Ingredients:
- 1 package of English muffins
- 8 eggs
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 8 oz mild cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
- 2 cups milk (for sawmill gravy)
- ¼ cup sausage drippings (add butter if insufficient drippings)
- ¼ cup flour (for sawmill gravy)
- ½ teaspoon salt (for sawmill gravy, or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (for sawmill gravy, or to taste)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Sausage:
- In a cast iron pan, cook breakfast sausage until well done. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pan, keeping about ¼ cup of the fat in the pan for the gravy.
2. Make the Sawmill Gravy:
- With the reserved drippings in the skillet, stir in the flour. Cook this mixture over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until it begins to turn golden. This is your roux.
- Gradually add milk to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the gravy thickens and comes to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toast the English Muffins:
- While the gravy is cooking, lightly toast the English muffins until they are just golden. This adds a nice crunch and ensures they hold up under the toppings.
4. Scramble the Eggs:
- In a non-stick skillet, scramble the eggs. For fluffier eggs, add a dash of milk while beating them.
5. Assemble the Pizzas:
- Turn your oven broiler on high. On a baking sheet, lay out the toasted muffin halves. Spread a generous layer of the sawmill gravy on each muffin half, followed by the scrambled eggs, a slice of cheese, and the cooked sausage.
6. Broil the Pizzas:
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the pizzas are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These breakfast English muffin pizzas are perfect for a hearty and delicious start to your day!
Here are some helpful tips to make your Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast English Muffin Pizzas even more delightful:
- Customize with Toppings: Experiment with additional toppings to personalize your pizzas. Try adding diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
- Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can mix it up by using other cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor and meltiness to the pizzas.
- Seasoning the Eggs: Add herbs or spices to your scrambled eggs for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or basil, or spices like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder can enhance the taste of the eggs.
- Add Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the scrambled eggs or sausage for a kick of heat.
- Layering Technique: To ensure each bite has a balance of flavors, layer the toppings evenly on each English muffin half. Start with the gravy, then the eggs, followed by the sausage, and finally the cheese.
- Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly cracked eggs, locally sourced sausage, and artisanal cheeses can elevate the taste of your pizzas.
- Prep Ahead: Save time in the morning by prepping some components ahead of time. Cook the sausage and scramble the eggs the night before, then assemble and broil the pizzas in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
- Serve with Sides: Round out your breakfast by serving the pizzas with complementary sides such as fresh fruit salad, hash browns, or avocado slices. These additions add variety and balance to the meal.
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish the pizzas with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for later, double the recipe and make extra pizzas. They can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a convenient breakfast throughout the week.
With these tips, you can take your Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast English Muffin Pizzas to the next level of deliciousness!
Here are some secrets to achieving the perfect Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast English Muffin Pizzas:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality sausage, fresh eggs, and flavorful cheese. Using quality ingredients will elevate the taste of your pizzas.
- Properly Cook the Sausage: Cook the sausage until it’s well done and nicely browned. This ensures maximum flavor and texture in every bite.
- Flavorful Gravy: Take your time to cook the roux until it’s golden brown, which enhances the flavor of the gravy. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring it’s well-balanced and flavorful.
- Toast the English Muffins Just Right: Toast the English muffins until they are golden brown and crispy. This step adds texture and prevents them from becoming soggy when topped with the gravy and other ingredients.
- Scramble Eggs to Perfection: Scramble the eggs until they are just set and slightly creamy. Be sure not to overcook them to maintain their moisture and fluffy texture.
- Evenly Distribute Toppings: Distribute the toppings evenly across the English muffin halves to ensure each bite is packed with flavor. This also helps to create a balanced pizza with every slice.
- Watch the Broiler: Keep a close eye on the pizzas while they’re under the broiler to prevent burning. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, but not overly browned.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the pizzas to cool for a minute or two before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents burning your mouth on hot cheese or toppings.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional seasonings or spices to enhance the flavor of your pizzas. Consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize the pizzas according to your preferences. Add extra cheese, additional toppings, or adjust the seasoning of the gravy to suit your taste buds.
By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast English Muffin Pizzas that are sure to impress!
Here are some popular questions and answers related to Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast English Muffin Pizzas:
- Can I make these ahead of time and reheat them?
- Yes, you can assemble the pizzas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Can I freeze these pizzas?
- Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizzas for future meals. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake them from frozen until heated through.
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Absolutely! While mild cheddar cheese is commonly used, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
- Can I substitute the sausage with bacon or ham?
- Yes, you can customize the pizzas with your choice of breakfast meat. Bacon or ham can be delicious alternatives to sausage and add a unique flavor to the pizzas.
- Can I make these pizzas vegetarian?
- Yes, you can omit the sausage or replace it with vegetarian sausage or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version of the pizzas. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor.
- Can I use pre-made gravy instead of making it from scratch?
- Yes, you can use pre-made gravy if you prefer a quicker option. Just make sure to warm it up before spreading it on the English muffins.
- Can I make these pizzas on regular pizza crust instead of English muffins?
- Yes, you can use regular pizza crust or even mini bagels as a base for these pizzas. Adjust the baking time accordingly based on the thickness of the crust.
- Are these pizzas suitable for meal prep?
- Yes, these pizzas are great for meal prep. You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to eat.
- How do I prevent the English muffins from getting soggy?
- Toasting the English muffins before assembling the pizzas helps prevent them from getting soggy. Additionally, allowing the pizzas to cool slightly before serving helps maintain their texture.
- Can I serve these pizzas with a side salad or fruit for a complete meal?
- Yes, serving the pizzas with a side salad or fresh fruit adds balance and nutrition to the meal. It’s a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
These are some of the common questions and answers related to Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast English Muffin Pizzas. Feel free to ask if you have any more!