English Muffin Breakfast Pizza

This hearty English Muffin Breakfast Pizza has been my morning game-changer for busy weekdays and lazy weekends alike. The perfect combination of comfort food and breakfast staples, these mini pizzas deliver big flavor without complicated cooking techniques.

I started making these breakfast pizzas when my son refused traditional breakfast options. The pizza format was an instant hit, and now it's our Sunday morning tradition while watching cartoons in pajamas.

Ingredients

• English muffins: the perfect pizza base with nooks and crannies that trap all the delicious toppings
• Eggs: use fresh farm eggs if possible for the brightest yellow color and best flavor
• Breakfast sausage: adds savory depth, look for one with visible herbs for extra flavor
• Mild cheddar cheese: melts beautifully but sharp works too if you prefer more tang
• Milk: creates the base for a creamy gravy, whole milk gives the richest result
• Sausage drippings: the secret to authentic flavor in your gravy, never throw these away
• Flour: helps thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency
• Salt and pepper: season to your preference, fresh ground pepper makes a noticeable difference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Cook the breakfast sausage in a cast iron skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. The cast iron creates perfect browning and flavor development. Continue cooking until no pink remains and you have crispy edges on some pieces, about 7 to 8 minutes.

Make the Sawmill Gravy:

Keep those precious drippings in the pan and add flour directly to them, whisking constantly. This creates a roux which will thicken your gravy. Keep stirring over medium heat for a full 5 to 10 minutes until it turns a light golden color, similar to peanut butter. The longer you cook it, the more developed the flavor becomes.

Add Milk and Finish Gravy:

Pour in the milk gradually while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. The gravy will look thin at first but keep stirring as it bubbles gently. It will thicken to coat the back of a spoon after about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toast the Muffins:

Split the English muffins with a fork to preserve their nooks and crannies. Toast them until they're golden and slightly crisp around the edges. This creates a stable base that won't get soggy under the toppings.

Prepare the Eggs:

Crack eggs into a bowl, whisk well, and scramble in a nonstick pan over medium heat. For extra fluffy eggs, add a splash of milk before cooking. Cook just until set but still slightly glossy for the perfect texture.

Assemble the Pizzas:

Lay your toasted muffin halves on a baking sheet. Spread each with a generous spoonful of gravy, followed by scrambled eggs, cooked sausage crumbles, and cheese slices on top.

Broil to Perfection:

Place under the broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to get golden brown spots. Serve immediately while hot.

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The sawmill gravy is what truly elevates these breakfast pizzas. My grandmother taught me this technique years ago, and I can still picture her standing at the stove, patiently stirring the gravy until it reached that perfect consistency. The time you spend developing the roux is worth every minute for the depth of flavor it creates.

Make Ahead and Storage

These breakfast pizzas are perfect for meal prep. You can make all components ahead of time and store them separately. The gravy keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Simply reheat it on the stove with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.

For complete assembled pizzas, let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.

Endless Variations

The basic formula for these breakfast pizzas can be adapted in countless ways. Try using bacon or ham instead of sausage, or go vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Swiss, or mozzarella depending on your flavor preferences.

For a Mexican twist, use chorizo, add a layer of refried beans before the eggs, and top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro after broiling. Want something lighter? Skip the gravy and use mashed avocado as your base with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

These breakfast pizzas are perfect on their own, but pair wonderfully with fresh fruit for a complete meal. For brunch gatherings, serve alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness. A small glass of orange juice or a hot cup of coffee completes the perfect breakfast experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the sausage, prepare the gravy, and scramble the eggs ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble before broiling.

→ What other toppings can I use?

You can get creative with your toppings! Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, bacon crumbles, or even hot sauce for extra flavor.

→ How do I prevent the English muffins from getting soggy?

Toast the English muffins until golden and crisp before adding toppings. This helps maintain their texture under the gravy and eggs.

→ Can I use pre-made gravy instead?

Absolutely! Pre-made gravy can save time and still deliver great flavor. Just heat it up before using it as a topping.

→ How do I make this vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version that still packs flavor.

→ What’s the best cheese substitute to use?

Try mozzarella for a mild flavor, or experiment with feta or smoked gouda for a bolder taste on your breakfast pizzas.