our Sunday morning ritual of eating them while watching cartoons in our PJs.
Ingredients
- English muffins: they work amazingly as pizza bases since their little holes catch all your tasty toppings
- Eggs: try to get local farm eggs for the most vibrant color and tastiest result
- Breakfast sausage: brings a rich, meaty taste - pick one with visible spices for extra kick
- Mild cheddar cheese: gives that perfect melt, though you can swap for sharp if you want more zing
- Milk: forms the foundation of your creamy sauce, and full-fat works best
- Sausage drippings: this is your flavor gold mine - always save these for the gravy
- Flour: works to make your gravy just the right thickness
- Salt and pepper: add to your liking, but freshly ground pepper really makes it pop
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- Fry the breakfast sausage in a cast iron pan on medium heat, breaking it up as you go. The cast iron gives you amazing browning and taste. Keep cooking until you don't see any pink and some bits get crispy edges, around 7 to 8 minutes.
- Make the Sawmill Gravy:
- Save all those tasty drippings and mix flour right into them, stirring all the time. This makes a roux that will thicken your sauce. Keep mixing over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until it looks light brown, kind of like peanut butter. The longer you cook, the better it'll taste.
- Add Milk and Finish Gravy:
- Slowly pour in milk while stirring non-stop to avoid clumps. Your gravy will start thin but don't worry - keep stirring as it gently bubbles. After about 5 minutes, it'll get thick enough to stick to your spoon. Add salt and pepper how you like it.
- Toast the Muffins:
- Break open the English muffins using a fork to keep all their bumpy texture. Toast them until they're golden with slightly crunchy edges. This gives you a solid base that won't get mushy under your toppings.
- Prepare the Eggs:
- Break eggs into a bowl, mix well, and cook in a non-stick pan on medium heat. For super fluffy eggs, throw in a bit of milk before cooking. Cook just until they're set but still look a little wet for perfect texture.
- Assemble the Pizzas:
- Put your toasted muffin halves on a baking tray. Cover each with a big spoonful of gravy, then add scrambled eggs, cooked sausage bits, and cheese on top.
- Broil to Perfection:
- Stick them under the broiler for only 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts, bubbles, and starts getting little golden spots. Serve right away while hot.
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That sawmill gravy really takes these breakfast pizzas to another level. My grandma showed me how to make it years back, and I can still see her at the stove, slowly stirring until it was just right. The time you spend getting that roux going is totally worth it for how good it makes everything taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
These breakfast pizzas work so well for planning ahead. You can fix all the parts beforehand and keep them separate. The gravy stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days if you put it in a sealed container. Just warm it up on the stove with a splash of milk to make it creamy again.
For pizzas you've already put together, let them cool all the way, then wrap each one in plastic and stick them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Heat them back up in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until they're warm and the cheese gets melty again.
Endless Variations
You can switch up this breakfast pizza idea so many ways. Try using bacon or ham instead of sausage, or go meatless with cooked mushrooms and spinach. Change the cheddar to pepper jack, Swiss, or mozzarella based on what flavors you like best.
Want a Mexican style? Use chorizo, spread some refried beans before adding eggs, and top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro after it's cooked. Looking for something lighter? Skip the gravy and spread mashed avocado as your base with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top.
Serving Suggestions
These breakfast pizzas taste great by themselves, but they're even better with some fresh fruit on the side for a complete meal. If you're having friends over for brunch, serve them with a basic green salad with dressing to cut through the richness. Add a small glass of orange juice or a hot coffee to round out your perfect breakfast.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make some parts in advance?
Sure, you can! Prep the sausage, gravy, and eggs beforehand. Keep them refrigerated in separate containers, then assemble and broil when ready.
- → Any other topping ideas?
Get creative! Try sautéed veggies like spinach or peppers, bacon crumbles, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick.
- → How do I stop the muffins from soaking up everything?
Toasting the muffins until crispy and golden keeps them from turning soggy under all those toppings.
- → Can I take a shortcut with gravy?
Definitely! Store-bought gravy works fine. Just warm it up before spooning it onto the muffins.
- → Can I make it meat-free?
Yes! Use plant-based sausage or swap with seasoned mushrooms to keep the same hearty flavors without the meat.
- → What other cheese works well here?
Mozzarella melts nicely and tastes mild, while feta or smoked gouda can give bolder flavors to your breakfast pizzas.