If you are searching for the perfect blend of comfort food and breakfast innovation, the English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish takes humble English muffins and transforms them into a deliciously cheesy, savory breakfast treat topped with creamy sausage gravy, fluffy eggs mixed with crispy bacon, and a golden blanket of melted cheddar and mozzarella. Ideal for weekend mornings when you want something hearty yet quick and fun to make, this recipe perfectly balances flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the hearty, flavorful experience of this breakfast pizza. From savory sausage to melty cheese, every element adds richness, texture, or a burst of flavor that makes this recipe so unforgettable.
- 5 English muffins: These serve as the perfect sturdy base with a slightly crispy edge and soft interior.
- ½ pound ground pork sausage: Adds a juicy, spiced savory element to the gravy.
- 2 tablespoons minced yellow onion: Brings a sweet and aromatic depth to the sausage gravy.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy ensuring that it clings perfectly to each muffin.
- 2 cups whole milk: Gives the gravy a creamy, velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that brightens the dish.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the savory flavors harmoniously.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces a subtle punch that complements the sausage.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor without overpowering.
- â…› teaspoon ground cayenne pepper: A slight kick to awaken your taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon salted butter: Used to cook creamy scrambled eggs adding richness and a silky texture.
- 6 large eggs: Whisked and gently cooked with bacon for soft, fluffy topping.
- 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled): Adds a salty crunch and smoky complexity.
- 1½ cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers a bold, tangy flavor.
- 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Helps create that irresistible melty, stretchy cheese topping.
How to Make English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Cheeses
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. While it warms up, mix together the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese in a bowl and set aside. This cheese duo will give you the perfect balance of creaminess and sharpness every bite deserves.
Step 2: Toast the English Muffins
Cut each English muffin in half and toast them until they are lightly browned and slightly crispy. You can use a toaster or place them on a baking sheet in the oven for about 5 minutes. Toasting provides a wonderful crunch that prevents sogginess once topped.
Step 3: Cook Sausage and Onions
In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground pork sausage along with the minced yellow onions. Cook until the sausage loses its pink hue and the onions become translucent, usually about 7 to 8 minutes. This creates the flavorful base for your sausage gravy.
Step 4: Make the Sausage Gravy
Turn the heat to medium-low and sprinkle the flour over the sausage and onion mixture. Stir well to incorporate the flour evenly, which will help thicken your gravy. Then, slowly stir in the milk along with black pepper, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Continue stirring frequently until the mixture thickens, about 7 to 8 minutes. Once thickened, remove the gravy from the heat.
Step 5: Scramble Eggs with Bacon
In a small skillet over medium-low heat, melt the tablespoon of salted butter. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs until lightly frothy in a bowl. Pour the eggs into the skillet and stir gently with a rubber spatula. When the eggs are nearly set, fold in the crumbled cooked bacon. Keep cooking until the eggs are soft, fluffy, and no longer runny, ensuring a luscious topping for your breakfast pizzas.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Spread about 2 tablespoons of the sausage gravy over each toasted English muffin half. Don’t worry if you have some gravy leftover—it’s fantastic spooned over extra muffins for a quick snack or even saved for biscuits later on. Next, add the scrambled egg and bacon mixture, and sprinkle each pizza generously with the cheddar-mozzarella blend.
Step 7: Melt Cheese and Finish
Bake the assembled pizzas in the oven for 6 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully and bubbles up. Finish by broiling on high for 3 to 4 minutes or until the tops achieve a mouthwatering browned crust. Keep a close eye on them here so they don’t burn but get that perfect golden touch.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve these breakfast pizzas warm for the best experience, allowing the cheese to stretch as you bite and all the flavors to shine. This final step is when you truly appreciate the magic of the English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe.
How to Serve English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or chives add a lovely pop of color and an herbal brightness that balances the richness of the cheese and sausage gravy. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also works brilliantly for those who crave an extra kick of spice.
Side Dishes
Serve your pizzas alongside a fresh fruit salad to cut through the richness with natural sweetness. Crispy hash browns or a simple green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette can round out the meal beautifully without competing with the pizza’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting these pizzas on a wooden serving board paired with small bowls of jam or hot sauce so everyone can customize their bites. For a fun brunch spread, arrange mini versions of the English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe in a circular pattern on a large platter for easy sharing and eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place the leftover breakfast pizzas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy a fast yet satisfying breakfast or snack on busy mornings without sacrificing any flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked pizzas by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, storing up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftovers in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is again melted. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the muffin base soft and soggy instead of delightfully crisp.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option that still provides plenty of flavor. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly, and it may release less fat when making the gravy.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
While pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, freshly shredded cheese melts better and has superior flavor and texture, which really elevates this recipe.
Can I prepare the sausage gravy in advance?
Yes, you can make the sausage gravy a day ahead. Store it refrigerated in an airtight container and gently reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy consistency.
What if I don’t have English muffins?
Feel free to substitute with toasted bagels, biscuits, or even sliced bread to create your own version of a breakfast pizza base. Each will give you a slightly different but delicious result.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe uses just a touch of cayenne pepper for subtle warmth that doesn’t overpower, but you can adjust or omit the cayenne to suit your personal heat preference.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that this English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe is a game changer for your morning routine. It brings together all the best textures and flavors of breakfast favorites into one delightfully cheesy and satisfying bite. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, these pizzas offer a cozy, homemade comfort that will make you look forward to breakfast every day. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished staple in your kitchen!
