Name: Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled; 2 cups all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free, Cup4Cup gluten-free flour recommended); 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or sugar; 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup milk; 1 egg; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled; (optional) additional cheddar cheese for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 54 reviews

If you are searching for a warm, savory treat that is as satisfying as it is flavorful, the Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These muffins combine hearty breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth with every bite. Best of all, there’s no need for Bisquick or any fancy mix—just simple pantry staples come together to create a dish bursting with taste and a texture that’s both fluffy and cheesy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a snack that feels like a morning hug, these muffins check every box with ease and charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with three distinct layers of ingredients. The bottom layer is a bed of white flour, fluffy and powdery. On the right side of the bowl, there is a pile of cooked ground meat, brown and crumbly, resting on the flour. On the left side, there is a large heap of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, soft and slightly curly. A green silicone spatula with a metal handle is placed inside the bowl on the right edge, touching the flour and meat layers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that each play a vital role in the magic. From the rich creaminess of melted butter to the savory pop of cooked breakfast sausage, every element builds a balance of flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color on top.

Ground breakfast sausage: One pound cooked and crumbled for savory meatiness and moisture.
All-purpose flour: Two cups, which can be regular or gluten-free (Cup4Cup gluten-free flour recommended), forming the muffin’s sturdy foundation.
Baking powder: A tablespoon to ensure these muffins rise beautifully and bounce back when you bite in.
Salt: Half a teaspoon to enhance all flavors without overpowering.
Pure maple syrup or sugar: One tablespoon adds a subtle touch of sweetness that balances the savory sausage.
Grated sharp cheddar cheese: Two cups provide that tangy, melty goodness packed inside every muffin.
Milk: One cup to yield a tender crumb and help bring everything together.
Egg: One large egg to bind ingredients and add richness.
Unsalted butter: Six tablespoons melted and cooled for moisture and depth of flavor.
Additional cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top for an irresistibly cheesy crust.

How to Make Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe

Step 1: Cook and prepare the sausage

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF and browning the ground breakfast sausage in a skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. Drain the cooked sausage on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease—this keeps your muffins from becoming soggy. While the sausage cools, lightly grease your muffin tins with nonstick spray to make removal as simple as possible later on.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if you are not using maple syrup). This blend provides the structure that lifts and supports the sausage and cheese, giving you muffins that hold their shape without being dense. Toss in the cooled sausage and the grated sharp cheddar cheese, folding gently to distribute evenly throughout the flour mixture.

Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and pure maple syrup if you opted for that slightly sweeter kick. Pour this liquid mixture into your dry ingredients and add the melted, slightly cooled butter. Stir everything just until the flour is incorporated and the batter comes together—be careful not to overmix, or your muffins could end up tough.

Step 4: Fill the muffin tins

Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tins, filling each cup all the way to the top for that perfect domed shape. If you’re a cheese lover, now’s the time to sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top of each muffin for an irresistible golden crust once baked.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Bake your muffins for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are beautifully golden brown. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Serve them warm for that melty, gooey cheese experience that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe

Four round muffins with a golden brown melted cheese layer on top, showing some darker toasted spots. The muffins have a light beige color mixed with specks of darker bits inside them. They are placed closely on a round wooden board with a wooden spatula beside them, and a blue and white striped cloth is partially visible underneath. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little fresh chopped chive or parsley on top of each muffin for a bright pop of color and fresh flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a smear of spicy mustard on the side can also elevate the experience, adding a tangy counterpoint to the cheese and sausage richness.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with simple sides such as scrambled eggs, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for breakfast or lunch. During brunch, complement them with fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait for balanced sweetness and texture. They are also fantastic alongside a steaming bowl of soup or chili for a comforting dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn these muffins into mini sandwiches? Slice them in half and layer with fresh spinach, tomato slices, and even a fried egg for a handheld breakfast treat. You can also serve them buffet-style alongside condiments like sriracha mayo, avocado slices, or pickled jalapeños for guests to customize their own bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and preserves their moist, tender texture so you can enjoy them through the week without losing any of their charm.

Freezing

For longer storage, these muffins freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months, making them a perfect freezer-friendly breakfast or snack option.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated muffins in a toaster oven or preheated regular oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds for a quick fix, but the oven method maintains the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with gluten-free flour blends like Cup4Cup, which mimic all-purpose flour’s behavior. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Is it possible to use pre-cooked sausage or another protein?

You can use pre-cooked sausage if you’re short on time; just drain it well first. For a twist, try diced ham or cooked bacon, though sausage lends the most traditional flavor.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese for another kind?

Sharp cheddar gives a wonderful tang and melt, but you could swap in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Keep the cheese quantity the same to maintain texture.

What if I don’t have maple syrup? Can I skip it?

Yes, if you prefer not to use maple syrup, simply replace it with an equal amount of sugar or omit it entirely. The maple syrup adds subtle sweetness and moisture, but the muffins will still taste great without it.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

The muffins are ready when their tops turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually happens between 18 and 20 minutes, but ovens may vary, so keep an eye on them towards the end.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try the Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick) Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever made breakfast (or snacks) without them. They’re incredibly satisfying, easy to customize, and come together faster than many expect. Give this recipe a go, and enjoy the happy smiles it brings to your table!