Start your day right with these incredibly satisfying Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Muffins! Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, these convenient bites are the perfect solution for busy mornings or a healthy meal prep staple. They’re not only simple to make but also endlessly customizable to suit your taste, making them a family favorite you’ll return to again and again.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Perfect Breakfast Muffins

Follow these detailed steps to create delicious, golden-brown Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Muffins every time. Preparation is key, so make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready before you begin.

1. Prepare Your Muffin Pan and Preheat Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your muffins are ready to bake, promoting even cooking. Generously spray a standard 12-cup muffin pan with a high-quality nonstick baking spray. This crucial step prevents the muffins from sticking and ensures they pop out easily once baked and cooled. You can also use muffin liners for even easier removal and cleanup.

2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

In a large skillet, cook your bulk pork sausage over medium-high heat. As it cooks, use a spatula to break it up into small, even crumbles. Once the sausage is about halfway cooked, add your finely chopped green bell pepper and sliced green onions to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened and become tender-crisp. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is important to prevent your muffins from being greasy. Set the cooked sausage and veggie mixture aside to cool slightly.

3. Whisk the Egg and Bisquick Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, crack your six large eggs. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Vigorously whisk the eggs and spices together until the mixture is light, frothy, and well combined. This aeration helps create a fluffier muffin. Next, pour in the milk and whisk again until fully incorporated. Finally, gradually add the Bisquick baking mix, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will dissolve during baking. Overmixing can lead to tougher muffins.

4. Combine All Ingredients

Once your sausage and veggie mixture has cooled slightly, add it to the egg and Bisquick batter in the large bowl. Then, stir in your freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold all the ingredients together using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Ensure that the sausage, vegetables, and cheese are well combined, so each muffin gets a balanced serving of all the delicious components. This step is about integration, not vigorous mixing, to maintain a tender texture.

5. Fill Muffin Tins and Bake

Using an ice cream scoop (or a large spoon), evenly distribute the muffin mixture into the prepared muffin pan. Fill each cup about two-thirds to three-quarters full. This will yield 12 perfectly sized breakfast muffins. Place the muffin pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. The muffins are done when they are puffy, lightly golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success: Achieve Perfect Breakfast Muffins Every Time

• Always Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly shredded cheese will give your muffins a much creamier, more luxurious texture.
• Don’t Skimp on Nonstick Spray: Generously coat your muffin pan. There’s nothing worse than perfectly baked muffins stuck to the pan! If you’re using paper liners, a light spray inside the liners can also help with removal.
• Proper Sausage Selection: Bulk sausage packages are typically found near bacon in the meat aisle. Jimmy Dean’s Premium Pork Sausage Roll is a consistently good choice for its flavor and texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the Bisquick, leading to tough, rubbery muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Cool Before Storing: Allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. Storing warm muffins will create condensation, leading to soggy bottoms.
• Experiment with Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture, or swap out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. A dash of your favorite hot sauce in the egg mixture also works wonders.

Customization Ideas: Make Them Your Own

One of the greatest features of this recipe is its adaptability. While the eggs, milk, Bisquick, and basic spices form the core, you can get creative with the fillings:

• Meat Alternatives:
  • Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon is a classic choice.
  • Ham: Diced cooked ham adds a sweet and savory note.
  • Chicken or Turkey Sausage: For a lighter option.
  • Vegetarian Sausage: Easily make these vegetarian-friendly.
• Vegetable Boosts:
  • Spinach: Wilted and squeezed dry chopped spinach is a fantastic addition.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed diced mushrooms add an earthy flavor.
  • Onions: Caramelized onions for sweetness or red onions for a sharper bite.
  • Tomatoes: Diced sun-dried tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes (halved).
  • Broccoli: Finely chopped steamed broccoli florets.
• Cheese Varieties:
  • Pepper Jack: For a spicy kick.
  • Swiss or Gruyère: For a more gourmet, nutty flavor.
  • Feta: Adds a tangy, salty Mediterranean twist.
  • Goat Cheese: For a creamy, rich flavor.
• Herb and Spice Variations:
  • Smoked Paprika: For a smoky depth.
  • Chives: Fresh chopped chives add a delicate onion flavor.
  • Herbs de Provence: A fragrant French herb blend.

Serving Suggestions for Any Meal

These breakfast muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Classic Breakfast: Serve warm with a slice of your favorite toasted bread, a side of fresh fruit, or a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
• Light Lunch: Pair them with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced and satisfying midday meal.
• Quick Dinner: Enjoy with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for an easy weeknight dinner.
• Snack Time: A single muffin makes for a perfect protein-packed snack to curb hunger between meals.

Meal Prep and Storage

The true beauty of these Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Muffins lies in their meal prep potential. They are designed to save you time throughout the week.

• Refrigeration: Once baked and completely cooled, place the muffins in an airtight container or a large Ziploc bag. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, these muffins freeze beautifully. Arrange the completely cooled muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. This method prevents them from sticking together, allowing you to grab just one or two as needed.
• Reheating:
  • From Refrigerator: Place a muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 20-30 seconds, or until heated through.
  • From Freezer: Microwave a frozen muffin for 60-90 seconds, checking for warmth and adding more time if necessary. For a crispier texture, you can also reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes after microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the regular Bisquick baking mix for a gluten-free alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What if I don’t have Bisquick?

You can make your own basic baking mix by combining all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cold butter or shortening. However, for the best results and convenience, Bisquick is highly recommended as it contributes to the unique texture of these muffins.

Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?

You can, but using only egg whites will result in a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Whole eggs provide richness and a more tender muffin. If using egg whites, you might need to adjust the liquid slightly.

How do I prevent the muffins from becoming watery?

Ensure you drain the fat from the cooked sausage and vegetables thoroughly. Also, if adding watery vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, sauté them beforehand to release excess moisture, then squeeze out any remaining liquid before adding to the batter.

Can I make these ahead and bake them later?

While you can prepare the mixture the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator, the Bisquick will start to activate. For best results and optimal puffiness, it’s recommended to mix the batter and bake immediately. If you prepare it ahead, stir gently before scooping into the muffin tin.

More Delicious Breakfast Recipes to Fuel Your Day

If you loved these breakfast muffins, be sure to explore more delightful morning meals:

• Mexican Taco Boat Quiches
• Berry Buttermilk Sheet Pan Pancakes
• Skillet Brioche Egg and Sausage Skillet