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English Muffin Breakfast Pizza: A Delicious Morning Delight
There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a hearty, flavorful breakfast—and this English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is the perfect way to do it! Combining the crispy texture of toasted English muffins with creamy sawmill gravy, fluffy scrambled eggs, savory breakfast sausage, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is a breakfast game-changer.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a restaurant-quality breakfast at home, this English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love.
In this post, we’ll walk you through:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tips for the Best English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
- Variations & Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- FAQs
- More Breakfast Recipes to Try
So, let’s dive in and make the most delicious English Muffin Breakfast Pizza you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
1. Quick & Easy (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
Unlike traditional breakfast casseroles or homemade pizzas that require dough-rising time, this English Muffin Breakfast Pizza comes together in just 30 minutes. The English muffins serve as the perfect crispy base, eliminating the need for complicated crusts.
2. Perfect for Meal Prep & Crowds
This recipe is scalable—simply adjust the ingredients based on how many people you’re serving. It’s also great for meal prep since you can assemble the pizzas ahead of time and broil them when ready to eat.
3. Customizable to Your Taste
Don’t like sausage? Swap it for bacon or ham. Prefer a spicier kick? Add jalapeños or hot sauce. The possibilities are endless!
4. Kid-Friendly & Fun
Kids love personal-sized pizzas, and this breakfast version is no exception. Let them customize their own English Muffin Breakfast Pizza with their favorite toppings!
5. Comfort Food at Its Best
With creamy sawmill gravy, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that will keep you full and satisfied all morning.
Ingredients for English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious breakfast:
- 1 package of English muffins (6 muffins, split in half)
- 8 eggs (scrambled)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- 8 oz mild cheddar cheese (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups milk (for sawmill gravy)
- ¼ cup sausage drippings (add butter if needed)
- ¼ cup flour (for sawmill gravy)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Optional Add-Ins & Toppings:
- Crumbled bacon or diced ham
- Sautéed bell peppers & onions
- Jalapeños for heat
- Hot sauce or salsa
- Fresh herbs (chives, parsley)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- In a cast-iron skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the sausage drippings (if you don’t have enough, add butter to make up the difference).
Step 2: Make the Sawmill Gravy
- In the same skillet with the reserved drippings, whisk in the flour to create a roux.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden brown.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Step 3: Toast the English Muffins
- While the gravy thickens, lightly toast the English muffins (this helps prevent sogginess).
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
- In a non-stick skillet, scramble the eggs with a splash of milk (for extra fluffiness).
- Cook until just set (they’ll finish cooking under the broiler).
Step 5: Assemble the Breakfast Pizzas
- Preheat the broiler on high.
- On a baking sheet, arrange the toasted English muffin halves.
- Spread a layer of sawmill gravy on each muffin.
- Top with scrambled eggs, cooked sausage, and a slice of cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Broil Until Cheese is Melted
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Watch closely to prevent burning!
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh herbs, hot sauce, or extra pepper.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy!
Tips for the Best English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
✅ Use Fresh English Muffins – Stale muffins can become too hard when toasted.
✅ Don’t Overcook the Eggs – They’ll finish cooking under the broiler.
✅ Make Gravy Smooth – Whisk constantly to avoid lumps.
✅ Broil Quickly – Cheese melts fast, so keep an eye on it!
✅ Customize Toppings – Add veggies, different cheeses, or spices.
Variations & Customizations
1. Veggie Lover’s Version
- Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
2. Spicy Kick
- Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
3. Meat Lover’s Delight
- Use bacon, ham, and sausage for extra protein.
4. Low-Carb Option
- Skip the English muffins and serve over roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower hash.
5. Cheesy Goodness
- Mix cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan for extra cheesiness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 458 kcal |
Protein | 24g |
Carbs | 22g |
Fat | 30g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 3g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.
The Origin and Popularity of English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
The English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is a creative twist on traditional breakfast dishes, combining the convenience of pizza with the heartiness of a morning meal. But where did this idea come from, and why has it become so popular?
A Brief History of Breakfast Pizzas
Breakfast pizza isn’t a new concept—diners and fast-food chains have been serving variations for decades. However, the English muffin version gained traction as a quick, homemade alternative to delivery or frozen breakfast pizzas. The idea likely stemmed from the need for a fast, customizable, and satisfying breakfast that doesn’t require dough-making or long baking times.
English muffins, with their nooks and crannies, provide the perfect crispy base that holds up well under toppings like eggs, cheese, and gravy. This dish is especially popular in the Southern U.S., where sawmill gravy (a creamy, sausage-infused white gravy) is a breakfast staple.
Why People Love It
- Versatility – You can top it with almost anything: bacon, veggies, different cheeses, or even avocado.
- Quick Preparation – Unlike traditional pizza dough, English muffins toast quickly, making this a 30-minute meal.
- Perfect for Groups – Each person can customize their own muffin half, making it great for families.
- Comfort Food Appeal – The combination of warm gravy, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs makes it irresistibly cozy.
Modern Twists on the Classic
While the traditional version uses sausage gravy and cheddar, modern variations include:
- Avocado & Sriracha Drizzle (for a spicy, creamy kick)
- Vegetarian Options (with mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based sausage)
- Gluten-Free Adaptations (using gluten-free English muffins and gravy thickeners like cornstarch)
This dish has also become a brunch favorite at cafes, proving that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
Step-by-Step Cooking Tips for the Best English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
Making the perfect English Muffin Breakfast Pizza requires a few key techniques to ensure the muffins stay crispy, the eggs stay fluffy, and the cheese melts just right. Here’s a deeper dive into the cooking process.
1. Choosing the Right English Muffins
- Freshness Matters – Stale muffins can become too hard or too mushy.
- Texture Preference – Lightly toasting them before assembling helps maintain crispiness.
- Alternative Bases – If you don’t have English muffins, try bagels, croissants, or even tortillas.
2. Cooking the Sausage & Making Gravy
- Brown the Sausage Well – This adds depth of flavor to the gravy.
- Reserve the Drippings – The fat is essential for a rich, flavorful roux.
- Avoid Lumpy Gravy – Whisk the flour and milk constantly while cooking.
- Season Properly – Taste the gravy before assembling and adjust salt/pepper as needed.
3. Scrambling the Eggs Perfectly
- Low and Slow Cooking – Prevents rubbery eggs.
- A Splash of Milk or Cream – Makes them extra fluffy.
- Slightly Undercook Them – They’ll finish under the broiler.
4. Assembling & Broiling
- Layer in Order – Gravy first (acts as a moisture barrier), then eggs, then cheese.
- Watch the Broiler Closely – Cheese can burn in seconds.
- Use Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs (chives, parsley) for color and freshness.
- Add Hot Sauce or Salsa for extra flavor.
- Pair with a Side – Fresh fruit, hash browns, or a simple salad.
By following these tips, your English Muffin Breakfast Pizza will turn out crispy, creamy, and perfectly balanced every time.
Creative Variations & Dietary Adaptations
One of the best things about English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is how easily it can be adapted to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations to try.
1. Meat Lover’s Version
- Triple the Protein – Use bacon, sausage, and ham for a hearty meal.
- Spicy Twist – Add pepperoni or chorizo for a kick.
- Smoky Flavor – Top with barbecue pulled pork and cheddar.
2. Vegetarian & Vegan Options
- Plant-Based Sausage – Many brands make convincing meat-free versions.
- Tofu Scramble – Instead of eggs, use turmeric-spiced tofu.
- Vegan Cheese & Gravy – Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese.
3. Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly
- Portobello Mushroom “Muffins” – Roast mushroom caps as the base.
- Cheese Crisp Crust – Bake shredded cheese into a crispy round.
- Cauliflower Hash Base – Pressed cauliflower makes a great grain-free alternative.
4. Global Flavors
- Mexican-Inspired – Top with black beans, salsa, and jalapeños.
- Italian Style – Use marinara, mozzarella, and basil.
- Mediterranean – Add feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Kid-Friendly Customizations
- Mini Pizza Bites – Cut muffins into quarters for fun-sized portions.
- Rainbow Veggie Toppings – Let kids pick their own colorful toppings.
- Sweet Version – Swap gravy for Nutella, bananas, and cinnamon.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Refrigerate for 2-3 Days – Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
- Freeze Before Broiling – Wrap individually and broil straight from frozen.
- Quick Breakfast Hack – Pre-make the gravy and store it separately for faster assembly.
With so many ways to customize, English Muffin Breakfast Pizza can suit any diet or craving—making it a versatile, crowd-pleasing breakfast any day of the week!
FAQs About English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the pizzas (without broiling) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Broil when ready to serve.
2. Can I Freeze These?
While best fresh, you can freeze them before broiling. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
3. What Can I Use Instead of Sawmill Gravy?
Try hollandaise sauce, marinara, or even cream cheese spread.
4. How Do I Prevent Soggy Muffins?
Toast them well before adding toppings, and don’t oversaturate with gravy.
5. Can I Use Bagels Instead?
Absolutely! Bagels, croissants, or toast work great too.
More Breakfast Recipes to Try
If you loved this English Muffin Breakfast Pizza, check out these other delicious breakfast ideas:
- Breakfast Quesadillas with Sausage & Eggs
- Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs
- Fluffy Pancakes with Maple Syrup
- Homemade Breakfast Burritos
- Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
English Muffin Breakfast Pizza: A Delicious Morning Delight
A fun and easy twist on breakfast, this English Muffin Breakfast Pizza combines fluffy scrambled eggs, savory sausage, creamy sawmill gravy, and melted cheddar cheese on a crispy toasted muffin. Perfect for a quick morning meal or a lazy weekend brunch!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 package English muffins (split)
- 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 needed)
- ¼ cup flour (for sawmill gravy)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a cast-iron skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove from the pan, leaving about ¼ cup of drippings (add butter if needed).
- Make the gravy: To the drippings, add flour and stir for 5-10 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toast the muffins: Lightly toast the English muffin halves while the gravy simmers.
- Scramble the eggs: In a non-stick pan, scramble the eggs with a splash of milk (if desired) until fluffy.
- Assemble & broil:
- Spread gravy on each muffin half.
- Top with scrambled eggs, sausage, and a slice of cheese.
- Place under the broiler (high heat) for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Notes
- Use fresh English muffins for the best texture.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the gravy.
- Swap sausage for bacon or ham if preferred.
- If you like a little heat, top with hot sauce or diced jalapeños before broiling.
Nutrition
- Calories: 458 kcal per serving
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 24g
Final Thoughts
This English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is the ultimate quick, easy, and delicious morning meal. Whether you’re serving a crowd, meal prepping, or just craving something hearty, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, and comfort in every bite.