Start your day on a delicious note with these flavorful Breakfast Muffins! Packed with savory sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and zesty green chiles, these muffins are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast option for busy mornings. Whether you’re enjoying them on the way to work or savoring them with a cup of coffee at home, these muffins are sure to brighten your day. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these irresistible Breakfast Muffins!
Ingredients:
- Nonstick baking spray
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (see notes)
- 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (see notes)
- 1 lb bulk pork sausage
- 1/2 finely chopped red bell pepper (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 can (7 ounces) green chiles, drained
- 2/3 cup very finely cubed cheddar cheese (see notes)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with nonstick baking spray or line it with paper liners.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper until well combined.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bulk pork sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and drain any excess grease.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
- Mix the Batter: Add the buttermilk mixture, cooked sausage, chopped red bell pepper, drained green chiles, and cubed cheddar cheese to the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until all the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each one about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Adjusting the Spice Level: The amount of cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper can be adjusted according to your preference for heat. Start with the smaller amount and add more if you like it spicier.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese.
- Make Ahead: These Breakfast Muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
Keto Versions and Low-Carb Options:
- Almond Flour Substitute: For a keto-friendly version of these muffins, you can replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a low-carb baking mix.
- Sugar-Free Sausage: Look for bulk pork sausage that is free of added sugars to keep the carb count low.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I freeze these Breakfast Muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze well! Once cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave them until warmed through.
2. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great alternative if you’re looking to reduce the fat content of the muffins. You can use it in place of the pork sausage in this recipe with delicious results.
3. Can I add vegetables to these muffins?
Certainly! Feel free to customize these Breakfast Muffins by adding your favorite vegetables, such as diced onions, spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes. Just be sure to sauté them before adding them to the batter to remove excess moisture.
With their hearty texture, savory flavor, and convenient grab-and-go format, these Breakfast Muffins are sure to become a new favorite in your morning routine. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheating them for a quick breakfast on the run, these muffins are a delicious way to start your day. Plus, with their customizable ingredients and keto-friendly options, you can enjoy them guilt-free, knowing that they fit perfectly into your dietary preferences. So why wait? Whip up a batch of these tasty muffins today and make breakfast the best meal of the day!
