Introduction:
Start your day off right with a delectable dish that combines the comfort of classic sausage gravy with the fun and versatility of pizza. Sausage gravy breakfast pizza is a flavorful twist on traditional breakfast fare that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Packed with savory sausage, creamy gravy, gooey cheese, and topped with eggs, this dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even breakfast for dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the delicious details of this irresistible recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough or homemade pizza dough
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- Optional toppings: diced green onions, sliced mushrooms, diced tomatoes
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza pan, forming a thin crust.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and crumbled. Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the pizza dough.
- In the same skillet used for the sausage, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to make a roux. Cook for about 1 minute until the flour is lightly browned.
- Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the mixture until it thickens into a creamy gravy, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the sausage gravy over the pizza dough, spreading it evenly with a spoon.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the gravy.
- Create four wells in the cheese and gravy mixture, and carefully crack an egg into each well.
- If desired, add optional toppings such as diced green onions, sliced mushrooms, or diced tomatoes.
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the eggs are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve slices of sausage gravy breakfast pizza hot and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Serving Tips:
- Serve the sausage gravy breakfast pizza hot, straight from the oven, to enjoy its gooey cheese and runny eggs at their best.
- Garnish each slice with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
- Pair the pizza with a side of fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a well-balanced meal.
- For brunch gatherings or special occasions, consider serving the pizza alongside other breakfast favorites like crispy bacon, hash browns, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
- Serve with hot sauce or extra gravy on the side for those who like an extra kick or creaminess with their pizza.
Storage Tips:
- Leftover sausage gravy breakfast pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place individual slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat slices in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
- If you have leftover uncooked pizza dough or assembled but unbaked pizza, you can freeze it for later use. Wrap the dough or assembled pizza tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 1-2 months.
- When ready to enjoy frozen pizza, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking according to the original instructions.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your sausage gravy breakfast pizza is enjoyed to its fullest potential, whether freshly baked or reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.
Variations:
- For a spicy kick, use spicy breakfast sausage or add a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
- Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda.
- Add a layer of thinly sliced potatoes or hash browns for extra heartiness.
- Customize the toppings to your liking, such as bell peppers, onions, or cooked bacon.
-
FAQ’s
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe? Yes, you can definitely use store-bought pizza dough for convenience. Alternatively, you can also make your own homemade pizza dough if preferred.
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausage? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the sausage with bacon, ham, or even vegetarian alternatives like tofu or tempeh for a different flavor profile.
- How do I know when the eggs are cooked properly? The eggs are cooked to your desired level of doneness when the egg whites are set and the yolks are still slightly runny. You can adjust the baking time according to your preference for firmness.
- Can I make this pizza ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can partially assemble the pizza ahead of time by preparing the sausage gravy and cooking the sausage. Assemble the pizza just before baking to ensure the crust stays crispy.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss to customize the flavor of your pizza.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free pizza dough and a gluten-free flour blend to make the sausage gravy. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
- How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner? Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more flour for a thicker texture or more milk for a thinner texture. Cook the gravy longer for a thicker consistency or add extra milk to thin it out.
- Can I freeze leftover slices of pizza? Yes, leftover slices of pizza can be wrapped individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
- Can I omit the eggs from this recipe? Yes, if you prefer a pizza without eggs, you can simply omit them from the recipe. The pizza will still be delicious with just the sausage gravy and cheese.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian? To make a vegetarian version, you can omit the sausage or substitute it with vegetarian sausage crumbles or your favorite plant-based protein alternative. Additionally, ensure that the cheese and other ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly.
Conclusion:
Sausage gravy breakfast pizza is a delightful fusion of two beloved dishes that will satisfy your cravings any time of day. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a special breakfast, this recipe is sure to impress. With its rich flavors, gooey cheese, and perfect balance of savory and creamy, this breakfast pizza is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Give it a try and start your day with a slice of pure comfort and indulgence!