Homemade Sausage & Cheese Muffins: Your Ultimate Grab-and-Go Breakfast

Kickstart your busy mornings with a burst of savory deliciousness! These homemade sausage muffins are the perfect solution for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying breakfast. Packed with flavorful sausage, fluffy eggs, and rich cheddar cheese, they offer a convenient, handheld meal that’s ideal for school days, work commutes, or any time you need a delicious grab-and-go option. Best of all, they’re incredibly freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze for the entire family.

Why These Savory Sausage Muffins Are a Game Changer

Life can be hectic, and finding time for a wholesome breakfast often feels like a luxury. That’s where these delightful sausage and cheese muffins come in. They combine all your favorite breakfast staples into one perfectly portioned, portable package. No more skipping breakfast or relying on unhealthy fast-food options! These muffins are designed to simplify your mornings and bring a smile to your face with every savory bite.

Effortless Preparation and Irresistible Flavor

• **Simple & Quick:** This is truly an easy breakfast recipe that can be prepared in a flash, making it ideal for busy schedules. The hands-on time is minimal, allowing you to quickly assemble a batch.
• **Bursting with Savory Goodness:** Each muffin is a symphony of flavors – rich breakfast sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and sharp, melty cheddar cheese. It’s a savory breakfast muffin that will satisfy even the biggest appetites.
• **No Bisquick Needed:** Unlike many conventional savory muffin recipes, ours is made entirely from scratch using common pantry ingredients. You get all the flavor and texture without relying on pre-packaged mixes, ensuring a fresher, more homemade taste.
• **Ultimate Versatility:** While perfect as a grab-and-go breakfast, these muffins are also fantastic additions to a brunch spread, a unique lunch side, or even a casual dinner. They’re also a huge hit for game days, parties, or any gathering where delicious finger foods are appreciated.

Imagine the peace of mind knowing you have a batch of these wholesome, protein-packed muffins ready for your family. They’re a fantastic way to ensure everyone gets a nourishing start to their day, even when rushing out the door. The savory profile makes them appealing to both kids and adults, easily becoming a new family favorite.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Savory Muffins

Crafting the perfect batch of cheddar sausage muffins starts with a selection of high-quality ingredients. While the full list with precise measurements is provided in the recipe card below, let’s highlight some key components and why they truly make a difference in achieving that irresistible flavor and texture.

Bulk Breakfast Sausage

The star of the show! We recommend using ground breakfast sausage varieties like Jimmy Dean or Tennessee Pride. You have the flexibility to choose mild, medium, or hot sausage based on your preference for spice. The key is to brown the sausage thoroughly and drain any excess grease to prevent your muffins from becoming oily. This foundational ingredient provides the savory depth that makes these muffins so hearty and satisfying.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Cheese adds a delightful tang and creamy texture to our sausage muffins. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, we highly recommend taking a few extra minutes to shred your own block of sharp cheddar. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and incorporates better into the batter, leading to a superior texture and richer flavor. The sharp notes of cheddar perfectly complement the savory sausage and mellow eggs.

Our Bisquick-Free Muffin Base

One of the standout features of this recipe is that it achieves incredible results without the use of a pre-made baking mix like Bisquick. Our simple yet effective dry ingredient base consists of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This combination ensures a light, tender crumb and allows for precise control over the texture and rise of your muffins. Adding dry mustard and garlic powder elevates the overall savory profile, creating a truly gourmet-tasting breakfast muffin from scratch.

Room Temperature Wet Ingredients

Eggs and buttermilk are crucial for the muffins’ structure and moisture. Using them at room temperature is a subtle but significant tip. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a smoother, more emulsified batter. This reduces the need for excessive mixing, which can lead to tough muffins. The acidity in buttermilk also works with the baking soda to give these muffins a beautiful rise and tender texture.

Expert Tips for Muffin Success

Achieving perfectly baked, tender, and flavorful sausage muffins is simpler than you think with a few key techniques. These tips are designed to help you avoid common baking pitfalls and ensure your muffins turn out wonderfully every time.

• **Measure Flour Correctly:** Precision in measuring flour is vital for the right texture. Instead of scooping flour directly from the bag, which can compact it and lead to too much flour, use the “spoon and swoop” method. Gently aerate the flour with a spoon, then spoon it into your measuring cup, and finally, level off the top with a straight edge. This prevents dense, dry muffins.
• **Utilize Room Temperature Ingredients:** For the best results, ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. This allows them to incorporate more evenly into the batter, creating a smoother consistency. A well-emulsified batter requires less mixing, which is key to preventing gluten overdevelopment and ensuring light, tender muffins.
• **Homemade Buttermilk Hack:** If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t fret! You can easily make your own. Add one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a 1 1/4 cup measuring cup, then fill the rest with regular milk (dairy or non-dairy). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. This quick trick provides the necessary acidity for the recipe.
• **Cool Your Melted Butter:** When the recipe calls for melted butter, it’s important to allow it to cool slightly before adding it to your batter. Hot butter can start to cook the eggs or alter the texture of the flour, leading to an undesirable result. Melting it while the sausage browns gives it ample time to reach the ideal temperature.
• **Do Not Overmix:** This is a golden rule for all muffin recipes. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough, chewy muffins. Mix your batter just until the dry ingredients are moistened, even if there are a few small lumps remaining. A slightly lumpy batter is better than an overmixed one.
• **Mini Muffins for Parties:** These savory sausage muffins are wonderfully adaptable. For game day, brunches, or parties, consider making them into mini muffins. Simply adjust the baking time, typically reducing it by about half (10-12 minutes), and keep a close eye on them to ensure they’re baked through but not overdone.

Creative Variations and Delicious Add-Ins

While the classic cheddar sausage muffin is undeniably delicious, this recipe is incredibly versatile! Don’t hesitate to get creative and customize your muffins with various proteins, vegetables, and cheeses to suit your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire your next batch:

• **Lighter Protein Options:** If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, swap out traditional pork breakfast sausage for ground turkey sausage. It still delivers that savory flavor profile with a lighter touch.
• **Alternative Meats:** Not a fan of sausage, or just want to try something different? Crumble and cook some bacon, or finely dice and sauté some ham, then add it to the batter instead of sausage. These variations offer distinct and equally delicious flavors.
• **Italian-Inspired Muffins:** For a bold flavor twist, use ground Italian sausage. This will infuse your muffins with classic Italian herbs and spices, making them a unique and flavorful option for any meal.
• **Spice It Up (or Down):** Tailor the heat level to your liking. Stick with mild breakfast sausage for a family-friendly option, opt for medium for a gentle warmth, or go all out with hot sausage for a fiery kick. For extra heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the batter can truly amp up the spice.
• **Veggies for Extra Goodness:** Boost the nutritional value and add more flavor by incorporating finely chopped vegetables. Green onions, diced jalapenos (for a spicy crunch!), or colorful bell peppers are excellent choices. For a hidden veggie boost, fold in about 3/4 cup of cooked and well-drained spinach or kale. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the greens to prevent a watery batter.
• **Cheese Lover’s Paradise:** While sharp cheddar is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Pepper jack will add a spicy kick, Monterey jack offers a milder, creamier melt, mozzarella provides a classic stretchy texture, or a Mexican blend can add a complex, savory profile.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Easy Cheddar Sausage Muffins

Follow these simple instructions to create a batch of incredibly flavorful and satisfying sausage and cheese muffins. The process is straightforward, ensuring delicious results even for novice bakers. Get ready to enjoy the aroma of a homemade breakfast filling your kitchen!

1. **Prepare Your Pan and Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Thoroughly grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray or butter. This ensures your muffins won’t stick and will release easily once baked.
2. **Cook the Sausage:** In a skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage. Use a spatula or spoon to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue until the sausage is no longer pink and is fully cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and drain it thoroughly on a paper towel-lined plate or in a bowl to remove any excess grease. This step is crucial for preventing oily muffins.

3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, dry mustard, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed, which is important for the muffins’ rise and flavor.
4. **Prepare Wet Ingredients:** In a separate measuring cup or small bowl, lightly beat the room temperature eggs with the room temperature buttermilk. This mixture will add essential moisture and richness to your muffins.
5. **Mix Wet into Dry:** Pour the buttermilk-egg mixture and the slightly cooled melted butter into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula just until everything is combined. Remember the “do not overmix” rule; a few lumps are perfectly fine and even desirable for tender muffins.

6. **Fold in the Savory Mix-Ins:** Add the cooked and drained sausage crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely diced fresh chives to the batter. Gently fold them in until they are just incorporated. Again, be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.

7. **Fill Muffin Cups and Bake:** Divide the sausage muffin batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. For an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor, sprinkle the tops of the muffins with a little additional shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown.
8. **Cool and Serve:** Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Storage and Freezing: Enjoying Your Muffins Longer

One of the many benefits of these savory sausage and cheese muffins is their excellent shelf life and freezer-friendly nature. This makes them perfect for meal prepping and ensures you always have a delicious breakfast option on hand.

Storing Fresh Sausage Muffins

Once your breakfast sausage muffins have cooled completely to room temperature, they can be stored in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Place them in the refrigerator, and they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. To reheat from the fridge, simply pop a muffin into the microwave for 20-second intervals until it’s warmed through. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can cause them to dry out. Alternatively, for a slightly crisper exterior, reheat them wrapped in aluminum foil in a 325-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes.

Freezing Savory Breakfast Muffins

These muffins are ideal for freezing, allowing you to stock up on quick breakfasts for weeks to come! After the sausage breakfast muffins have cooled completely, individually wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap. Then, transfer the wrapped muffins to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight freezer container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months while maintaining optimal quality and flavor. This individual wrapping prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to grab just one muffin at a time.

Reheating from Frozen

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen muffin, simply remove the plastic wrap. Wrap the muffin in a paper towel (this helps absorb moisture and prevents it from becoming soggy) and microwave it for 20-30 second intervals. Typically, a frozen muffin will take about 60 seconds (1 minute) to reheat thoroughly, but heating times can vary depending on your microwave. Continue heating until the desired temperature is reached. You’ll have a warm, delicious breakfast ready in minutes, making even the busiest mornings a little bit easier.

Serving Suggestions

While these savory sausage and cheese muffins are perfectly satisfying on their own, they also make a wonderful accompaniment to a variety of other breakfast or brunch items. Their rich flavor and hearty nature allow them to stand alone or complement lighter fare.

• **Simple & Classic:** Serve them alongside a bowl of fresh seasonal fruit for a balanced meal. The sweetness and acidity of the fruit provide a lovely contrast to the savory muffins.
• **Heartier Combinations:** Pair them with an extra side of scrambled eggs or a simple fried egg for a more substantial breakfast. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt can also add a creamy, tangy element.
• **Brunch Ready:** For a brunch spread, these muffins are fantastic with a green salad, a light soup, or even a frittata. Their handheld nature makes them easy to enjoy while mingling.
• **Sauce Pairings:** A side of hot sauce for those who like extra heat, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and savory twist, can elevate the experience.

More Delightful Breakfast Recipes

If you loved these easy sausage muffins, be sure to explore more of our fantastic breakfast and brunch creations to keep your mornings exciting and delicious!

• Overnight Maple Bacon Baked French Toast
• Sausage Breakfast Cake
• Best Ever Banana Muffins
• Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
• Lemon Streusel Blueberry Muffins

Sausage Muffins Recipe Card

Homemade Sausage & Cheese Muffins

These savory, freezer-friendly sausage muffins are an easy, grab-and-go breakfast perfect for busy days. Loaded with ground sausage, eggs, and cheddar cheese, they’re a wholesome and delicious start to your morning.

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 12 muffins

Calories: 245 kcal per muffin

Author: Leigh Harris

Ingredients

• 8 oz Breakfast sausage (ground, mild, medium, or hot)
• 6 tbsp Unsalted butter (melted, cooled slightly)
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 2 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Dry mustard
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
• 1 1/4 cup Buttermilk (room temperature, or homemade with milk + vinegar/lemon juice)
• 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, plus extra for topping if desired)
• 1 tbsp Fresh chives (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup standard muffin pan with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it into crumbles until it’s no longer pink and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease by transferring the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate or bowl.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, dry mustard, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. In a separate measuring cup or small bowl, beat the room temperature eggs with the room temperature buttermilk.
5. Add the buttermilk-egg mixture and the slightly cooled melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula just until the ingredients are combined; be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the cooked sausage, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the finely chopped fresh chives until just incorporated into the batter. Again, avoid overmixing.
7. Divide the sausage muffin batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. If desired, sprinkle the tops of the muffins with a little extra shredded cheddar cheese for an enhanced presentation.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Let the muffins cool slightly in the muffin pan for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 245 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0.3g
• Cholesterol: 56mg
• Sodium: 358mg
• Potassium: 190mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 348 IU
• Vitamin C: 0.1mg
• Calcium: 134mg
• Iron: 1mg