EASY SAUSAGE MUFFINS

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound ground sausage

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup milk

2 eggs

¼ cup vegetable oil

INGREDIENT BREAKDOWN

Ground Sausage: The star of the recipe, ground sausage adds a savory depth of flavor. You can choose from mild, spicy, or even chicken or turkey sausage to suit your taste.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the muffins, holding all ingredients together perfectly.

Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise, giving them a light and fluffy texture.

Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sausage.

Milk and Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and ensure the muffins are moist and tender.

Vegetable Oil: Provides additional moisture and a lovely crumb.

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the muffins will bake evenly and develop a golden-brown crust. Lightly grease your muffin tin with non-stick spray or line each cup with muffin liners.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Use a spatula to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well incorporated.

Step 4: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the muffins dense.

Add the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese to the batter. Fold them in gently until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise beautifully.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should have a golden-brown top and a soft, fluffy interior.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely or serve them warm for the best taste experience.