Pin it
This hearty English Muffin Breakfast Pizza has been my weekend breakfast solution for years, combining all the comfort of classic breakfast staples in one delicious, open-faced creation.
I first created these breakfast pizzas when hosting my in-laws for a holiday weekend. They were such a hit that they've become our signature brunch dish for special occasions and lazy Sundays alike.
Ingredients
- English Muffins: The perfect crispy base that holds up well to toppings
- Eggs: Use fresh eggs at room temperature for the fluffiest texture
- Breakfast Sausage: Provides rich flavor and hearty protein
- Mild Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully while complementing other flavors
- Milk: Whole milk works best for creating a rich gravy
- Sausage drippings: The secret to authentic flavor in southern gravy
- Flour: All purpose flour thickens the gravy perfectly
- Salt and pepper: Always adjust to taste for perfect seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
- Brown sausage thoroughly in a cast iron skillet until well done with no pink remaining. This usually takes about 8 minutes over medium high heat. Remove cooked sausage but reserve exactly ¼ cup of the drippings for your gravy.
- Prepare the Sawmill Gravy:
- Add flour to the reserved sausage drippings in your still hot skillet. Stir continuously over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture develops a golden color. This cooking process eliminates the raw flour taste and creates depth of flavor. Gradually pour in milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the gravy reaches a boil and thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
- Toast and Prepare Components:
- Lightly toast English muffins in a toaster while the gravy finishes. In a separate non stick skillet, scramble eggs until just set, adding a splash of milk for extra fluffiness if desired. Have cheese slices ready for assembly.
- Assemble the Pizzas:
- Place toasted English muffin halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of sawmill gravy on each muffin half. Top with a portion of scrambled eggs, a slice of cheese, and crumbled cooked sausage.
- Broil to Perfection:
- Position the baking sheet under the preheated broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts and bubbles, developing light golden spots.
Pin it
The sausage drippings are truly the magical element in this recipe. When I first learned to make sawmill gravy from my grandmother, she insisted that store bought breakfast sausage created the most flavorful drippings. That distinctive savory quality simply cannot be replicated with plain butter or oil.
Making Ahead
These breakfast pizzas work beautifully for meal prep. You can prepare the components separately up to two days in advance. Store cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and gravy in separate containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the gravy with a splash of milk to thin if needed, warm the eggs in the microwave, and proceed with assembly and broiling for a quick breakfast.
Substitution Options
This recipe welcomes creative adaptations. For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and reduced fat cheese. Vegetarians can substitute plant based sausage and milk. The English muffins can be swapped for bagels, biscuits, or even thick slices of sourdough bread. Each variation creates a slightly different but equally delicious breakfast experience.
Serving Suggestions
These hearty breakfast pizzas stand beautifully on their own, but for a complete brunch spread, consider pairing them with fresh fruit, roasted breakfast potatoes, or a simple green salad with light vinaigrette. For beverage pairings, offer freshly brewed coffee, orange juice, or even mimosas for a celebratory weekend brunch.
Pin it
A delicious and effortless way to elevate your breakfast game, these pizzas are sure to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a sharp cheddar, would work beautifully.
- → How do I make sawmill gravy without sausage drippings?
If you don't have sausage drippings, substitute with butter or a mix of butter and neutral oil to achieve a similar base for the gravy.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While some components like the gravy and sausage can be prepped ahead, assemble and broil the dish just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → Can I substitute the English muffins?
Yes, you can use bagels, toast, or even biscuits as a base instead of English muffins.
- → What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to customize with sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, or spicy chorizo to give the dish a unique twist.