Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Muffins

Introduction

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what better way to start your morning than with a delicious and filling breakfast muffin? These Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Muffins are the perfect combination of savory sausage, gooey cheese, and fluffy muffin goodness. They are easy to make, can be customized to your liking, and are perfect for busy mornings on the go. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or make a batch ahead of time for meal-prep, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sausage

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Steps

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tin

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, and garlic powder until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the wet and dry ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.

Step 5: Add the cheese and sausage

Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled sausage until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Fill the muffin tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

Step 7: Add the topping

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh chives evenly over the top of each muffin.

Step 8: Bake the muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and serve

Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Variations

These Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Muffins can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Replace the sausage with cooked bacon, ham, or diced cooked vegetables for a vegetarian option.
• Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the batter for an extra kick of heat.
• Top each muffin with a slice of tomato or a few spinach leaves for added freshness.

Tips

Follow these tips to ensure your Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Muffins turn out perfectly every time:

• Use cooked sausage that has been drained of excess grease to prevent the muffins from becoming too oily.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, use spicy sausage or add some diced jalapenos to the batter.
• For a lighter texture, use buttermilk instead of regular milk in the recipe.
• Make a double batch of these muffins and freeze them individually for a quick and convenient breakfast option. Simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

Conclusion

Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Muffins are a delightful way to kickstart your day. The combination of savory sausage, melted cheese, and fluffy muffins make these a satisfying and delicious breakfast option. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these muffins in no time. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or make them ahead for a busy morning, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite. So why not give them a try and start your day with a smile?

FAQs

1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! These muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

2. Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, these muffins freeze well. Once they have completely cooled, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or reheat them in the microwave for a quick breakfast option.

3. Can I use a different type of meat?

Definitely! While this recipe calls for sausage, you can easily substitute it with cooked bacon, ham, or even diced cooked chicken. The choice is yours!

4. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these muffins gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour. Just make sure to check that all the other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.

5. Can I add vegetables to these muffins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like to the batter. Diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach would all be great additions.