Introduction
Sausage muffins are a savory twist on the traditional sweet muffin, combining the rich flavor of seasoned sausage with the light, fluffy texture of a classic muffin. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these muffins offer a satisfying combination of protein and carbs. They can be served warm, straight out of the oven, or stored for later for an easy, hearty grab-and-go meal.
Ingredients and Quantity
For the Muffins:
– 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Teaspoon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For Optional Additions:
– 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers or other vegetables
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for extra heat
– 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon for added flavor
– 1/4 cup fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a herby touch
– 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt to add to the batter for extra moisture
Tips for Success
1. Sauté the Sausage First:
Make sure to cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked before adding it to the muffin batter. This ensures that the sausage has time to release its fat and flavor.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in dense muffins. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter and more even cooking.
4. Cheese Choice: Use a flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses to enhance the taste.
5. Uniform Muffin Size: Use an ice cream scoop or a 1/4 cup measure to evenly distribute the batter into the muffin tin.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned and crispy, drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Sausage and Cheese: Gently fold in the cooked sausage, shredded cheese, and any additional optional ingredients like green onions or chopped vegetables.
7. Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
8. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
9. Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature with a side of fruit or salad for a complete meal.
Description
Sausage muffins are a hearty, savory treat that perfectly balance the richness of sausage with the softness of a muffin. The cheesy, slightly spiced muffin crumb pairs beautifully with the savory sausage, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. These muffins are versatile enough to be customized with your favorite add-ins and can easily be made in advance for a quick breakfast or snack.