Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick)

Name: Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled; 2 cups all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free, like Cup4Cup); 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or sugar; 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup milk; 1 large egg; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled; (Optional) Additional cheese for topping

If you’re looking for a delicious, savory breakfast option that’s perfect for on-the-go mornings, holiday brunches, or even a quick snack, these Sausage Muffins with Cheddar are a must-try! This recipe is a twist on the classic southern sausage balls, but with a fluffy, muffin-like texture that’s incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be made gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have your kitchen smelling amazing in no time!

Why You’ll Love These Sausage Muffins with Cheddar

These Sausage Muffins with Cheddar are the ultimate breakfast treat. They’re packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of savory breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weekday morning, a weekend brunch, or a holiday gathering, these muffins are a crowd-pleaser.
Easy to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 18 minutes of baking, you’ll have a batch of fresh muffins ready in under 35 minutes.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences—add veggies, switch up the cheese, or even make them spicy!
Gluten-Free Option: By using a gluten-free flour blend like Cup4Cup, you can enjoy these muffins without compromising on taste or texture.

Ingredients for Sausage Muffins with Cheddar

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious muffins:

1 pound ground breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled)
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
1 cup milk
1 egg
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
Optional: Additional cheese for topping

Equipment You’ll Need

Muffin tins
Sauté pan
Batter bowl
Whisk
Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400ºF. While the oven is heating up, cook the ground breakfast sausage in a sauté pan over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the sausage is browned and cooked through, drain it on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.

Next, generously grease your muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray and set them aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if you’re not using maple syrup). Once the dry ingredients are well combined, stir in the cooked sausage and grated sharp cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and maple syrup (if using). Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the melted butter. Stir everything together until the flour is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until the ingredients are combined.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tins

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each tin to the top. If you’d like an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle some additional grated cheddar cheese on top of each muffin.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.

Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Serve warm for the best flavor!

Why Sausage Muffins with Cheddar Are the Ultimate Breakfast Treat

When it comes to breakfast, Sausage Muffins with Cheddar are a game-changer. These muffins are the perfect combination of savory and satisfying, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or even a quick snack. The star of the show is the flavorful ground breakfast sausage, which pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar cheese to create a rich, hearty flavor. The addition of a touch of maple syrup or sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly.

One of the best things about these muffins is their versatility. They’re incredibly easy to customize, so you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you’re looking to cut calories, you can use turkey sausage instead of pork. If you want to add a bit of heat, try using spicy breakfast sausage or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can even incorporate veggies like onions, bell peppers, or spinach for an extra nutritional boost.

Another reason to love these muffins is their convenience. They’re perfect for meal prep because they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. Simply reheat them in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast on busy mornings. Plus, they’re portable, making them a great option for breakfast on-the-go.

Whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or reheating them for a quick snack, these Sausage Muffins with Cheddar are sure to become a family favorite. They’re a complete breakfast in one gnoshing-sized package, and their delicious flavor and fluffy texture make them irresistible.

How to Make Sausage Muffins with Cheddar Gluten-Free

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you’ll be happy to know that these Sausage Muffins with Cheddar can easily be made gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture. The key is to use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, such as Cup4Cup, which is specifically designed to mimic the properties of all-purpose flour.

To make the gluten-free version, simply substitute the regular all-purpose flour in the recipe with an equal amount of gluten-free flour. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, so you’ll still get the same delicious combination of savory sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of sweetness from the maple syrup or sugar.

One thing to keep in mind when working with gluten-free flour is that it can sometimes result in a slightly denser texture. To ensure your muffins are light and fluffy, be careful not to overmix the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined, and avoid overworking the dough.

Another tip for success is to make sure your baking powder is fresh. Baking powder is a crucial ingredient in gluten-free baking because it helps the muffins rise and achieve that perfect texture. If your baking powder is old or expired, your muffins may turn out flat and dense.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy delicious, gluten-free Sausage Muffins with Cheddar that are just as tasty as the original version. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these muffins are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Creative Ways to Customize Your Sausage Muffins

One of the best things about this Sausage Muffins with Cheddar recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re looking to add more flavor, incorporate extra nutrients, or switch things up for a different taste, there are endless ways to make these muffins your own.

For a sweet and savory twist, try adding fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped apples, raisins, or dried cranberries to the batter. The sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the savory sausage and cheese, creating a unique flavor combination that’s sure to impress.

If you’re a fan of garlic, consider adding 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the batter for a delicious garlic cheddar flavor. You can also sauté onions, bell peppers, or any other preferred veggies with the sausage and stir them into the muffin batter for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

For those who love a bit of heat, try using spicy breakfast sausage or adding ⅛ teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper to the batter. This will give your muffins a subtle kick that’s perfect for spice lovers.

If you’re looking to make these muffins a bit healthier, you can use turkey breakfast sausage instead of pork to reduce calories. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.

Customizations and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas to mix things up:

Turkey Sausage: Swap out the pork sausage for turkey breakfast sausage to reduce calories.
Sweet and Savory: Add fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped apples, raisins, or dried cranberries for a sweet and savory twist.
Extra Sweetness: Increase the sweetness by adding up to ¼ cup of sugar or maple syrup.
Garlic Cheddar Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for a delicious garlic cheddar flavor.
Veggie-Packed: Sauté onions, bell peppers, or your favorite veggies with the sausage and mix them into the batter.
Spicy Kick: Add ⅛ teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper or use spicy breakfast sausage for a bit of heat.

Nutritional Information

Each Sausage Muffin with Cheddar contains approximately:

Calories: 336kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 77mg
Sodium: 520mg
Potassium: 274mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 450IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 216mg
Iron: 2mg