It sounds like you had a delicious breakfast pizza experience! Here’s a more detailed and refined version of your Breakfast Pizza recipe for those who want to recreate that nostalgic school breakfast feeling. 🍽️
Breakfast Pizza
This hearty, savory breakfast pizza combines the creamy richness of sausage gravy with the comforting flavors of mozzarella, sausage, and bacon—served on a crispy bagel base. Perfect for a family breakfast, brunch, or a fun weekend treat!
Ingredients:
- 4 plain bagels (Use your favorite variety, but plain bagels work best for this pizza.)
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (For a melty, gooey texture. You can also use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for added flavor.)
- 1 cup country-style sausage gravy (You can make this from scratch or use store-bought.)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened (For a creamy base and smooth texture.)
- 1/2 cup Jimmy Dean sausage crumbles (Or any other pre-cooked sausage crumbles.)
- 1/4 cup bacon crumbles (Use pre-cooked bacon crumbles or cook your own.)
- Optional garnish: Chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bagels:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the plain bagels in half and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up. If you want an extra crispy base, lightly toast the bagels in a toaster or on a dry skillet for about 2-3 minutes before assembling.
2. Make the Sausage Gravy:
- If you’re using store-bought sausage gravy, heat it in a saucepan over medium heat until warm. If you’re making it from scratch, brown 1/2 lb sausage in a skillet, then add 2 tablespoons flour and 1 cup milk, stirring until thickened into a gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once heated, set the gravy aside.
3. Cream Cheese Spread:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until smooth. You can soften it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds if it’s too firm. This will create a nice creamy layer under the sausage gravy for added richness.
4. Assemble the Breakfast Pizza:
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese on each bagel half.
- Spoon a generous amount of sausage gravy over the cream cheese, spreading it evenly across the bagel.
- Sprinkle a good layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the gravy to create a cheesy base.
- Add the sausage crumbles and bacon crumbles over the cheese, distributing them evenly to ensure every bite has some delicious meaty goodness.
5. Bake the Pizza:
- Place the assembled bagel halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bagels are lightly golden.
- For an extra crispy topping, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Once out of the oven, allow the breakfast pizzas to cool for a minute. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped green onions or a little parsley for freshness and color.
- Slice into quarters or serve whole, and enjoy this deliciously nostalgic breakfast pizza!
Tips for Customizing Your Breakfast Pizza:
- Eggs: For an extra breakfast touch, add a scrambled egg or two on top before baking. You can either mix the eggs into the gravy or cook them separately and place them on top just before serving.
- Spice it up: Add a bit of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy for a little heat.
- Veggie Option: For a veggie version, consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Bagel Variety: Experiment with different bagel flavors like everything bagels or garlic bagels for a twist on the traditional flavor.
Why This Works:
- Bagel Base: The bagels give this pizza a hearty, chewy base that perfectly absorbs the savory flavors of the gravy while holding up well to the toppings.
- Sausage Gravy: The creamy, rich gravy pairs wonderfully with the melty cheese and adds depth to the flavor, making this pizza filling and satisfying.
- Meat Combo: The combination of sausage and bacon delivers a deliciously smoky and savory contrast that complements the richness of the gravy and cheese.
- Quick and Easy: This breakfast pizza comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.
Storage & Leftovers:
- Leftovers: Store any leftover breakfast pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted again.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare these in advance, freeze the fully assembled but unbaked breakfast pizzas. Wrap each in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, bake directly from the freezer at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This Breakfast Pizza is a comforting and customizable treat that will take you back to those school days, all while adding a little extra indulgence to your morning. Enjoy! 🎉🍕