Ingredients
– **2 cups all-purpose flour**
– **1/2 cup sugar**
– **1 tablespoon baking powder**
– **1/2 teaspoon salt**
– **1/2 teaspoon black pepper**
– **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese**
– **1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled**
– **1 cup milk**
– **1/4 cup vegetable oil**
– **2 large eggs**
– **1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)**
Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients**: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
4. **Add Sausage and Cheese**: Stir the crumbled sausage and shredded cheese into the dry ingredients.
5. **Combine Mixtures**: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
6. **Fill Muffin Tin**: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
7. **Bake**: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. **Cool**: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### Methods
1. **Mixing Techniques**: Combine dry and wet ingredients separately to ensure an even texture and avoid overmixing, which can result in dense muffins.
2. **Cooking**: Ensure muffins are baked until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean to avoid sogginess.
#### History
Muffins have a long history dating back to the 18th century in England, where they were made as a quick bread for breakfast or tea. The introduction of savory ingredients like sausage and cheese to muffins reflects a modern twist that caters to contemporary tastes and dietary preferences.
#### Benefits
– **Convenience**: Perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go snacking.
– **Nutritional Balance**: Combines protein from sausage and cheese with carbohydrates from flour, providing energy and satiety.
– **Versatility**: Can be customized with different types of cheese or spices to suit personal preferences.
#### Formation
To achieve the best texture and flavor, it’s crucial to balance the ratios of dry to wet ingredients and to mix until just combined. This ensures a fluffy texture without being dry or crumbly.
#### Nutrition (per muffin, approximate)
– **Calories**: 200
– **Protein**: 8g
– **Carbohydrates**: 18g
– **Fat**: 12g
– **Fiber**: 1g
#### Conclusion
Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Muffins are a delightful and practical addition to any breakfast routine. They blend the richness of sausage and cheese with the convenience of muffins, making them a favorite for many. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as part of a meal prep plan, these muffins are sure to satisfy.
#### Lovers
For lovers of savory breakfasts and comfort foods, these muffins are a must-try. They offer a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that appeal to a wide range of taste preferences. Enjoy them with a side of fruit or a cup of coffee for a well-rounded breakfast experience.