There’s something incredibly satisfying about starting the day with a hot slice of breakfast pizza, especially when it’s topped with rich sausage gravy and melted cheese. This comfort food classic takes the traditional elements of a hearty Southern breakfast and brings them together in pizza form—creating the ultimate savory morning indulgence.
Breakfast pizza with gravy and cheese isn’t just delicious; it’s also a practical way to serve breakfast to a group without having to juggle multiple pans or dishes. It’s a creative twist that’s earned a spot on brunch tables across America. With a crisp crust, creamy sausage gravy, and a bubbly cheese topping, this dish satisfies cravings and keeps you full for hours.
As part of the broader world of Southern cuisine, this dish incorporates the rich, peppery notes of traditional sausage gravy—a staple in comfort breakfasts like those found here. Layered over a golden crust that’s either store-bought or homemade (explore more about pizza dough here), the result is both rustic and indulgent.
What sets this breakfast pizza apart is its ability to combine the elements of two favorite meals—pizza and a full Southern breakfast. The gooey, melty layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese gives it that irresistible finish, perfect for pulling hot slices straight from the oven. It’s also incredibly flexible; from family breakfasts to holiday brunch spreads, this recipe can be adapted for any occasion.
Pinterest boards filled with homemade pizza ideas highlight how versatile this dish can be. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting brunch for a crowd, this breakfast pizza with sausage gravy delivers both flavor and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve ever struggled to choose between a savory breakfast and a slice of pizza, this recipe solves that dilemma in the most delicious way. This breakfast pizza with gravy and cheese is more than just a fun twist—it’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that’s fast, flexible, and incredibly flavorful.
Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen:
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Quick and Easy: Using a prepared pizza dough or even biscuit dough makes this recipe accessible to both beginners and seasoned home cooks. Minimal prep means more time to enjoy your morning.
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Comfort Food Classic: It combines Southern comfort food with a universally loved dish—pizza. The creamy sausage gravy adds warmth and depth, especially when made with spicy or peppered sausage.
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Customizable to Fit Your Taste: You can easily swap out cheeses, add toppings like scrambled eggs or bell peppers, or use vegetarian alternatives to the sausage. Explore different ideas from breakfast pizza recipes to suit your flavor preferences.
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Perfect for Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting brunch or feeding a hungry family, this dish offers an ideal mix of indulgence and ease. Pair it with other options from our easy brunch recipes board for a complete morning spread.
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Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers store and reheat well, making it a smart choice for planning weekday breakfasts. Plus, the thick gravy sauce helps prevent sogginess, keeping the crust crispy.
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Kid and Adult Approved: The cheesy, savory flavor appeals to all ages, making it a hit for weekend breakfasts or special occasions.
By balancing rich textures, savory toppings, and a golden crust, this recipe checks all the boxes for a truly satisfying breakfast.
Ingredients Breakdown
Crafting the ultimate breakfast pizza with gravy and cheese begins with choosing the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need, and why each ingredient matters.
For the Gravy Sauce
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1 pound ground beef sausage
This is the star of the gravy. Opt for a mild or spicy breakfast sausage depending on your flavor preference. While pork is traditional, ground beef sausage is a flavorful substitute. For a deeper dive into how sausage gravy works in Southern dishes, explore its history here. -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Flour thickens the gravy, creating a rich, velvety sauce. Make sure to cook it for 1–2 minutes with the sausage fat to eliminate any raw flour taste. -
2 cups whole milk
Whole milk adds creaminess and body. For a lighter option, you could try 2% milk, though it may result in a slightly thinner consistency. -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Seasoning is key—taste as you go to balance the richness of the sausage. -
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds a subtle kick of heat, perfect for those who like a spicy finish.
Tip: The gravy should be thick but pourable, much like traditional biscuits and gravy sauce. For more on how different flour types affect thickening, see this comfort food guide.
For the Pizza
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1 prepared pizza dough
Whether you use homemade or store-bought, the dough serves as the canvas for your breakfast masterpiece. Learn more about how the type of pizza crust affects baking here. -
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that gooey, stretchy texture we all love. Using freshly shredded mozzarella cheese can enhance flavor and melt better than bagged versions. Explore mozzarella varieties. -
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Adds sharpness and color contrast to the mozzarella. Choose aged cheddar for a more pronounced taste. You can learn more about its history and flavor profile here. -
1 tablespoon olive oil
Brushed onto the crust to help it brown and crisp. You can also infuse it with garlic or herbs for added flavor. -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
A simple way to add depth to the crust without overpowering the rest of the ingredients. -
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to balance the rich sausage gravy and cheese.
Pinterest is full of homemade pizza ideas that show how you can mix and match ingredients to create a dish that’s truly your own. Whether you’re leaning traditional or experimental, mastering these ingredients is the first step to breakfast pizza perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating the ultimate breakfast pizza with gravy and cheese is easier than it sounds when you follow a systematic approach. Each step ensures the flavors meld perfectly and the crust achieves a golden, crispy finish.
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Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you are using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat. A hot stone ensures a crispier crust, mimicking traditional pizza baking. For more on pizza stone benefits, see Pizza Stone. -
Cook the sausage and make the gravy
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef sausage until browned and fully cooked, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat for flavor.
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Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
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Slowly add the milk while stirring constantly. Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. For context on traditional Southern gravy, refer to Sausage Gravy.
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Prepare the dough
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Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your preferred thickness. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
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Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with garlic powder. The oil helps achieve a golden crust and prevents sogginess from the gravy.
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Assemble the pizza
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Spread the sausage gravy evenly over the dough as you would a traditional pizza sauce.
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Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Fresh herbs like parsley can be added for color and freshness.
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Bake
Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. -
Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, slice, and serve warm. The combination of creamy gravy and melty cheese ensures every bite is indulgent.
Tips for the Best Breakfast Pizza
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Use cold dough for easier handling
Chilled dough is less sticky and easier to shape, reducing tearing and uneven edges. -
Avoid a soggy crust
Prebaking the dough for 3–5 minutes before adding toppings helps maintain crispiness. -
Cool gravy slightly before spreading
Hot gravy can make the dough soggy. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. -
Shred cheese yourself
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melt quality. Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and enhances flavor. -
Experiment with toppings
Bell peppers, spinach, or even a fried egg on top can personalize your pizza. Pinterest offers creative homemade pizza ideas for inspiration.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
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Vegetarian version
Replace sausage with mushrooms, plant-based sausage, or seasoned tofu to keep the gravy sauce flavorful. -
Egg-topped breakfast pizza
Crack eggs over the pizza just before baking for a rich, protein-packed addition. -
Cheese swaps
Try pepper jack, gouda, or feta for a different flavor profile while keeping it melty. -
Alternative crusts
Biscuit dough or flatbread can be used instead of traditional pizza dough for texture variation. -
Add veggies
Fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, or arugula can lighten the dish while boosting nutrition.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
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Refrigeration
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days. -
Freezing
Wrap slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. -
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the crust soggy. -
Make-ahead tips
Prepare the sausage gravy and dough in advance. Assemble the pizza just before baking for a fresh, hot meal.
Nutritional Information
A typical slice of this breakfast pizza with sausage gravy and cheese contains approximately:
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Calories: 380–420
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Protein: 18–20g
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Carbohydrates: 28–32g
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Fat: 22–25g
Modifications like using reduced-fat cheese, lighter milk, or a thinner crust can reduce calories and fat content while keeping the flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use biscuit dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes, biscuit dough can be used for a fluffier, softer base. Prebake slightly to prevent sogginess from the gravy.
What kind of cheese is best for breakfast pizza?
A combination of mozzarella for meltiness and cheddar for sharp flavor works best. You can experiment with gouda, pepper jack, or even feta.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the sausage gravy and dough in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving to maintain freshness.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
Increase the flour slightly or simmer a few extra minutes. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent lumps.
Can I add eggs to this breakfast pizza?
Yes, add whole eggs or scrambled eggs on top before baking. They’ll cook in the oven and add protein and richness.
The Ultimate Breakfast Pizza Recipe With Gravy and Cheese
Description
Turn your morning into a breakfast feast with this ultimate breakfast pizza with sausage gravy and cheese. Crispy crust, creamy sausage gravy, and a blend of gooey mozzarella and cheddar make every slice irresistible. Perfect for brunch, weekend breakfasts, or entertaining guests, this recipe combines Southern comfort food with universally loved pizza flavors. Quick to prepare, fully customizable, and endlessly satisfying, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any morning.
Ingredients
For the Gravy Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef sausage (replace pork sausage)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pizza:
- 1 prepared pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef sausage until browned and fully cooked. Do not drain all the grease — leave about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
- Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and stir until combined, cooking for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly. Simmer until the gravy thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your preferred thickness. Transfer to a greased baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
- Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with garlic powder.
- Spread the sausage gravy evenly over the dough as the pizza sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
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For a crispier crust, use a preheated pizza stone.
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Make the sausage gravy a day ahead for convenience; simply reheat before assembling.
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Experiment with toppings like spinach, bell peppers, or a fried egg to add variety.
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Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties and enhances flavor.
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Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
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Adjust seasoning in the gravy to match your preferred spice level.
