Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe·5 from 12 reviews

If you’re looking for a savory, comforting bite that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a snack, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe is honestly one of my all-time favorites — it’s packed with flavor, ridiculously easy to make, and doesn’t rely on any pre-made mixes like Bisquick (yay for homemade goodness!). Trust me, once you try these cheesy, sausage-studded muffins, you’ll be hooked just like I am.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy pantry items – just basics that you probably already have on hand.
  • Balanced Flavors: The sharp cheddar pairs perfectly with the savory breakfast sausage for a deliciously rich bite.
  • Fluffy Texture: Baking powder gives these muffins a nice rise while keeping them tender and moist.
  • Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Great for casual breakfasts, lunchboxes, or even a warm snack anytime you crave cheesy sausage goodness.
Cheesy Sausage Muffins, savory breakfast muffins, homemade sausage muffins, cheesy breakfast bites, easy sausage muffin recipe - The image shows four round cheese muffins on a small, round wooden plate. Each muffin has a crispy golden-orange cheese layer melted on top with a light beige base that has small dark specks, probably pieces of mushroom or herbs mixed in. The muffins look soft and slightly lumpy in texture. A wooden spreader with some creamy white butter is placed beside the muffins on the plate. Underneath the plate, there is a soft blue and white striped cloth on a white marbled surface. The photo is bright and clear, taken from above, focusing on the texture and color of the muffins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe really comes down to the harmony of ingredients. Ground breakfast sausage brings in that meaty savor, while sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold, melty punch. I also love using real butter and a touch of maple syrup for subtle sweetness that balances the salty flavors. Plus, baking powder is the unsung hero that gets these muffins puffed and tender.

Cheesy Sausage Muffins, savory breakfast muffins, homemade sausage muffins, cheesy breakfast bites, easy sausage muffin recipe - Flat lay of raw ground breakfast sausage in a small mound, a small white ceramic bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a white bowl holding orange-red baking powder powder, a pinch of salt crystals next to it, a small white bowl with golden maple syrup, shredded sharp cheddar cheese piled loosely on a white plate, a white bowl with fresh whole uncracked egg, a small white bowl of milk, a small white bowl containing melted butter in liquid form, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Ground breakfast sausage: Use good-quality sausage to bring maximum flavor; I opt for something with a bit of spice for extra kick.
  • All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): Cup4Cup gluten-free flour works great here if you’re avoiding gluten, keeping the texture just right.
  • Baking powder: Essential for the light, fluffy rise you want in a muffin.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors—you don’t want to skip this!
  • Pure maple syrup or sugar: Just a hint of sweetness lifts the savory elements beautifully.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: I recommend freshly grated for the best melt and flavor intensity.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
  • Egg: Helps hold the muffins’ structure so they’re firm but tender.
  • Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, for richness without extra saltiness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe is how adaptable it is. Over time, I’ve played around with different cheeses and spices, and you should definitely feel free to experiment too! It’s a recipe that truly welcomes personalization.

  • Spice it up: Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to the batter for a little warmth, and it’s a game changer!
  • Cheese swaps: Feel free to swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack if you want a little heat, or even mozzarella for extra gooey meltiness.
  • Make it veggie-friendly: Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or finely diced bell peppers for a tasty vegetarian version.
  • Gluten-free: Using Cup4Cup or another gluten-free all-purpose blend works beautifully without sacrificing texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Cook the sausage perfectly

I start by browning the ground breakfast sausage in a skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon so it cooks evenly. It’s key to cook it until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through but not dried out. Then I drain it well on paper towels to avoid sogginess in the muffins—moisture can mess with how the batter comes together.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients thoughtfully

In a big bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (or just maple syrup if you prefer). Stirring them well before adding the sausage and cheese means everything is evenly distributed, so each bite has the same delicious flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine wet ingredients and mix gently

In another bowl, I whisk the milk, egg, and maple syrup until smooth, then pour that into the dry mix. After adding the cooled melted butter, I gently stir everything until just combined. Overmixing can make the muffins tough, so I stop once I don’t see any dry flour patches. You’ll get a thick, hearty batter.

Step 4: Fill muffin tins and bake

I grease the muffin tin liberally with nonstick spray — this makes all the difference for easy release later. I fill each muffin cup to the top (don’t be shy!) and sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for a golden, melty finish. Then bake at 400ºF for about 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are beautifully golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and enjoy

Once they’re out of the oven, I let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack. This short rest helps them set up so they don’t fall apart when you bite in. And believe me, you’ll want to eat one while they’re still warm—there’s nothing better!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe

  • Drain the sausage well: Excess grease can make muffins soggy, so blotting it with paper towels is a must.
  • Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until combined to keep muffins fluffy, not dense.
  • Use sharp cheddar: It gives the strongest flavor and melts beautifully—trust me, mild cheese just doesn’t hit the spot here.
  • Grease your muffin pan generously: These muffins want to stick if you’re not careful, so spray or butter every nook and cranny.

How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe

Cheesy Sausage Muffins, savory breakfast muffins, homemade sausage muffins, cheesy breakfast bites, easy sausage muffin recipe - The image shows four cheese and sausage muffins stacked on a wooden surface, with two muffins upright side by side at the bottom and one muffin balanced horizontally on top. Each muffin has a golden orange cheese layer melted on top, with a mix of light brown and cream colors visible throughout the sausage bits embedded inside the muffin texture. The muffins look moist and have a slightly rough exterior with melted cheese creating a glossy, uneven top. The setting includes a small wooden spatula on the left and a blue cloth visible on the edge of the image, all set against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh chopped chives or green onions right before serving—it adds a bright, fresh touch that balances the richness. A little dollop of sour cream or hot sauce on the side also amps up the flavor for those who like a bit of tang or heat.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a green salad or sautéed spinach for a quick meal. If it’s breakfast, I often serve them alongside fresh fruit or a simple tomato and avocado salad. Trust me, they hold their own with just about anything!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve sometimes arranged these cheesy sausage muffins on a large wooden board with small bowls of mustard, honey, and pickled veggies for guests to customize. They also look adorable wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine for grab-and-go brunch favors—people always ask for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they cool completely, I store my leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They actually taste great cold too if you’re in a rush but reheating is always my first choice.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing these muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then popped into a ziplock bag. They keep well for up to three months. When I’m ready for a quick breakfast, I just pull out a couple the night before or defrost them for an hour at room temp.

Reheating

The best way to reheat these muffins is to wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 20 seconds or so—this keeps them moist without drying out. You can also warm them in a toaster oven at 350ºF for 5–7 minutes if you want the tops crisped up again.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prepare the muffins and refrigerate them for a day or two, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat gently to maintain their moisture and flakiness.

  2. What’s the best sausage for this recipe?

    I prefer using a flavorful breakfast sausage — either mild or spicy depending on your taste. Always cook it well and make sure to drain excess grease for best results.

  3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

    Yes, feel free to experiment! Sharp cheddar is my go-to for flavor, but pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses can work wonderfully.

  4. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

    Definitely! Using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour like Cup4Cup gives you excellent texture and flavor without gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe has become my secret weapon for easy, mouthwatering breakfasts and snacks. There’s just something about the combination of hearty sausage, melty sharp cheddar, and tender muffin texture that feels like a warm hug every time. I hope you find as much joy making and eating these as I do—grab your muffin tin and give it a go. I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe close for a long time!

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Cheesy Sausage Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

These Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins are a savory and satisfying breakfast treat made without Bisquick. Packed with flavorful cooked breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a moist, tender crumb, these muffins are perfect for a quick morning meal or snack. They are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection with an optional cheesy topping for extra indulgence.

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

  1. Preheat and cook sausage: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Cook the ground breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain the cooked sausage on a paper towel lined plate to remove excess grease. Grease the muffin tins liberally with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar if using instead of maple syrup. Stir in the cooked crumbled sausage and grated sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and maple syrup if using. Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture, then add the melted and cooled butter. Stir gently until the flour is just incorporated and the batter is uniform.
  4. Fill muffin tins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each to the top. If desired, sprinkle additional cheese on top of each muffin for a cheesy crust.
  5. Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
  6. Cool and serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Serve the muffins warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
  • For longer storage, freeze muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap inside a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months.
  • To reheat from frozen, thaw at room temperature for one hour, then warm in the microwave wrapped in a paper towel for about 20 seconds.
  • Using gluten-free all purpose flour keeps this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
  • You can substitute pure maple syrup with granulated sugar if you prefer a less sweet muffin batter.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 460 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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