Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan
Before you begin cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin. You can use butter, oil spray, or a little bit of the fat rendered from the sausage to grease the pan and ensure that the muffins don’t stick.
2. Brown the Sausage
In a medium skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Break the sausage into small bits as it cooks to ensure even distribution in the muffins. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Eggs, Bisquick, and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, crack the four eggs and whisk them together until well blended. Then, stir in the Bisquick baking mix and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is fully incorporated, and the batter is smooth.
4. Add the Sausage to the Egg Mixture
Once the sausage has cooled slightly, add it to the egg mixture. Stir until the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Fill the Muffin Pan
Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin cups, filling each one about two-thirds full. This will allow the muffins to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The muffins are done when they turn a golden brown color, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
Once the muffins are done baking, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Now they’re ready to enjoy!
Tips for Success
While this recipe is incredibly simple, there are a few tips to make sure your Sausage Breakfast Muffins turn out perfect every time:
1. Choose Quality Sausage
The flavor of your muffins will largely depend on the sausage you choose. Opt for a well-seasoned breakfast sausage. You can also experiment with different types of sausage, like spicy Italian or turkey sausage, to suit your taste.
2. Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar cheese adds depth to the muffins without overpowering them. If you want to mix things up, try using other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
3. Don’t Overfill the Muffin Cups
Leave some space in each muffin cup to allow the muffins to rise properly. Filling the cups about two-thirds full ensures the muffins bake evenly and don’t overflow.
4. Make Them in Advance
One of the best things about these breakfast muffins is that they store well. You can make a batch over the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Serving Suggestions
These Sausage Breakfast Muffins are delicious on their own, but if you want to make them part of a more complete breakfast, here are a few serving ideas:
- With a side of crispy bacon: Double the meat for an ultra-satisfying breakfast.
- Fresh fruit salad: The light, juicy sweetness of fruits like melon, strawberries, or pineapple pairs well with the savory muffins.
- Add some greens: A simple green salad or avocado toast makes for a more well-rounded breakfast.
- Top with hot sauce: For a little extra heat, drizzle some hot sauce over the muffins or serve with a side of salsa.
- Avocado spread: Creamy avocado spread adds a nice contrast to the savory muffin and elevates the flavor.
