English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
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:
- Prepare the Sausage:
- Cook breakfast sausage in a cast iron pan until well done. Remove sausage from the pan, keeping about ¼ cup of the fat for the gravy.
- Make the Sawmill Gravy:
- With reserved drippings in the skillet, stir in flour. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until it begins to turn golden (roux).
- Gradually add milk to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the gravy thickens and comes to a boil.
- Toast the English Muffins:
- Lightly toast the English muffins until golden to add crunch and ensure they hold up under toppings.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- In a non-stick skillet, scramble eggs. For fluffier eggs, add a dash of milk while beating.
- Assemble the Pizzas:
- Preheat oven broiler on high. Lay out toasted muffin halves on a baking sheet.
- Spread a generous layer of sawmill gravy on each muffin half, followed by scrambled eggs, a slice of cheese, and cooked sausage.
- Broil the Pizzas:
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook until cheese is bubbly and melted. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Popular Questions and Answers:
- Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use pre-cooked or precooked sausage crumbles if you’re short on time.
- Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the gravy ahead and reheat it when assembling the pizzas.
- Can I use other types of cheese?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese varieties like pepper jack or Swiss.
- What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
- Any skillet will work for cooking the sausage and making the gravy.
- Can I freeze these pizzas for later?
- Yes, you can freeze assembled pizzas before broiling. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Can I add vegetables to the pizzas?
- Of course! Try adding sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- How long does it take to broil the pizzas?
- It typically takes about 3-5 minutes under the broiler, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Can I use whole wheat English muffins?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat or multigrain English muffins for a healthier option.
- Can I make these pizzas vegetarian?
- Yes, simply omit the sausage or replace it with vegetarian sausage crumbles.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftover pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I make mini versions of these pizzas for appetizers?
- Absolutely! Use mini English muffins for bite-sized portions perfect for parties or gatherings.
- What if I’m out of milk for the gravy?
- You can use half-and-half or even heavy cream for a richer gravy.
- Can I add hot sauce for extra kick?
- Yes, feel free to drizzle hot sauce over the pizzas before serving for added spice.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free English muffins to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Can I customize the toppings?
- Absolutely! Get creative with toppings like avocado, salsa, or even a fried egg for added flavor.
Here are some tips and secrets to achieve the perfect English Muffin Breakfast Pizza:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients, such as fresh eggs, flavorful sausage, and real cheese, to enhance the taste of your pizza.
- Precook Sausage: Precooking the sausage ensures that it’s fully cooked and adds a delicious flavor to your pizza.
- Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your eggs, sausage, and gravy with your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the overall flavor profile of the pizza.
- Properly Toast English Muffins: Toast the English muffins lightly before adding toppings to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet for Eggs: Scramble the eggs in a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer Toppings Evenly: Layer the toppings evenly on each English muffin half to ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Monitor Broiling: Keep a close eye on the pizzas while broiling to prevent them from burning. It usually takes only a few minutes for the cheese to melt and the toppings to heat through.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings. Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Customize Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese or a combination of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sawmill gravy and precook the sausage ahead of time to streamline the pizza-making process in the morning.
- Freeze Extras: If you have leftover breakfast pizzas, wrap them individually and freeze for quick and easy breakfasts on busy mornings.
- Serve with Hot Sauce: Serve the breakfast pizzas with your favorite hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick of flavor.
- Garnish Creatively: Garnish the pizzas with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair with Fresh Fruit: Serve the breakfast pizzas with a side of fresh fruit salad or berries for a balanced and nutritious meal.
- Enjoy Fresh: Breakfast pizzas are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, so serve them immediately for the best taste and texture.