Sausage Roll Muffins: A Savory Delight for Any Occasion

Introduction

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through the kitchen. Recently, I decided to try a twist on the classic muffin by incorporating savory ingredients, and the result was nothing short of delightful. My family was skeptical at first—sweets are usually the mainstay in our house—but once they took a bite of these Sausage Roll Muffins, they were hooked. The combination of fluffy muffin batter, hearty sausage, and melty cheese made for a perfect breakfast treat or a satisfying snack. Let me share this easy and delicious recipe with you!

Ingredients

For the Muffin Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
• 1/2 tsp granulated onion
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
• 1 small grated carrot
• 1 small grated zucchini
• 1/4 cup sliced fresh chives
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large whisked egg

Other:

• 2 hot or mild Italian sausages (casings removed)
• Tomato chutney or tomato bacon jam for serving

Instructions

Preheat Oven

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a standard muffin tin or line with paper liners.

Combine Dry Ingredients

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, granulated onion, and paprika until well combined.

Add Wet Ingredients and Vegetables

3. Add the grated Cheddar cheese, grated carrot, grated zucchini, sliced chives, buttermilk, and whisked egg to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense muffins.

Divide Batter

4. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

Add Sausage

5. Divide the sausage into six even pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place it on top of the batter in each muffin cup.

Bake

6. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve

7. Remove from the oven and cool slightly. Garnish with additional chives if desired, and serve with tomato chutney or tomato bacon jam for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6 muffins
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 290
• Total Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 12g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

These Sausage Roll Muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• For Breakfast: Serve warm with a side of fruit.
• As a Snack: Pair with a refreshing beverage for a midday treat.
• At a Brunch: Arrange on a platter with dips for a crowd-pleasing option.
• For Dinner: Serve alongside a salad for a balanced meal.
• As Appetizers: Cut into smaller pieces for party snacks.

Additional Tips

1. Experiment with Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for varied flavor profiles.
2. Add More Vegetables: Spinach or bell peppers can be great additions for extra nutrition and color.
3. Adjust Spice Level: Use spicy sausage for a kick or sweet sausage for a milder flavor.
4. Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free blend, adjusting the salt and baking powder accordingly.
5. Use Leftover Sausage: This is a great recipe for using up leftover cooked sausage from breakfast!

Recipe Variations

• Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate feta cheese, black olives, and sun-dried tomatoes into the batter for a Mediterranean flavor.
• Mexican Style: Add diced jalapeños, corn, and Monterey Jack cheese, and serve with salsa.
• Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
• Breakfast Muffins: Add cooked bacon and diced bell peppers for a hearty breakfast option.
• Mini Muffins: Make mini versions for bite-sized snacks, perfect for parties or gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

• Dips: Serve with various dips like ranch dressing, salsa, or even a spicy aioli.
• Garnish: Fresh herbs, like parsley or additional chives, can add a pop of color.
• Side Salads: A light side salad can balance the richness of the muffins.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: These muffins freeze well! Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven for a few minutes.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?

• Yes, just add 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder and 1/2 tsp of salt to your regular flour.

1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can make them the night before and reheat them in the morning.

1. What if I don’t have buttermilk?

• You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

1. Can I add different meats?

• Yes! Feel free to use cooked bacon or diced ham instead of sausage.

1. How do I know when they’re done?

• A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the muffins should be golden brown.

1. Can I omit the cheese?

• Yes, you can, but it will change the texture and flavor slightly.

1. How spicy are these muffins?

• The spice level depends on the sausage used; choose mild for less heat and hot for more.

1. What can I serve with them?

• They pair well with jams, chutneys, or even a side of scrambled eggs.

1. Can I make these muffins vegetarian?

• Yes! Substitute the sausage with a meat alternative or more vegetables.

1. What if my muffins don’t rise?
   • Ensure your baking powder is fresh, and avoid overmixing the batter.

Conclusion

Sausage Roll Muffins are a delightful and versatile treat that brings together the comfort of muffins and the heartiness of savory sausage. They’re easy to make, perfect for any time of day, and customizable to suit your taste. Whether you serve them for breakfast, as a snack, or at a gathering, they are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors that come together in these scrumptious muffins!

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