English Muffin Breakfast Pizza

Start your morning on a delicious note with a savory and satisfying breakfast treat that combines the best of both worlds – English muffins and pizza. Our Sunrise Delight Breakfast Pizza is not just your ordinary breakfast; it’s a culinary delight that will tantalize your taste buds and fuel your day ahead. Packed with hearty ingredients like eggs, sausage, and gooey cheese, this recipe promises to be a family favorite in no time. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this mouthwatering dish!

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 and Gravy:
   • Begin by cooking the breakfast sausage in a cast iron pan until it’s well done. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pan and pour off all but a quarter cup of fat.
   • To the reserved meat drippings in the skillet, add flour and cook and stir over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture starts to turn golden.
   • Slowly add milk to the roux, stirring constantly, until the gravy boils and thickens to your desired consistency.
2. Toast the English Muffins:
   • While the gravy is simmering, lightly toast the English muffins until they’re golden brown and crispy.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
   • In a separate non-stick skillet, scramble the eggs, adding a small dash of milk to make them fluffier if desired.
4. Assemble and Broil the Breakfast Pizzas:
   • Preheat your oven’s broiler on high.
   • Arrange the toasted English muffins on a baking sheet.
   • Spread a generous amount of the prepared sawmill gravy on the open-faced English muffins.
   • Top the gravy with the scrambled eggs, a slice of mild cheddar cheese, and the cooked breakfast sausage.
   • Place the assembled pizzas under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and melted, creating a perfect golden crust.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories per Serving: 458 kcal
• Servings: 4 servings

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add diced bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, or even some sliced avocado for extra flavor and nutrition.
2. Pair with Fresh Fruit: Balance out the savory flavors of the breakfast pizza by serving it with a side of fresh fruit salad or sliced seasonal fruits. The combination of sweet and savory will tantalize your taste buds.
3. Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or basil over the assembled pizzas for a burst of freshness and color.
4. Serve with Hot Sauce or Salsa: For those who like a bit of heat, offer hot sauce or salsa on the side for drizzling over the breakfast pizza. It adds a zesty kick that elevates the flavors.
5. Enjoy with a Hot Beverage: Complete your breakfast experience by pairing the Sunrise Delight Breakfast Pizza with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, tea, or a refreshing glass of orange juice.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to allow the pizzas to cool completely before refrigerating.
2. Reheat with Care: To reheat the leftover breakfast pizzas, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking.
3. Freeze for Future Meals: If you want to make a batch ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled pizzas before broiling. Wrap each pizza individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed.
4. Freshen Up Before Serving: Before serving reheated or frozen pizzas, you can freshen them up by adding a sprinkle of extra cheese or herbs on top for a finishing touch.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, omit the breakfast sausage and instead add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions as toppings. You can also incorporate vegetarian sausage or tofu scramble for a protein boost.
2. Mediterranean Twist: Give your breakfast pizza a Mediterranean flair by topping it with ingredients like crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano or fresh basil. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
3. Southwest Flavor: Add a Tex-Mex twist to your breakfast pizza by using spicy chorizo sausage instead of breakfast sausage. Top with black beans, corn kernels, diced jalapeños, and a dollop of salsa or guacamole. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
4. Italian-Inspired: Embrace classic Italian flavors by topping your breakfast pizza with marinara sauce, sliced cooked ham or prosciutto, diced bell peppers, black olives, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
5. Healthy Option: For a lighter version, use whole wheat English muffins and turkey sausage instead of pork. Load up on nutrient-rich toppings like sautéed spinach, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado. Swap out the cheddar cheese for a lighter cheese option like part-skim mozzarella or goat cheese.
6. Breakfast Burrito Pizza: Transform your breakfast pizza into a fun twist on a breakfast burrito by adding ingredients like scrambled eggs, black beans, diced cooked potatoes, salsa, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Serve with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt for dipping.
7. Sweet and Savory Combo: Experiment with sweet and savory flavors by adding ingredients like crispy bacon, sliced apples or pears, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a deliciously unique breakfast experience.

FAQs :

1. Can I use store-bought gravy instead of making it from scratch?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to use pre-made gravy to save time, but homemade gravy adds a deliciously rich flavor to the breakfast pizza.
2. I’m short on time. Can I prepare the components in advance?
   • Yes, you can cook the sausage, scramble the eggs, and make the gravy ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the pizzas when ready to bake.
3. Can I make this recipe without using a cast iron pan?
   • While a cast iron pan is recommended for cooking the sausage and making the gravy, you can use any heavy-bottomed skillet for similar results.
4. Is it necessary to toast the English muffins before assembling the pizzas?
   • Toasting the English muffins adds a nice crunch to the base of the pizza, but you can skip this step if you prefer a softer texture.
5. Can I freeze the assembled pizzas before baking?
   • Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizzas for future meals. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed.

With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, our Sunrise Delight Breakfast Pizza is sure to become a breakfast favorite in your household. Whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy weekend morning or whipping it up for a quick weekday meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So why wait? Rise and shine to the deliciousness of homemade breakfast pizza!