Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe
If you’re looking for a breakfast or snack that’s savory, cheesy, and downright addictive, you’re in the right kitchen! My Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe is a total game changer—no Bisquick required, just simple ingredients that come together in a snap for muffins packed with rich cheddar and hearty sausage. Trust me, these muffins are so good, you’ll find yourself sneaking extras straight from the baking tin. Keep reading—I’ll share all my tips to help you nail these every time, whether it’s for a busy morning or a cozy weekend treat.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Pantry Staples: Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand, no need for special mixes.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sharp cheddar and savory sausage complement each other perfectly for a flavor-packed bite.
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
- Versatile and Customizable: Adapt with gluten-free flour, swap sausage types, or add toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe is all about combining hearty ingredients with just the right touch of savory and sweet. Each element has a role: the sausage adds meaty flavor, the cheddar brings that ooey-gooey component, and a little maple syrup or sugar balances it out without overwhelming. Plus, it’s easy to swap ingredients to fit your pantry or dietary needs.
- Ground breakfast sausage: I recommend a flavorful but not too spicy sausage so it doesn’t overpower the cheese.
- All purpose flour: Plain or gluten-free Cup4Cup flour works beautifully to give structure without being dense.
- Baking powder: This is the secret to fluffy, light muffins that rise nicely.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the richness of the sausage and cheese.
- Pure maple syrup or sugar: Just a touch to round out the savory notes—pure maple adds a subtle depth.
- Grated sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts smoothly and gives these muffins their signature cheesy punch.
- Milk: Helps create a moist crumb; use whole or 2% for best results.
- Egg: Binds the batter and provides richness.
- Unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Adds tenderness and buttery flavor without weighing down the muffins.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I love to add a little smoked paprika to the sausage for a subtle smoky kick, but sometimes I keep it simple and let the cheddar shine. Feel free to swap cheeses—pepper jack or gouda work great—or use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Variation: I once made these with diced jalapeños stirred into the batter, and wow, the spicy surprise was a hit at brunch!
- Dietary swaps: Gluten-free flour blends like Cup4Cup yield just as tender muffins, so no one has to miss out.
- Seasonal twists: Toss in some chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to freshen things up for spring or summer.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage to Perfection
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking your ground breakfast sausage until nice and browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon so you get those little crumbles in every bite. This step is key because it adds rich flavor and prevents any sogginess—make sure to drain the excess grease on a paper towel-lined plate so your muffins don’t turn oily.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Sausage
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (or maple syrup later). Then, stir in the cooked sausage and your sharp cheddar cheese. Combining these dry ingredients first helps evenly distribute the sausage and cheese, so every muffin ends up balanced and flavorful.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients Separately
In a smaller bowl, beat together the milk, egg, and maple syrup if you’re using it instead of sugar. Then slowly pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, add the cooled melted butter, and gently stir until just combined. Try not to overmix here—some lumps are totally fine and keep the muffins tender.
Step 4: Fill Muffin Tins and Bake
Generously grease your muffin tin (or use paper liners for easy cleanup), then spoon the batter evenly into each cup, filling right to the top. I love sprinkling a little extra cheddar on top for that irresistible golden crust. Pop them into a 400ºF oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes before removing them—it helps them set up and keeps them from crumbling.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to keep muffins light and tender, overmixing makes them tough.
- Brown Your Sausage Well: This adds depth and rich flavor—plus, draining grease prevents soggy muffins.
- Grease the Tin Liberally: Makes sure muffins pop out easily and keep their perfect shape.
- Test with Toothpick: Check for doneness at the 18-minute mark to avoid overbaking and dryness.
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve these muffins, I often add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley on top—it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and sausage. A little drizzle of hot sauce or a side of tangy mustard also makes an excellent accompaniment if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
I enjoy pairing these muffins with a fresh green salad for a light lunch, or alongside scrambled eggs and roasted potatoes for a hearty breakfast platter. They’re also fantastic with a bowl of fruit or a dollop of sour cream to balance the savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, I like to arrange these muffins on a tiered stand with colorful ramekins of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ketchup, or a creamy chipotle mayo. It turns simple muffins into a festive spread everyone will reach for. They also make cute grab-and-go finger food for picnics or potlucks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After these muffins cool completely, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days—though truth be told, they rarely last more than a day in my house! Keeping them sealed well helps maintain moisture without getting soggy.
Freezing
Freezing works wonders here. I wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag or container. They keep great for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature—perfect for batch prep or to stash for busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to unwrap the muffins and warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds wrapped in a paper towel. Alternatively, a quick pop in a toaster oven sets the outside crisp while warming the inside perfectly, restoring that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar offers a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste, pepper jack for some heat, or gouda for smokiness. Just make sure the cheese melts well to keep that gooey texture.
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Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! I recommend using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend like Cup4Cup, which closely mimics the texture of traditional flour. The muffins turn out just as tender and delicious without any special adjustments.
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Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
I wouldn’t recommend preparing the batter too far in advance because baking powder starts working as soon as it’s mixed with liquids, which might affect the rise. But you can cook the sausage ahead and store it in the fridge to speed things up when you’re ready to bake.
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How do I know when the Cheesy Sausage Muffins are done baking?
Look for golden brown tops and edges pulling slightly away from the pan. Most reliably, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes: easy, hearty, and ridiculously tasty. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a quick grab-and-go breakfast, these muffins never disappoint. Give them a try—you’ll probably want to keep extras in the freezer for busy days ahead. And once you make them, I’d love to hear how you’ve personalized your versions. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins are a delicious, savory treat made with cooked breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tender biscuit-like batter. Perfect for breakfast or snack time, they are easy to make without Bisquick and can be prepared with regular or gluten-free flour.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour, regular or gluten-free (Cup4Cup gluten-free flour recommended)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or sugar
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- (optional) additional cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and cook sausage: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Cook the sausage in a skillet, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Grease the muffin tins liberally with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if not using maple syrup). Stir in the cooked sausage and grated cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and maple syrup (if using). Pour this mixture into the flour mixture, then add the melted butter. Stir gently until the flour is just incorporated and a batter forms.
- Fill muffin tins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each to the top. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep them fresh.
- For longer storage, freeze the muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap inside an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
- To reheat frozen muffins, thaw at room temperature for one hour, then warm wrapped in a paper towel in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
- You can substitute maple syrup with sugar if preferred.
- Using gluten-free flour such as Cup4Cup works well to make these muffins gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
