If you are looking for a savory snack that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a tasty party treat, this Sausage & Cheese Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. These muffins combine the richness of spicy hot sausage with gooey cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a tender, moist muffin that’s easy to whip up in no time. They are golden brown on the outside with just the right amount of cheesy, meaty goodness on the inside, making every bite irresistible. Trust me, once you try this Sausage & Cheese Muffins Recipe, it’s bound to become your go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sausage & Cheese Muffins Recipe is in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors alongside a wonderfully soft texture and delightful golden color.
- Hot ground pork sausage: Provides the dish’s spicy, savory base and a hearty texture that’s simply essential.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle, sweet depth without the moisture of fresh onions, keeping the muffins tender.
- Garlic powder: Offers a warm, fragrant undertone that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Bisquick baking mix: Acts as a quick and easy muffin base that ensures lightness and structure.
- Condensed spicy nacho cheese soup: Boosts creaminess and brings an irresistible cheesy and mildly spicy flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: Melts into pockets of savory richness, enhancing the cheesy goodness.
- Buttermilk: Moisturizes the batter tenderly while adding a slight tang that balances the richness.
How to Make Sausage & Cheese Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep the oven and pans
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF to ensure it’s ready for baking. Lightly spray two mini muffin pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make removing the muffins a breeze after they are baked. Setting this foundation helps everything cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Cook the sausage
Place the hot ground pork sausage in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Stir frequently to crumble all the pieces and cook until there’s no pink left. Adding the onion powder during cooking helps infuse the meat with extra flavor. After cooking, drain the sausage to remove excess grease, then let it cool slightly—this prevents it from seizing up the batter in the next step.
Step 3: Mix the batter
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, garlic powder, baking mix, and shredded Cheddar cheese. Create a well in the center, then stir together the condensed spicy nacho cheese soup and buttermilk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture into the well, gently stirring until just moistened. Don’t overmix because that could toughen the muffins. The mix should be moist with plenty of cheese and sausage evenly dispersed.
Step 4: Fill the muffin cups
Using a spoon, fill each mini muffin cup right up to the top. Fill them generously to get that hearty, satisfying bite in every muffin. Make sure the batter is spread evenly among all cups for consistent cooking. These muffins puff up slightly while baking, so there’s no need to overcrowd.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Bake the muffins for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn beautifully golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them from around 15 minutes onward to avoid overbaking. When done, the muffins will smell irresistible and spring back lightly when pressed, signaling they are perfectly cooked through.
How to Serve Sausage & Cheese Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Look to freshen and enhance these muffins with simple garnishes. Sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and a bright, herbaceous note. For an extra kick, serve with a dollop of salsa or a smear of creamy avocado.
Side Dishes
These muffins are versatile and pair wonderfully with both light and hearty accompaniments. Try serving them alongside a crisp green salad or a fresh fruit bowl for a balanced meal. For a heartier brunch, pair with scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, or even a steaming bowl of tomato soup for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, convert the Sausage & Cheese Muffins Recipe into mini sliders by slicing them in half and adding a slice of tomato or a leaf of lettuce. You could also serve them on a brunch platter with assorted spreads like honey mustard or hot sauce for self-serve flavor customization. Presentation with colorful plates or rustic wooden boards makes them irresistible to guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover muffins, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them away from moisture preserves their tender texture while preventing them from drying out. Proper storage means you can enjoy these snacks fresh later without losing their delicious character.
Freezing
These savory muffins freeze beautifully, making them a fantastic make-ahead option. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, ready to be thawed for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack whenever you want.
Reheating
For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated muffins in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain a slightly crispy exterior and melty cheesy inside. This way, your muffins taste almost freshly baked every time.
FAQs
Can I use regular ground pork instead of hot sausage?
Yes! You can substitute regular ground pork for hot sausage if you prefer less spice. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to keep a little kick if you like.
Is Bisquick necessary, or can I use another baking mix?
While Bisquick is recommended for its reliable texture, you can use other similar baking mixes. Just keep in mind that different mixes might slightly affect the moisture and muffin rise.
Can I make these muffins bite-sized or larger?
Absolutely! This recipe uses mini muffin pans, but you can use standard muffin tins for larger muffins. Adjust baking time accordingly—usually about 20-25 minutes for regular size.
What if I don’t have condensed spicy nacho cheese soup?
You can substitute with regular condensed cheese soup and add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder for that spicy flavor. This allows you to tailor the heat to your liking.
Are these muffins suitable for freezing and reheating?
Definitely! These Sausage & Cheese Muffins keep their flavor and texture well when frozen and reheated, making them a convenient option for meal prep or quick snacks.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about diving into a warm, cheesy, spicy muffin that hits all the right savory notes, and this Sausage & Cheese Muffins Recipe does exactly that with ease. Whether you’re sharing them with family, bringing them to a gathering, or enjoying a quiet breakfast at home, these muffins will surely become a fast favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciously addictive combination of sausage and cheese wrapped up in each bite.
Print
Sausage & Cheese Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4.4 dozen mini muffins (approximately 52 muffins)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sausage & Cheese Muffins are a deliciously savory and cheesy treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. Made with hot ground pork sausage, flavorful spices, shredded Cheddar cheese, and creamy spicy nacho cheese soup, these mini muffins are quick to prepare and bake to golden perfection in just 15 minutes. They offer a perfect balance of protein and rich flavors, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 lb hot ground pork sausage
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Batter
- 3 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 1 (10.5-oz) can condensed spicy nacho cheese soup
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray two mini muffin pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set them aside for later use.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat, cook the hot ground pork sausage, stirring occasionally, until it crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain excess fat and allow the sausage to cool slightly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, onion powder, garlic powder, Bisquick baking mix, and shredded Cheddar cheese. Create a well in the center of this dry mixture. In a separate small bowl, stir together the condensed spicy nacho cheese soup and buttermilk until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the well and stir gently just until the dry ingredients are moistened and combined.
- Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin pans, filling each cup right to the top for full, satisfying muffins.
- Bake: Place the muffin pans in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use mini muffin pans to get the perfect bite-sized muffins.
- Drain the sausage well to avoid greasy muffins.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender.
- You can substitute spicy nacho cheese soup with regular cheddar cheese soup plus a pinch of cayenne for a homemade twist.
- These muffins freeze well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
