Indulge in the comforting flavors of these Sausage & Cheese Muffins, a delectable treat that perfectly combines savory sausage and gooey cheese in a soft, fluffy muffin. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack, these muffins offer a delightful blend of rich and savory ingredients that cater to both your taste buds and your convenience.
These muffins are designed to be both flavorful and filling, making them a fantastic choice for busy mornings or as a hearty addition to any meal. The base of the muffins is crafted from a simple mixture of all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper, which forms a light and airy texture that supports the hearty fillings. The baking powder ensures that the muffins rise beautifully, creating a tender crumb that’s both light and satisfying.
At the heart of these muffins is crumbled, cooked sausage, which adds a robust and savory element. The sausage is browned in a skillet, releasing its flavorful oils and seasoning the mixture with a deep, meaty taste. Once cooked, the sausage is mixed into the batter along with shredded cheddar cheese, which melts into the muffins, creating pockets of creamy, cheesy goodness that contrast beautifully with the savory sausage.
The wet ingredients, including eggs, milk, and melted butter, contribute to the muffins’ moist and rich texture. The eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure, while the milk adds moisture and tenderness. The melted butter enriches the batter, ensuring a soft and flavorful crumb that complements the savory sausage and cheese.
As you mix the ingredients, you’ll notice a slightly lumpy batter. This is normal and helps to ensure that the muffins remain tender and don’t become overly dense. The batter is gently folded with the sausage and cheese, ensuring that these key ingredients are evenly distributed without overmixing, which can lead to tough muffins.
Once the batter is prepared, it’s scooped into a muffin tin, which can be lined with paper liners or lightly greased to prevent sticking. The muffins are baked until they achieve a golden brown color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The result is a batch of muffins with a crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy interior that is both satisfying and comforting.
These Sausage & Cheese Muffins are versatile and convenient, making them perfect for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go breakfast. They can be enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature, and they store well in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully, allowing you to have a ready-made treat on hand for busy days.
For added versatility, you can customize these muffins with different types of cheese or additional ingredients such as chopped bell peppers, onions, or herbs. This adaptability allows you to tailor the muffins to your preferences and experiment with new flavors.
In summary, these Sausage & Cheese Muffins offer a satisfying combination of savory sausage and melted cheese in every bite. They’re an excellent choice for a hearty breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a convenient snack that delivers both taste and nourishment. Enjoy the rich flavors and the ease of preparation with this delightful recipe, which brings a touch of comfort and indulgence to your day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled: Provides a savory, meaty flavor and hearty texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a gooey, cheesy goodness that melts beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the muffin batter.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and provides structure.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture to the batter.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Contributes to a rich, tender crumb.
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sausage:
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the milk and melted butter until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy.
- Add Sausage and Cheese:
- Gently fold in the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill Muffin Tin:
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Customize: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add other ingredients like chopped bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
- Make-Ahead: These muffins can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—just place them in a freezer-safe bag and thaw before serving.
- Crispier Tops: For an extra crispy top, sprinkle a little additional cheese on top of the muffins before baking.
- Healthier Option: To make these muffins a bit lighter, you can use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage and opt for low-fat cheese.
These Sausage & Cheese Muffins are a perfect blend of savory sausage and melted cheese in every bite. They’re ideal for a quick breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a hearty snack that will keep you satisfied throughout the day. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and the ease of preparation with this tasty recipe!
