Craving a hearty breakfast twist on pizza? This easy savory sausage gravy breakfast pizza is a quick homemade favorite made with juicy sausage and crispy crust, perfect for a weeknight dinner – Save for later

Savory Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza

Introduction

Imagine starting your day with a breakfast that’s not only delicious but also creatively combines the savory elements of sausage gravy with the comfort of a pizza. The Savory Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza is a masterpiece that brings together the best of breakfast and Italian cuisine, using everyday ingredients in a way that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. This dish is perfect for brunch gatherings, special occasions, or even a weekday morning when you want to treat your family to something extraordinary. With its rich flavors and hearty portions, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between the savory sausage gravy, the melted cheese, and the freshness of any added vegetables, all of which are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, the Savory Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza is relatively simple to make. It requires basic cooking skills and can be prepared in under an hour, making it a great option for busy mornings.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The combination of a homemade or store-bought pizza crust, topped with sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of vegetables, presents beautifully and tastes like a gourmet breakfast dish, all with minimal fuss.

Key Ingredients

The foundation of this recipe includes a pizza crust (which can be homemade or store-bought for convenience), sausage (preferably breakfast sausage for its seasoning), eggs, cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar), and any desired vegetables (like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms). For the sausage gravy, you’ll need sausage, all-purpose flour, and milk or cream. Practical substitutions can be made based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability, such as using gluten-free flour for the gravy or a cauliflower crust for a low-carb option.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop any vegetables you plan to use, scramble the eggs, and cook the sausage in a pan until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Step 2: To make the sausage gravy, remove the cooked sausage from the pan with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings. Add a tablespoon of flour to the pan to make a roux, cooking for about a minute before slowly adding milk or cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens. Then, return the cooked sausage to the gravy and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the sausage gravy over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Top the gravy with scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, and any chopped vegetables you’re using.
4. Step 4: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy crust, bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings. This step, called pre-baking, helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
• Consider using different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile. Mozzarella provides a nice melt, while cheddar or parmesan can add a sharper taste.
• Don’t overload the pizza with toppings, as this can make the crust soggy. Balance is key to achieving a pizza that’s both flavorful and structurally sound.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the sausage and making the gravy. For the sausage, cook it over medium-high heat to get a good brown, then reduce the heat to prevent burning. When making the gravy, whisk constantly as you add the milk to prevent lumps from forming, and adjust the heat to achieve a simmer that will help thicken the gravy without scorching it. The ideal temperature for baking the pizza is 425°F (220°C), and it should be cooked for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right texture is important for the overall appeal of the dish. The crust should be crispy on the bottom and chewy on the inside, the sausage should be browned and slightly crispy, and the vegetables should retain some crunch. To ensure the crust doesn’t become soggy, pre-bake it and don’t overload the pizza with wet toppings. Cooking the sausage until it’s well browned and using fresh, crisp vegetables will also contribute to a satisfying texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use high-quality ingredients: While it might be tempting to use cheaper alternatives, the flavor and texture of your final dish will benefit from using the best ingredients you can afford.
• Don’t skip the step of cooking the flour in the sausage gravy: This step, known as cooking the roux, removes any raw flour taste and helps the gravy to thicken more efficiently.
• Experiment with spices: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor of your sausage gravy and add depth to your pizza.

Storage Tips

• Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Consider freezing individual slices for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat as needed.
• For the sausage gravy, it can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a day or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking occasionally, until warmed through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps for a brunch gathering or as a welcome gift for new neighbors, you can package it creatively. Slice the pizza and place it in a decorative basket or box, accompanied by a side of fresh fruit or a green salad. For the sausage gravy, fill mason jars, seal them, and attach a gift tag with reheating instructions. Adding a few fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top can make the presentation even more appealing.

Flavor Variations

• 🌟 Different spices: Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or ground sage for an earthy note to your sausage gravy.
• 🌟 Creative toppings: In addition to traditional vegetables, consider using caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or even diced ham to add more flavor dimensions.
• 🌟 Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, swap the sausage with roasted mushrooms or eggplant, and use a vegetable broth in the gravy for added depth.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your crust turns out soggy, it might be due to overloading the pizza or not pre-baking the crust. Adjust your topping amount and try pre-baking the crust for future attempts.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find breakfast sausage, regular sausage or even bacon can be used as a substitute. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your pizza while it’s baking. If the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned, it’s done. If the crust is too pale, give it a few more minutes.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the pizza slices for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
• Is it gluten-free? Not in its traditional form, but you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pizza crust and being mindful of the sausage and gravy ingredients.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the baking time slightly for a larger pizza.

Conclusion

The Savory Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza is a versatile and delicious dish that can elevate any breakfast or brunch gathering. With its balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and impressive presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and ingredients to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further substitutions or variations. Happy cooking, and enjoy the joy of sharing a wonderful meal with your loved ones!