
These Sausage Cheese Muffins make breakfast feel effortless yet truly satisfying thanks to a mix of hearty sausage, creamy cheddar, and just the right hit of onion and seasoning. Quick to assemble and foolproof to bake, these are what I reach for when everyone’s rushing or when I want something savory and filling with my morning coffee.
Every time I make these I kick myself for not doubling the batch. Once my kids got a taste they began claiming the last muffin every time so now I always tuck a few away just for myself.
Ingredients
- Ground breakfast sausage: for savoriness and heartiness choose one with a touch of spice if you like a little kick
- Shredded cheddar cheese: for a melty layer of gooey flavor go for sharp cheddar for more bite and buy blocks to shred yourself for better melting
- Finely chopped onion: which sweetens as it bakes and makes the muffins extra flavorful look for firm onions with shiny skin
- Milk: binds the mixture and keeps muffins light use whole for richness
- All purpose flour: for structure spoon flour into your cup and level off for accuracy
- Baking powder and baking soda: for reliable rise ensure both are fresh to keep muffins fluffy
- Garlic powder: for a background of earthy warmth always use a fine powder to avoid clumps
- Salt and black pepper: essential for balance and a little edge grind pepper fresh if possible
- Large eggs: bring everything together while adding protein use fresh cold eggs for best texture
- Melted butter: for moisture and flavor choose unsalted and let cool so it does not scramble your eggs
Step by Step Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat breaking it up as it cooks until no pink remains. Be patient here let extra moisture cook off. Drain thoroughly on paper towels and let it cool completely which ensures your muffins will not be greasy.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a roomy bowl whisk eggs with milk and melted butter until glossy and smooth. Stir in the cheese and diced onion until everything is evenly coated for a creamy base.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl blend flour with baking powder baking soda garlic powder salt and pepper. Use a whisk or fork to disperse everything well so you get even texture throughout.
- Bring Together and Fold In the Sausage:
- With a gentle hand add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until barely mixed—the batter should look lumpy. Overmixing makes the muffins tough. Fold in the cooled sausage making sure it is evenly distributed but avoid extra stirring.
- Prepare the Pan and Fill:
- Grease a twelve cup muffin tin very well or use parchment liners for easiest release. Scoop the batter into each cup filling about three quarters of the way. This gives room for a pretty rise without overflowing.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Place muffins in a preheated oven at three seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and bake twenty to twenty five minutes. Muffins are done when golden brown on top and a toothpick in the center comes out clean or with just a bit of cheese.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let muffins rest in the tin about five minutes. Then move to a wire rack so the bottoms stay crisp. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

My favorite part is the melty cheese pockets throughout each muffin. I once made these for a holiday brunch and my little nephew asked for the recipe for his birthday breakfast. They truly are a family memory.
Storage Tips
Once cooled keep muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage individually wrap and freeze them. Reheat straight from the freezer in the microwave or a low oven so the texture stays perfect.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap turkey or chicken sausage if you want a lighter flavor and fewer calories. If you need to avoid dairy use a plant based cheese and oat milk if you like. You can also toss in chopped peppers broccoli or cooked spinach for a veggie boost or sprinkle in a little smoked paprika for depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these muffins beside a bowl of fruit or with a cup of tomato soup for a more rounded meal. They are great in lunchboxes or on a brunch buffet alongside fresh greens or citrus salad. Try splitting one and filling with a slice of avocado or tomato.
Cultural Context
Recipes like this are rooted in the Southern US style of baking where hearty sausage and biscuit breakfast dishes are tradition. Muffin versions make it easier to share or take on the go capturing all the comfort of a country breakfast in a grab and go package.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the muffins from becoming greasy?
Make sure to cook and drain the sausage thoroughly before adding it to the batter, and pat it with paper towels if necessary to remove excess fat.
- → Can I substitute other cheeses for cheddar?
Yes! Monterey Jack, Colby, Pepper Jack, or Swiss cheese all work well, offering different flavor profiles and meltiness.
- → How do I store leftover muffins?
Let the muffins cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze individually for up to 2 months.
- → Can I add vegetables for extra nutrition?
Absolutely! Finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms blend well into the batter for added color and nutrients.
- → What’s the best way to reheat frozen muffins?
Warm individual muffins in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- → Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, they’re ideal for meal prep. Bake the muffins, cool fully, and store or freeze for ready-to-eat breakfasts all week.