Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Muffins Recipe

*^{Post updated December 2021}

Do you know what’s awesome about these Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Muffins? Besides being the flavor bombs that they are, the fact is, that they are easy to make, and freeze INCREDIBLY WELL! And because they freeze so nicely, these muffins are ideal for busy work and school mornings!

They provide that filling, but not heavy breakfast. And finally, there’s just enough cheese to make you feel like your being all rich and decadent, and they keep you on a nourishing eating track.

Delicious Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Muffins

How to Make these Make-Ahead Sausage Muffins

To make these super easy sausage muffins, you’ll want to either have a large muffin pan (it will make 6), or if you use a smaller muffin pan it will make 12. However, regardless of which you use, be SURE.. yes.. ABSOLUTELY SURE that you grease the living heck out of those little cups.

I’ve seen other people make them and they have no issues with sticking, but every time I make them if I don’t grease the cups well enough – it’s not fun trying to get them out of the tin.

I used whole sausages because that’s all I had on hand. You can purchase loose sausage meat (not put in casings), but really, if you have regular sausages, simply cut the casings and remove the meat. I make them into tiny little bits, almost like a sausage meatball. No big deal and easy to do. Get a nice sear on the sausage in a skillet (the crust always adds a nice texture and a deeper flavor).

Season the sausage with spices, and add the spinach. I used fresh baby spinach leaves, but use what you have on hand. Frozen spinach? NO PROB! Just thaw it first, and put it in a super clean kitchen cloth, and wring the moisture out. You don’t want to steam the sausage or make the muffins watery.

6 eggs are the number for the day for these Sausage Egg Frittata Muffins. Break ’em up and beat them so they’re well incorporated.

Add the slightly cooled sausage mixture.  Spoon into the muffin cups. Throw them in the oven to bake.

A few minutes (5 or so) before the baking time is up, crown those little gorgeous parcels with cheese. Let the cheese get all melty and ooey gooey. Heck, add a bit more extra cheese if you’re feeling fancy or generous. It’s worth it.

Use a spatula!

When the baking time is up, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you have any issues removing the muffins, use a small spatula to loosen them. Do not use a knife to loosen them from the pan.

Knives scratch stuff.

*cough-I-know-from-experience-cough*

When they are completely cooled, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and freeze. Simple!

On those mornings when you’re rushed, or you don’t feel like cooking something – pull one from the freezer and pop it in the microwave or a toaster oven. I prefer the toaster oven. It takes a bit longer to thaw and heat through, but the texture is so much better.

If worst came to worst, you could run into a local convenience store that sells cold hamburgers and slide the muffin in their microwave, and heat it up. See? Free and totally doable, with no need to eat the muffin at room temp.

 

 

What kind of variations can you do with this sausage and spinach muffin recipe?

-Instead of spinach, you use a hearty lettuce mix or broken up kale

-Substitute the sausage for leftover crumbled bacon

-Use cheddar or gruyere cheese instead of mozzarella

-Add half the cheese to the egg mixture and then sprinkle the remaining on top

-Add diced sweet pepper (small dice) and saute when cooking the sausage for extra nutritious bulk

I love making these sausage and spinach muffins for busy times when you just don’t have time to make anything substantial. These would be ideal for a nice snack or even a quick lunch if you pair them with a side salad.

If you’re looking for other make-ahead breakfast ideas, take a peek at these super tasty Breakfast Eggers! If you make these muffins, please let me know what alternatives you made to the recipe! Make these muffins and have smooth running mornings!! Have a great day!