If you are on the lookout for a breakfast that combines comforting Southern flavors with a fun twist, the English Muffin Breakfast Pizza with Sawmill Gravy, Eggs, Sausage, and Cheddar Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish brings together the crispy charm of toasted English muffins, creamy sawmill gravy made from rich sausage drippings, fluffy scrambled eggs, hearty sausage, and gooey melted cheddar in a symphony of tastes and textures you’ll want to savor any weekend morning. It’s a satisfying and flavorful breakfast pizza that feels indulgent without being complicated to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but soul-satisfying ingredients is the first step to creating a breakfast masterpiece. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color—from the buttery sawmill gravy to the sharp cheddar melting perfectly over warm eggs and sausage.
- English muffins: The sturdy base that crisps up beautifully and holds all the toppings without getting soggy.
- Eggs: Scrambled to soft, fluffy perfection, they add richness and balance to the savory sausage.
- Breakfast sausage: Provides a juicy, flavorful punch and the essential drippings for the sawmill gravy.
- Mild cheddar cheese: Thinly sliced so it melts quickly, adding creamy, sharp notes and loads of melty goodness.
- Milk: Used in the sawmill gravy to create a luscious, creamy texture that ties the dish together.
- Sausage drippings and flour: The magic combo that transforms basic ingredients into a silky, golden sawmill gravy.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning essentials to bring balance and enhance every bite.
How to Make English Muffin Breakfast Pizza with Sawmill Gravy, Eggs, Sausage, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by browning the breakfast sausage in a cast iron pan over medium heat. This step is where the flavor base is built; the drippings left behind in the pan are pure gold for your sawmill gravy. Once browned and cooked through, remove the sausage and set it aside, but keep about a quarter cup of those savory drippings in the pan.
Step 2: Make the Sawmill Gravy
Add the flour into the pan with your sausage drippings, stirring constantly over medium heat to form a golden roux. This cooking process unlocks a toasty depth to your gravy. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking steadily, which thickens the sauce into a creamy, dreamy gravy. Season it carefully with salt and pepper to taste. This gravy is what transforms the dish from simple to spectacular.
Step 3: Toast the English Muffins
While your gravy is coming together, lightly toast the English muffins. The toasty crunch will give a pleasing texture contrast to the creamy gravy and soft eggs, making each bite delightful. Try not to over-toast them; you want just enough crispness to hold the toppings.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
In a separate non-stick skillet, whisk your eggs with a dash of milk to keep them fluffy and delicate. Gently scramble over medium-low heat, making sure not to overcook. Soft, silky eggs will complement the richer, meatier components perfectly, adding an airy texture that feels light yet satisfying.
Step 5: Assemble the Breakfast Pizza
Now for the fun part! Spread a generous helping of sawmill gravy over each toasted English muffin half. Top with a scoop of scrambled eggs, a slice of mild cheddar cheese, and crumbled cooked sausage. This layering sets the stage for all the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 6: Broil to Perfection
Place your assembled breakfast pizzas under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully as the cheddar cheese melts into bubbling golden pools, the edges tinged with just the right amount of crisp. This final step melds all the elements together into the perfect, comforting breakfast pizza experience.
How to Serve English Muffin Breakfast Pizza with Sawmill Gravy, Eggs, Sausage, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Add a pop of color and freshness by sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top right before serving. A few chili flakes can also add a subtle kick if you love a bit of heat. These garnishes brighten the dish visually and add layers of flavor that make every bite interesting.
Side Dishes
This breakfast pizza pairs wonderfully with a light fruit salad or a simple mixed greens salad tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette. Fresh fruit cuts through the richness, while a green salad offers crispness and a palate cleanser to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch gathering, serve these pizzas open-faced on a wooden board with individual small plates for guests. You can also create a make-your-own station with all components laid out so everyone can customize their breakfast pizza exactly how they like it—great for a crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover English Muffin Breakfast Pizza with Sawmill Gravy, Eggs, Sausage, and Cheddar Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep components layered but best to consume within this timeframe to enjoy freshness and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each assembled but unbroiled pizza tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before broiling to get that fresh-baked finish.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your pizza under the broiler or in a hot oven (around 375°F) until the cheese bubbles and everything is warmed through again. Avoid the microwave for reheating to keep the English muffin crisp and the cheese perfectly melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mild cheddar offers a classic flavor and melts beautifully, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda can add exciting twists. Feel free to experiment with what you love.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the breakfast sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian-friendly option. The sawmill gravy can also be made with vegetable broth and vegan butter for a fully vegetarian version.
Can I prepare components in advance?
Definitely. You can cook the sausage, scramble the eggs, and make the gravy ahead of time, then assemble and broil just before serving. This makes morning prep much faster without sacrificing flavor.
What’s the best kind of English muffin to use?
Standard split English muffins work best because they provide sturdy structure and crisp nicely when toasted. Artisan or whole wheat English muffins also work if you want a slightly different texture or flavor.
How spicy is the sausage in this recipe?
This recipe uses mild breakfast sausage to keep the flavors balanced and family-friendly. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can swap in spicy sausage varieties or add a pinch of cayenne in the sawmill gravy.
Final Thoughts
This English Muffin Breakfast Pizza with Sawmill Gravy, Eggs, Sausage, and Cheddar Recipe is a comforting, satisfying dish that turns a humble breakfast into something truly special. It’s ideal for cozy weekends or whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and watch it become your new go-to breakfast treat!
Print
English Muffin Breakfast Pizza with Sawmill Gravy, Eggs, Sausage, and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
A delicious and hearty English Muffin Breakfast Pizza featuring a savory sausage and sawmill gravy base, topped with fluffy scrambled eggs and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying morning meal, this recipe combines classic Southern flavors with an easy-to-make assembly and quick broil finish.
Ingredients
For the Base and Toppings
- 1 package of English muffins
- 8 eggs
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 8 oz mild cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
For the Sawmill Gravy
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup sausage drippings (add butter if insufficient drippings)
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Cook sausage: In a cast iron pan over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until fully browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside, reserving ¼ cup of the rendered fat for the gravy.
- Make sawmill gravy: Add the flour to the hot sausage drippings in the pan and cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns golden brown. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toast English muffins: While preparing the gravy, lightly toast the English muffins until golden and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Scramble eggs: In a non-stick skillet, scramble the eggs over medium heat. Add a small dash of milk to the eggs before scrambling to enhance fluffiness.
- Assemble the pizzas: Spread a generous layer of sawmill gravy on each toasted English muffin. Top with scrambled eggs, then add a slice of mild cheddar cheese followed by crumbled browned sausage over the top.
- Broil to finish: Place the assembled breakfast pizzas under a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- If sausage drippings are insufficient for gravy, supplement with butter to reach the required ¼ cup.
- For fluffier scrambled eggs, add a splash of milk or cream.
- Watch carefully while broiling to prevent the cheese from burning; broiling times can vary depending on your oven.
- Use thick-cut cheddar slices for uniform melting on the pizzas.
- Can be prepared ahead by cooking sausage and making gravy in advance.
