-
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with parchment paper liners.
-
Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
-
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth and well-combined.
-
Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until the flour is just moistened; the batter will be lumpy, and that’s perfect. Gently fold in the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing.
-
Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
-
Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
-
Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage or cheese, such as pepper jack for extra heat or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
-
Make-Ahead Friendly: These muffins are perfect for meal prep. They stay fresh for days and freeze beautifully.
Variations & Add-Ins
-
Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients or mix in a finely diced jalapeño.
-
Garden Veggie: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added color and nutrition.
-
Herb-Infused: Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives or 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning for an herby flavor.
Serving Suggestions
-
Brunch Spread: Perfect as part of a brunch buffet with a fruit salad and yogurt parfaits.
-
On-the-Go Snack: Pack them in lunchboxes or enjoy as a hearty afternoon snack.
FAQ
-
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Bake and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
-
How should I store leftovers? Keep leftover muffins in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
-
Can I use pre-cooked sausage? Yes, using about 1 1/2 cups of pre-cooked sausage crumbles is a great time-saver. Just ensure they are thawed before adding to the batter.
We hope you love these easy and delicious savory muffins! Did you try this recipe? Share your creations and tips in the comments below