Forget everything you thought you knew about pizza. While often relegated to dinner or late-night cravings, pizza has a delightful alter ego perfect for the morning: Breakfast Pizza. Imagine a golden, crispy crust topped with fluffy scrambled eggs, savory breakfast meats, melty cheese, and all your favorite breakfast fixings. It’s a fun, satisfying, and incredibly versatile dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or simply making your weekend breakfast feel a little more special.
This recipe takes the concept of a hearty breakfast and combines it with the ease and crowd-pleasing nature of pizza. It’s fully customizable, allowing you to get creative with your toppings, and it comes together surprisingly quickly, especially if you opt for a store-bought crust. Get ready to revolutionize your brunch game!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m always looking for ways to make meals more exciting and shareable, and this breakfast pizza absolutely hits the mark. What I love most about it is its incredible versatility – it’s a blank canvas for all your breakfast favorites. Every time I make it, it feels like a special occasion, even if it’s just a casual Saturday morning. It’s hearty enough to fuel you for the day, and the combination of flavors and textures, from the crispy crust to the gooey cheese and savory toppings, is just irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers or simply get creative in the kitchen. It truly turns breakfast into an event!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create your ultimate breakfast pizza:
- 1 (13.8 ounce) tube refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 large eggs, whisked with a splash of milk or cream, salt, and pepper
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled (or bacon, ham, etc.)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (for the sauce base)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional toppings: sliced bell peppers, chopped onions, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Pizza Dough: Refrigerated pizza dough is a fantastic time-saver. You can also use pre-baked pizza crusts or your favorite homemade dough recipe. Adjust baking times as needed for different crust types.
- Eggs: Scrambled eggs are classic, but you could also crack whole eggs directly onto the pizza during the last few minutes of baking for a “sunny-side up” effect (though this requires careful timing).
- Breakfast Meat: Cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage is my go-to, but crispy crumbled bacon, diced cooked ham, or even thinly sliced Canadian bacon are all delicious options. Use what you love!
- Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella create a great melty, savory base. Feel free to add a sprinkle of Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Sauce Base: A simple milk/cream base with garlic powder is light and lets the other flavors shine. Some prefer a thin layer of cream cheese spread as the base, or even a light drizzle of gravy!
- Vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms are excellent additions for extra flavor and nutrients. Add them cooked, as raw vegetables might not soften enough on the pizza.
- Heat: The red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle warmth to the pizza.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this breakfast party started!
- Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using refrigerated dough, unroll it onto a large baking sheet (you may want to lightly grease it or use parchment paper). If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings.
- Cook Breakfast Meat: In a large skillet, cook your breakfast sausage (or bacon/ham) over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Scramble Eggs: In the same skillet (or a separate one if preferred), quickly scramble the whisked eggs until just set but still soft. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Do not overcook them, as they will cook more in the oven. Set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk or cream with the garlic powder and optional red pepper flakes.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the milk/cream mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Layer Toppings: Evenly scatter the cooked breakfast meat over the sauce. Top with the scrambled eggs. Sprinkle both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously over the entire pizza. Add any other desired vegetables now.
- Bake: Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Cooking time will vary depending on your oven and chosen crust.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the breakfast pizza from the oven. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing into wedges. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired. Serve warm!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, too many can make the crust soggy and prevent even cooking. Stick to a reasonable amount.
- Cook Meats First: Always cook your breakfast meats (sausage, bacon) fully before adding them to the pizza, as they won’t cook enough in the oven.
- Lightly Cook Eggs: Scramble your eggs until they are just set. They will finish cooking on the pizza in the oven, and this prevents them from becoming rubbery.
- Pre-bake Crust (Optional): If you like a super crispy crust, especially if using a lot of wet toppings (like tomatoes), pre-baking the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings can make a big difference.
- Hot Oven: A high oven temperature ensures a quick cook and a nice crispy crust.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Breakfast Pizza is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal. For a fun brunch spread, consider serving it alongside This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip for extra variety. If you’re hosting, a fresh fruit smoothie or a pitcher of orange juice would be great beverage companions.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Breakfast Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, the best method is in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Microwaving is an option, but the crust will lose its crispness.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this Breakfast Pizza, you’ll surely appreciate these other fantastic recipes by Jason Griffith:
- For another incredibly easy and delicious one-pan meal, check out This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you’re looking for savory comfort food that feeds a crowd, try our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- For a quick dinner packed with Southern flavor, explore This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- And for a guaranteed party hit that disappears fast, don’t miss This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Breakfast Pizza is a testament to how creative and fun breakfast can be. It’s hearty, satisfying, and a fantastic way to bring smiles to the morning table. Whether it’s a special weekend brunch or a convenient weekday meal prep, this pizza is sure to become a new favorite.
I’d love to hear how your breakfast pizza adventures turn out! Feel free to leave a comment below with your favorite topping combinations or any tips you discovered. And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac on social media for more exciting recipes and culinary inspiration!
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