Sausage muffins with cheese are perfect for breakfast on-the-go, holiday brunches, or a satisfying savory snack. Fluffy sausage cheddar muffins recipe are take on a southern favorite, sausage balls, but made with flour so it can be enjoyed in a gluten-free version as well. Welcome to your complete breakfast in one gnoshing-sized package!

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Easy Cheddar Sausage Muffins
Enjoy a comforting, filling grab-and-go breakfast all in one powerhouse muffin package! This sausage muffins has the savory goodness of gluten-free cheese scones with lots of cheddar and flavor packed in each finger-licking bite!
An easy basic muffin recipe replaces Bisquick, traditionally used in another southern favorite – sausage balls. While you could still use Bisquick as a short cut, sausage muffins recipe is still a breeze to throw together. I’ll show you how!
These were outstanding!! Teen approved! So easy to take on the go! Tastes like a sausage egg and cheese biscuit in muffin form!! I rarely post! This recipe was so worth a comment!! Follow recipe exactly will continue to make these on a regular basis!!
—Alysia
I can’t even count how many times I have made these!!! Over and over again – sometimes gluten free, sometimes not. Perfect every time…and people are always asking for them!
—Carmen
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Ingredients Tid Bits
These sausage muffins are made with flour, baking powder, milk, and butter so it may easily be adapted to gluten-free sausage muffins. To substitute Bisquick for the flour, use 1 cup Bisquick, 4 eggs, and cheese with the sausage, omitting the other ingredients. (More on that below!)
Like my highly-reviewed crustless sausage quiche recipe, readers really like to put their own spin on the recipe. Scroll down for for some inspo on additions and modifications.
- Ground pork breakfast sausage – Cook, crumbled, and excess grease drained on paper towels.
- Flour – Use regular all-purpose or substitute gluten-free flour for gluten-free sausage muffins. Similar to gluten-free sausage balls, I prefer using flour, rather than Bisquick, so they are easily adaptable to GF.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Substitute any preferred cheese, pepper jack for a spicier flavor or mild cheddar for a more subdued cheese taste.
- Pure maple syrup or sugar adds a tiny hint of sweetness.
- For an extra hint of spice, add 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper or use spicy breakfast sausage.
Let’s Make This Together!
(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)
Brown the sausage
Before mixing together all the ingredients, you’ll have to cook the sausage, unlike sausage balls, which uses raw sausage. I brown it in a skillet and then transfer it to a paper towel lined plate to absorb the extra grease. Set it aside while you make the muffin batter.

Whisk the dry ingredients
Grab a large sized mixing bowl because all the ingredients will be mixed together in this. First whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add sausage and cheese (the good stuff!)
Before adding the wet ingredients, stir in the sausage and cheese. This prevents you from accidentally over-mixing the batter to incorporate everything.

Final touches and bake
Pour in the wet ingredients – egg, milk, and pure maple syrup. Combine that and then stir in the melted butter. If you add the butter with the milk mixture you will risk the butter getting cold and re-solidifying. Divide into prepped muffin tins, sprinkle on more cheese (can never have too much cheese!), and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18-20 minutes.


Let’s Talk Options
One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is how adaptable it is. Need a gluten-free sausage muffin? I’ve done this plenty of times! Just swap out the all purpose flour with a GF blend. I highly recommend Cup4Cup gluten-free flour, and no other adjustments are required.
- Instead of pork sausage, use turkey breakfast sausage.
- Add fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped apples, raisins, or dried cranberries to make a sweet and savory treat.
- Increase the sweetness by adding up to 1/4 cup sugar or maple syrup.
- For a garlic cheddar flavor add 1 tsp garlic powder.
- Sauté onions, bell pepper, or any other preferred veggies with the sausage and stir into the muffin batter.
- For spicy sausage muffins add 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper or use spicy breakfast sausage.
Can I Substitute Bisquick For The Flour?
Yes. If you’d rather do a bit of a shortcut, you can swap out the Bisquick for the flour. Use 1 cup Bisquick (regular or gluten-free), 4 eggs, and cheese with the cooked sausage, omitting the other ingredients.

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Did you make this recipe? I love hearing from you! Leave a star rating and comment below the recipe card. It helps others when searching for recipes and I appreciate feedback from our community. You will always hear back from me! -Melissa

Crazy-Good Cheesy Sausage Muffins (No Bisquick)
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 cheese, for topping
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Begin by cooking the sausage, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel lined plate. Grease the muffin tins liberally with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if not using maple syrup). Stir in the cooked sausage and cheddar cheese.2 cups all purpose flour, regular or gluten-free, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- In a small bowl whisk together the milk, egg, and maple syrup (if using). Pour into flour mixture then add the melted butter. Stir to combine until flour is incorporated.1 cup milk, 1 egg, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or sugar
- Spoon into muffin tins, filling to the top of each tin. Sprinkle additional cheese on top, if desired.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes clean and tops are golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a cooling rack. Serve warm.
Notes
storing and freezing
After they have cooled completely refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 days. If storing longer than 2 days, I recommend freezing so they don’t dry out. To freeze, wrap the muffins individually in plastic wrap and transfer to an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag. Freeze up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for one hour and then wrap in a paper towel to warm in the microwave for 20 seconds.This post contains affiliate links. My opinions are always my own. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I make a small commission – at no cost to you. Read full disclosure policy here.



Yum, these are so good! Nice to have them in the freezer to enjoy whenever we need a quick breakfast. Thank you for the recipe.
Thanks for commenting, Jane! I appreciate it.
Best,
Melissa
Question…if I wanted to premake the batter the night before would that be okay?🤔
Hi Rosy,
Great question. I would be afraid the dry ingredients would soak up too much moisture and become dry. A better option would be to whisk together the dry ingredients, cover and store at room temp. Cook the sausage, grate the cheese and store both in the fridge. In a separate bowl whisk together the liquid ingredients. Then in the morning, just dump everything take, stir, and bake.
Best,
Melissa
I made these and love them however I didn’t look at the nutritional facts until later. After eating two I realized I ate almost half my day’s calories in 2 muffins. I would love some more breakfast recipes that I can make ahead for the week, that are healthier options.
Hi Anna,
Of course, I’d be happy to help. Here is my gluten free muffins collection, many which are relatively healthy. You may want to check out the oat bran, morning glory, applesauce, or pumpkin oat flour muffins.
Enjoy!
Melissa
Oh my gosh, these are SO tasty! This recipe is definitely going to be put into my breakfast meal prep rotation.
It’s a great “base” recipe too. So many ways to change it up with different ingredients or seasonings!
It really is a great base recipe. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, Kasey. I appreciate it!
Best,
Melissa
Oh my gosh, these are so tasty! I feel like they’re a great “base” recipe and then you can add different extras like a green onion or other seasonings. I actually replaced the milk with cottage cheese for more protein, and they came out great! Definitely adding this recipe into my meal prep breakfast rotation! Thanks Melissa
So glad you find them to be tasty and I appreciate you taking the time to comment!
Best,
Melissa
I make these frequently! So easy and they are delicious! Thank you for such a great recipe
Thanks for the note, Susan! I’m so glad you love it.
Best,
Melissa
My daughter loves these! Occasionally shares them with coworkers who can’t get enough! Great recipe!
I love hearing this, Carol! Thank you for commenting.
Best,
Melissa
How many does this recipe make?
Hi Denise,
It makes 12. Sorry, it’s at the very top of the recipe card. It’s easy to miss!
Best,
Melissa
I’ve made this once as muffins, and once in a casserole dish. The casserole dish was AWESOME! It came out even crispier, and I cut them into squares and froze them. They reheat really well in the air fryer and are crispy on all sides of the little square!
That’s good to hear, Nikki! Notes like this might help others as well. Thank you for sharing!
Best,
Melissa
Can you sub flour for almond flour and if yes is it a 1 to 1 ratio?
Hi Jennifer,
Sorry, but no. Almond flour has a lot more moisture then gluten or all purpose flour wheat flour, so it can’t be swapped out in recipes. I do have some almond flour muffin and scones recipes on the site, though, if you are interested.
Best,
Melissa
I love this recipe, I add a teaspoon of garlic powder. I’ve made it for Christmas breakfast and everyone else loved them too. I freeze some of the batch but they still don’t last long.
So lovely to hear, Rebecca! Thank you so much for taking a moment to share!
Best,
Melissa
Hi! thinking of making this in the next day or so, was curious how much the recipe produced? Is is 12? More?
And if I were to keep them warm in like a hot glass container for the drive would they be ok? Or do you think they’d get soggy?
Hi Rebekah,
They make 12 muffins. I wouldn’t suggest storing them warm in a glass container because the heat will build up condensation. If it’s a short drive, I would put them on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm after they cool for about 5-10 minutes. Otherwise, I would cool completely, store in your container, and reheat for a short time in the microwave when ready to serve. Enjoy!
Best,
Melissa
Can these be made in a mini muffin tin?
Hi Judy,
Yes, that wouldn’t be a problem! I would guess about 10-12 minutes baking time?
Best,
Melissa
These are perfect to make at home and take for camping ,thanks!
Love reading this Suzana! Thanks for taking the time to leave this note.
Best,
Melissa
I made them, very good! Will make them again!
Thank you, Stephanie! Appreciate this so much!
Best,
Melissa
Planning to keep a batch of these muffins in my freezer for 4 grandchildren’s visits.
That’s an awesome idea, Joyce! I’m sure the grandchildren will love them.
Best,
Melissa
I so appreciate the ingredients being listed in the directions so you don’t have to scroll back and forth! I am about to try these and can’t wait!
Yay! Glad you like it Bri. Enjoy!
My daughter always asks me to make these for her. She has a son who is allergic to eggs.
Oh, that’s great to know they work egg-free as well! That will be so helpful for others. Thanks for taking the time to share.
Best,
Melissa
Excited to make these today! Thanks for sharing!
Of course! Let me know what you think!
Best,
Melissa
Made this recipe so many times and it’s amazing every time! I’ve even substituted leftover spiral ham in place of sausage and that’s great too!
Um, great idea, Meredith! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Best,
Melissa
Have you tried an egg replacer (of any kind) with this? My kids can’t do egg either…
Hi Kellee,
I haven’t tried it with this recipe, but others have used egg replacers in other muffin recipes with success, so I don’t see why it wouldn’t work here!
Best,
Melissa
These are so delicious I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. My daughter who is sensitive to gluten has changed the way we have cooked over the last year. She loves these muffins and so do we even though my wife and I do not have to follow a GF diet.
I make these and put some in the freezer so my daughter can enjoy one or two for breakfast whenever she wants. Hands down out of all the gluten free recipes I have made over the last year, this one is the best. Thank You doesn’t really say enough for creating this recipe. Bravo! This really is a winner.
Wow, Walt. Thank you for making my day and the kind words. It’s appreciated!
Best,
Melissa
Can I make these egg free? My son has an allergy.
Hi Britt,
I haven’t tried it with this recipe, but others have used egg replacers in other muffin recipes with success, so I don’t see why it wouldn’t work here!
Best,
Melissa
Can you substitute Bisquick and if you do, how is the adjustment in the recipe?
Hi Mary,
Yes, you can. Use 1 cup Bisquick (regular or gluten-free), 4 eggs, and cheese with the cooked sausage, omitting the other ingredients.
Best,
Melissa
Greatly appreciate the ingredient measurements step by step on recipe to avoid scrolling with messy fingers. Also yummy!! Thanks.
Lovely to hear, Diana. Thank you so much for taking the time to share!
Best,
Melissa
Why so much more flour than the recipes with Bisquick? I’m looking to replace Bisquick 1 to 1. I want a hearty muffin, not a bready muffin.
Hmm, I’m not sure Elle, but I would say the muffins are between a sausage ball (which only uses the flour to hold together the sausage and cheese) and a muffin. They do get rave reviews!
Best,
Melissa
These are amazing! I used king Arthur’s gf and subbed it out one for one. They’re fluffy on the inside and so tasty!
Thank you so much, Vicky! These are a favorite of ours for sure. How can you go wrong with sausage, cheese, and bread all mixed together?!
Best,
Melissa
These were super easy and so tasty. I used turkey sausage and also added a little onion and zucchini.
Lovely to hear, June! Thanks for taking a moment to share and I love the addition ideas!
Best,
Melissa
These were so good! I tasted them at a large brunch and promptly hunted down who brought them to get the recipe. She sent me to your website and I made them for my family for lunch today paired with lots of berries. They were delicious and got rave reviews from my kids and husband. Thank you!
Love hearing this, Kelley! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know and for hunting down that recipe!
Best,
Melissa
These were amazing! The perfect brunch picnic or handheld breakfast for work. I made exactly as written, I just added some green onions because that’s usually what I have with sausage and eggs. I am absolutely going to make these for the freezer. I served them with a maple whipped butter and they were loved by all. My friends were eating the leftovers in the kitchen as a midnight snack haha.
Wow, maple whipped butter?! That sounds like an amazing addition. Thanks for sharing.
Best,
Melissa
Made these, shared them with my grandson, who loves them! He calls now and then to hint at a new batch. He and his Son eat them on the go in the morning.
That’s the sweetest. Thanks for sharing, Kathy!
Best,
Melissa