These Sausage Breakfast Muffins are a fantastic way to start your day! Loaded with savory sausage, cheese, and a hint of spice, they are perfect for meal prep or grabbing on the go. Customize them with your favorite add-ins like chopped veggies or bacon for even more flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
1 pound breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or your choice)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
2 large eggs
Optional add-ins: chopped green onions, diced bell peppers, or cooked bacon pieces
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). These dry ingredients will help give the muffins their structure and a bit of seasoning.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and eggs until well combined. This will help keep the muffins moist and add richness to the batter.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins. Fold in the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and any optional add-ins like chopped green onions, diced bell peppers, or bacon pieces.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 of the way full.
Step 6: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat them for a quick breakfast.
Cooking Notes
To make sure your muffins are tender, avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can make the muffins tough. These muffins are highly customizable. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, or swap the sausage for bacon, ham, or even a vegetarian alternative.
Variations
For a spicy kick, add a finely diced jalapeño to the batter along with the sausage. You can also add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the wet ingredients for an extra layer of heat. To make the muffins even more hearty, you can mix in cooked bacon or ham alongside the sausage. If you prefer a lighter muffin, use turkey sausage and low-fat cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! These muffins are perfect for meal prep. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, simply microwave for about 30 seconds.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser but more nutritious muffin.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Cheddar is great, but you can try other cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
These Sausage Breakfast Muffins are a delicious and convenient way to start your day. They’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and perfect for breakfast on the go. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or making them for a weekend brunch, these muffins are sure to be a hit! Enjoy them warm, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and add-ins to make them your own
