If you’re on the hunt for a warm, savory snack or a breakfast treat that’s just bursting with flavor, these Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe might just become your new favorite. I absolutely love how these muffins turn out – they’re moist, cheesy, and packed with hearty sausage goodness, without relying on any mix like Bisquick. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy morning or bringing a dish to a brunch gathering, these muffins deliver every time.
When I first tried this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to make from scratch, yet so full of comforting flavors. You’ll find that skipping Bisquick actually lets you control the texture – you get tender muffins with a golden crust, loaded with sharp cheddar and savory sausage. Trust me, once you try these Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe, it’s going to be tough to go back to boxed mixes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Bisquick Required: Made entirely from scratch for a fresh, homemade taste without processed mixes.
- Loaded with Flavor: Sharp cheddar cheese and savory breakfast sausage make every bite satisfying.
- Perfect Any Time: Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a hearty snack that kids and adults love alike.
- Quick and Simple: Ready from start to finish in just about 30 minutes, even on busy mornings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe come together simply but pack a punch of flavor and texture. Choosing good-quality breakfast sausage and sharp cheddar really makes a difference here.
- Ground breakfast sausage: Pick your favorite variety—spicy or mild—to control the heat level.
- All-purpose flour: Regular or gluten-free (I recommend Cup4Cup gluten-free flour for best results).
- Baking powder: This helps the muffins rise nicely and get fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Pure maple syrup or sugar: Adds a subtle touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Grated fresh for melty, cheesy bites.
- Milk: Adds moisture, making the muffins tender.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, it enriches the muffins with buttery goodness.
- Additional cheese (optional): Perfect for sprinkling on top for an extra cheesy crust.
Variations
One thing I really enjoy about this Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Swap the sausage: I’ve tried using diced ham or cooked bacon instead, and it keeps the muffins just as flavorful but changes things up nicely.
- Cheese variations: If sharp cheddar isn’t your thing, try pepper jack for a little kick or mozzarella for melty mildness.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or chopped bell peppers for a delicious meat-free version.
- Gluten-free option: Using a good gluten-free flour blend ensures everyone at the table can enjoy these muffins.
How to Make Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe
Step 1: Cook the sausage until nicely browned
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground breakfast sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon as you cook so it browns evenly and crumbles perfectly. Once it’s cooked through and golden brown, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. I learned this step helps keep the muffins from being greasy and gives you that ideal chewy texture in the sausage bits.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients and combine with sausage and cheese
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if you’re not using maple syrup). Stir in the cooked sausage and grated sharp cheddar cheese so they’re evenly distributed. This step is great because coating the sausage pieces with the dry mix helps keep them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.
Step 3: Whisk the wet ingredients and blend into dry mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and maple syrup (if using). Pour this liquid mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Add the melted and cooled butter last, then stir everything just until the flour is incorporated; you don’t want to overmix and risk chewy muffins. This part always reminds me to be gentle with my batter.
Step 4: Fill muffin tins and bake to perfection
Grease your muffin tins generously with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal. Spoon the batter evenly into each cup, filling to the top. If you like an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle some extra cheddar on each muffin before baking. Bake at 400ºF for 18-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set so they don’t fall apart when you dig in.
Pro Tips for Making Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened to keep muffins tender, not tough.
- Cook Sausage Well: Browning sausage fully adds great flavor and prevents extra grease in your muffins.
- Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It melts beautifully and adds that classic cheesy punch everyone loves.
- Grease Muffin Tins Generously: This ensures muffins pop right out without breaking apart.
How to Serve Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top after baking—they add a splash of color and a mild herbaceous note that complements the cheesy sausage perfectly. If you’re feeling indulgent, a light spread of softened butter or a pat of cream cheese on warm muffins can elevate them to next-level deliciousness.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. On cozy weekend mornings, I often serve them alongside scrambled eggs or sautéed greens for a hearty, satisfying brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve these cheesy sausage muffins in a lined basket with colorful napkins, making them look like a warm, inviting treat straight from your favorite café. Another favorite trick is to slice the muffins in half, toast lightly, and spread with a herbed cream cheese for a fancier appetizer option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the muffins have cooled completely, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This keeps them moist and flavorful without drying out. If I’m planning to enjoy them over a longer stretch, I always freeze to lock in freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, I like wrapping each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then pop them all in a zip-top freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy these savory treats anytime you want without the hassle of making a fresh batch.
Reheating
I find the best way to reheat is to unwrap the muffin, wrap it in a damp paper towel, and microwave for about 20 seconds until warm and soft. If you prefer crispy edges, you can finish by popping it in a toaster oven for a minute or two. This keeps the cheesy flavor shining and the sausage nice and juicy.
FAQs
-
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well and offers a leaner option. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat before mixing it into the batter, just like you would with pork sausage.
-
Is there a way to make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, and choose a dairy-free cheese or omit cheese altogether. Use your preferred plant milk as well to keep it dairy-free.
-
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
I don’t recommend prepping the batter more than a few hours in advance because the baking powder starts working as soon as it hits the wet ingredients, which might affect how well the muffins rise. Best to mix just before baking.
-
What’s the best way to prevent muffins from sticking to the pan?
Generously greasing your muffin tins with nonstick spray or brushing with melted butter works wonders. You can also use silicone muffin liners for an easier release and less cleanup.
Final Thoughts
These Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe have become a staple in my kitchen because they’re delicious, forgiving, and honestly just really fun to make. I love sharing them with family and friends who keep asking for the recipe, so I’m excited to pass it along to you too. Once you give these a try, you’ll see how easy it is to create something so flavorful and satisfying without any fancy shortcuts. Give it a shot—you won’t regret it!
PrintCrazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins are a savory breakfast treat made without Bisquick, featuring crumbled cooked breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a warm, cheesy, and hearty start to your day and are perfect for meal prep or on-the-go eating.
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
- Preheat Oven and Cook Sausage: Preheat the oven to 400ºF (204ºC). In a sauté pan, cook the ground breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess fat. Grease muffin tins liberally with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if not using maple syrup). Stir in the cooked sausage and grated cheddar cheese to evenly distribute them throughout the mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and maple syrup (if using). Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Then add the melted and cooled unsalted butter. Stir gently to combine until the batter forms and the flour is just incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
- Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tins, filling each to the top. If desired, sprinkle additional cheese on top of each muffin for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Muffins: Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Storing and Freezing: After completely cooling, store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped muffins in plastic wrap placed inside an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To thaw frozen muffins, leave them at room temperature for one hour. Reheat by wrapping in a paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds until warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 336 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 77 mg