Breakfast & Brunch

Breakfast Pizza with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheddar

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Breakfast Pizza combines a crisp, chewy pizza crust with creamy sausage gravy, soft scrambled eggs, savory breakfast sausage, and melted cheddar cheese. Each slice has the familiar flavors of a hearty breakfast in an easy-to-serve pizza format.

Breakfast Pizza with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheddar finished recipe

Using refrigerated pizza dough keeps preparation manageable, while partially baking the crust before adding the toppings prevents the center from becoming soggy. The eggs are cooked only until softly set before baking so they stay tender after the pizza returns to the oven.

Recipe at a Glance

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Additional Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 1 12-inch pizza, 8 slices
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Partially baking the pizza crust before topping creates a firmer base that can support the gravy and eggs without becoming soggy.
  • Cooking the sausage first provides flavorful drippings that form the base of the creamy gravy.
  • Soft-scrambling the eggs before they go onto the pizza prevents them from becoming dry during the final bake.
  • Sharp cheddar contributes enough flavor to balance the mild eggs and creamy gravy without requiring an excessive amount of cheese.
  • A hot 425°F (220°C) oven gives the crust browned edges while melting the cheese quickly.

Equipment Needed

  • 12-inch (30 cm) pizza pan or large rimmed baking sheet
  • 10- to 12-inch skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
  • Rolling pin, optional
  • Instant-read thermometer

Ingredients You'll Need

Breakfast Pizza with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheddar ingredients
  • 1 pound (450 g) refrigerated pizza dough, brought to cool room temperature for 20 minutes
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil, for the pan
  • 8 ounces (225 g) breakfast sausage
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (15 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 5 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (6 g) thinly sliced fresh chives, optional
  • Hot sauce, optional, for serving

How to Make Breakfast Pizza with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheddar

Prepare the Oven and Dough

Breakfast Pizza with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheddar step 1

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly brush a 12-inch (30 cm) pizza pan or large rimmed baking sheet with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil. This step ensures that the crust does not stick to the pan and helps achieve a nice golden color during baking.

Shape the Crust

Stretch or roll the pizza dough into an approximately 12-inch (30 cm) round. Transfer it to the prepared pan and gently press the dough outward, leaving the edge slightly thicker. This thicker edge will help contain the toppings and provide a nice crust.

Partially Bake the Crust

Bake the plain crust for 7 to 8 minutes. It should look set and slightly puffed but remain pale in the center. This partial baking is crucial to prevent the crust from becoming soggy once the toppings are added.

Brown the Sausage

Breakfast Pizza with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheddar step 4

While the crust bakes, place the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through to 160°F (71°C). This step adds flavor and texture to the pizza.

Reserve the Sausage

Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate with a slotted spoon. Leave about 1 tablespoon of sausage drippings in the skillet. If very little fat remains, add the 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter. This fat will help create a rich gravy base.

Make the Gravy Base

Sprinkle the flour over the fat in the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until no dry flour remains. This step helps to cook out the raw flour taste and forms the foundation of the gravy.

Add the Milk

Breakfast Pizza with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheddar step 7

Gradually whisk in the 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk. Add the salt and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the gravy is smooth and thick enough to spread without running. The gravy should be creamy and hold its shape when spread over the crust.

Finish the Sausage Gravy

Stir half of the cooked sausage into the gravy. Remove the skillet from the heat. The gravy should coat the spoon but still spread easily across the crust, ensuring a flavorful base for the pizza.

Whisk the Eggs

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with the 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk until no distinct streaks of egg white remain. This ensures that the eggs will cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.

Soft-Scramble the Eggs

Breakfast Pizza with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheddar step 10

Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter in a clean skillet over medium-low heat. Add the eggs and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring slowly, until they form soft curds and are mostly set but still slightly glossy. Remove them from the heat before they look completely firm, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

Add the Gravy

Spread the sausage gravy over the partially baked crust, leaving approximately a 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) border around the edge. This border helps to keep the toppings contained and creates a nice crust.

Add the Eggs and Sausage

Scatter the softly scrambled eggs evenly over the gravy. Sprinkle the remaining cooked sausage over the eggs. This layering ensures that every slice has a bit of each topping.

Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the pizza, extending it almost to the crust edge. The cheese will melt beautifully and add a rich flavor to the pizza.

Bake the Breakfast Pizza

Return the pizza to the 425°F (220°C) oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cheese should be completely melted, the crust edges should be golden brown, and the eggs should reach 160°F (71°C). This final bake is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Rest Before Slicing

Breakfast Pizza with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheddar step Final

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the gravy and cheese to settle and makes the slices easier to lift. Resting is key to maintaining the structure of the pizza when slicing.

Garnish and Serve

Breakfast Pizza with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheddar step 16

Sprinkle with sliced chives, if using. Cut the pizza into 8 slices and serve warm with hot sauce as desired. The garnishes add a fresh touch and enhance the overall presentation of the dish.

Helpful Notes

  • Let refrigerated pizza dough warm slightly before stretching so it is less likely to spring back.
  • Do not skip the partial bake; the gravy and eggs add substantial moisture to the crust.

Tips for Success

  • Cook the eggs only until softly set before assembling because they continue cooking in the oven.
  • Keep the sausage crumbles relatively small so they distribute evenly across the pizza.
  • Make the gravy thick enough to spread rather than pour. Thin gravy can make the crust soggy.
  • Let the finished pizza rest for 5 minutes before cutting so the toppings stay in place.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Instructions

Cool leftover Breakfast Pizza promptly and refrigerate it in an airtight container within 2 hours of baking. Store for up to 3 days.

Reheat slices on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the center reaches 165°F (74°C). An air fryer can also be used at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.

To freeze, cool individual slices completely and wrap them securely. Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

For make-ahead preparation, cook the sausage and prepare the gravy up to 1 day ahead. Refrigerate them separately in airtight containers. Reheat the gravy gently and prepare the eggs shortly before assembling and baking the pizza.

FAQ

Can I make Breakfast Pizza ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the sausage and gravy up to 1 day ahead, but scramble the eggs and assemble the pizza shortly before baking for the best texture.

Can I use bacon instead of sausage?

Yes. Replace the sausage with about 8 ounces (225 g) chopped bacon. Cook until crisp and use 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat to make the gravy.

Why is my breakfast pizza soggy?

The crust may not have been partially baked, or the gravy may have been too thin. Pre-bake the dough until set and cook the gravy until it is thick enough to spread.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or onions can be added. Cook vegetables first and remove excess moisture before placing them on the pizza.

Can I use mozzarella instead of cheddar?

Yes. Mozzarella melts smoothly but has a milder flavor. Use it in the same quantity or combine equal amounts of mozzarella and sharp cheddar.

Breakfast Pizza with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheddar finished recipe

Breakfast Pizza with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheddar

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 1 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Pizza
  • 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough brought to cool room temperature for 20 minutes
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil for the pan
  • 8 ounces breakfast sausage
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 5 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional Garnishes
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh chives optional
  • Hot sauce optional, for serving

Method
 

Method
  1. Prepare the oven and dough: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly brush a 12-inch (30 cm) pizza pan or large rimmed baking sheet with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil.
  2. Shape the crust: Stretch or roll the pizza dough into an approximately 12-inch (30 cm) round. Transfer it to the prepared pan and gently press the dough outward, leaving the edge slightly thicker.
  3. Partially bake the crust: Bake the plain crust for 7 to 8 minutes. It should look set and slightly puffed but remain pale in the center. Remove it from the oven and leave the oven at 425°F (220°C).
  4. Brown the sausage: While the crust bakes, place the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through to 160°F (71°C).
  5. Reserve the sausage: Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate with a slotted spoon. Leave about 1 tablespoon of sausage drippings in the skillet. If very little fat remains, add the 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter.
  6. Make the gravy base: Sprinkle the flour over the fat in the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until no dry flour remains.
  7. Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk. Add the salt and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the gravy is smooth and thick enough to spread without running.
  8. Finish the sausage gravy: Stir half of the cooked sausage into the gravy. Remove the skillet from the heat. The gravy should coat the spoon but still spread easily across the crust.
  9. Whisk the eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with the 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk until no distinct streaks of egg white remain.
  10. Soft-scramble the eggs: Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter in a clean skillet over medium-low heat. Add the eggs and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring slowly, until they form soft curds and are mostly set but still slightly glossy. Remove them from the heat before they look completely firm.
  11. Add the gravy: Spread the sausage gravy over the partially baked crust, leaving approximately a 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) border around the edge.
  12. Add the eggs and sausage: Scatter the softly scrambled eggs evenly over the gravy. Sprinkle the remaining cooked sausage over the eggs.
  13. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the pizza, extending it almost to the crust edge.
  14. Bake the breakfast pizza: Return the pizza to the 425°F (220°C) oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cheese should be completely melted, the crust edges should be golden brown, and the eggs should reach 160°F (71°C).
  15. Rest before slicing: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the gravy and cheese to settle and makes the slices easier to lift.
  16. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sliced chives, if using. Cut the pizza into 8 slices and serve warm with hot sauce as desired.

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