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This English muffin breakfast pizza transforms boring breakfast staples into a delicious morning treat that will have your family racing to the kitchen. The combination of crispy English muffins, creamy sawmill gravy, fluffy eggs, and savory sausage creates a hearty meal perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches.
I created this recipe when my nephew stayed over and wanted something more exciting than cereal. Now it's requested whenever family visits, and the kids love helping assemble their own breakfast pizzas.
Ingredients
- English muffins: Provide the perfect crispy base that holds up well to toppings
- Eggs: Add protein and fluffy texture; select farm fresh if possible
- Breakfast sausage: Brings savory flavor; choose your favorite variety, mild or spicy
- Mild cheddar cheese: Creates that perfect melty topping; freshly grated melts best
- Milk: Makes the gravy creamy and the eggs fluffy; whole milk gives richest results
- Sausage drippings: The secret to authentic sawmill gravy flavor
- Flour: Thickens the gravy to perfect consistency
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors
- Pepper: Adds a touch of spice; adjust to your preference
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- Cook breakfast sausage thoroughly in a cast iron pan until well browned and crumbly with no pink remaining. The cast iron creates perfect browning and develops flavor. Remove cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, being careful to reserve exactly ¼ cup of the flavorful drippings in the pan.
- Create the Sawmill Gravy:
- Add flour directly to the hot sausage drippings in the pan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook this roux for about 2 minutes until it turns golden brown and smells slightly nutty. Very slowly pour in milk while continuously stirring. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare English Muffin Bases:
- Split English muffins in half using a fork rather than a knife to create nooks and crannies that will hold the toppings better. Place cut side up on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven or toaster until just barely golden. This creates a sturdy base that won't get soggy from the toppings.
- Cook the Eggs:
- In a separate non stick skillet, scramble the eggs over medium low heat. Add a splash of milk before whisking for extra fluffiness. Cook slowly, gently folding rather than stirring vigorously, until eggs are just set but still slightly moist. They will continue cooking slightly under the broiler.
- Assemble and Broil:
- Preheat your broiler to high. Arrange the toasted English muffin halves on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of warm gravy on each muffin half. Top with scrambled eggs, dividing evenly among all the muffins. Sprinkle with cooked sausage crumbles and finish with a generous covering of shredded cheddar cheese. Place under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully until cheese is completely melted and begins to bubble and brown in spots.
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The sawmill gravy is what truly makes this recipe special. I learned this technique from my grandmother who grew up in the South, and the rich flavor from using the actual sausage drippings creates an authentic country breakfast taste that store bought gravy mix simply cannot match.
Make Ahead Options
These breakfast pizzas work beautifully for meal prep. You can cook the sausage and make the gravy up to three days ahead, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The morning of serving, simply reheat the gravy, scramble fresh eggs, and complete the assembly and broiling steps. You can even freeze fully assembled and cooked pizzas. Just wrap individually in foil and freeze. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.
Customization Ideas
Transform this basic recipe by trying different variations. Use bacon instead of sausage, or go vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or swiss for a milder flavor. Add thinly sliced tomatoes, avocado, or fresh herbs after cooking. For a southwest version, include chorizo in the gravy and top with salsa after broiling. The basic formula stays the same, but you can create endless flavor combinations.
Kid Friendly Approach
Children love this recipe because it combines two favorite foods breakfast and pizza. Make it interactive by setting up a breakfast pizza bar where everyone can choose their own toppings. Pre toast the English muffins, prepare the basic components, and let family members build their own creations. This encourages picky eaters to try new combinations and makes breakfast a fun family activity rather than just another meal.
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Nothing brings my family to the table faster than the aroma of these breakfast pizzas broiling to perfection. They hit that perfect balance of familiar comfort food with a fun twist that makes ordinary breakfast ingredients feel special. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking to brighten your own morning routine, these customizable mini pizzas deliver satisfaction in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these breakfast pizzas ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components (gravy, scrambled eggs, and cooked sausage) a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, toast the English muffins, assemble with the toppings, and broil until heated through and the cheese is melted.
- → What can I substitute for breakfast sausage?
Bacon, ham, or vegetarian meat alternatives work well. For a vegetarian version, use butter instead of sausage drippings for the gravy base and add mushrooms or plant-based sausage for flavor.
- → How do I make the fluffiest scrambled eggs?
For extra fluffy eggs, whisk them vigorously with a splash of milk before cooking. Cook in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat, gently folding rather than stirring constantly. Remove from heat when they look slightly underdone as they'll continue cooking.
- → Can I freeze these breakfast pizzas?
Yes, they freeze well after assembly but before broiling. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, unwrap and bake at 350°F until heated through and cheese is melted, about 15-20 minutes.
- → What other toppings would work well on these breakfast pizzas?
Try adding diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, sliced tomatoes, or avocado. For extra flavor, experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, Swiss, or feta. Hot sauce or salsa can add a spicy kick.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This maintains the crispy texture of the English muffin better than microwave reheating, though microwaving for 30-45 seconds works in a pinch.