Hearty Morning Cast Iron Pizza

This cast iron breakfast pizza transforms the morning meal into a showstopping centerpiece that combines all your favorite breakfast elements in one spectacular dish. The combination of homemade sausage gravy, cheese, tater tots, and perfectly runny eggs creates a decadent weekend brunch experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first created this breakfast pizza when hosting a holiday brunch for my extended family. The dramatic presentation of bringing the cast iron skillet to the table had everyone reaching for their phones to take pictures before diving in. Now it's become our Sunday morning tradition whenever we have overnight guests.

Ingredients

• Breakfast sausage: Provides the savory foundation for both the gravy and the topping. Look for high quality sausage with visible herbs and spices for the best flavor.
• Butter and flour: Create the roux that thickens your gravy to perfection. European butter with higher fat content makes for an even richer result.
• Whole milk and heavy cream: Create the luxurious texture in the gravy. Full fat dairy is essential here.
• Pizza dough: Can be store bought for convenience or homemade if you prefer. A good quality pre made dough from your grocery store bakery section works wonderfully.
• Cornmeal: Prevents sticking and adds a pleasant textural element to the bottom crust.
• Tater tots: Add a crispy potato element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy gravy. The frozen variety works perfectly.
• Eggs: With their runny yolks, create pockets of richness throughout the pizza. Farm fresh eggs with vibrant orange yolks make for a stunning presentation.
• Cheese blend: Combines the meltability of mozzarella with the sharpness of cheddar for the perfect balance.
• Chives: Add a fresh finishing touch that cuts through the richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the sausage:

Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat until properly hot. Add sausage in a single layer and allow it to develop a deep brown crust before flipping. This initial searing without disturbing the meat develops complex flavors that will elevate your gravy. Once browned on both sides, break it into smaller pieces and finish cooking until no pink remains. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Create the roux:

Using the same skillet with the flavorful sausage drippings, add butter and allow it to melt completely. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and immediately begin stirring with a wooden spatula to incorporate the flour and fat while scraping up those precious browned bits from the sausage. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and takes on a light golden color. This cooking process removes the raw flour taste.

Finish the gravy:

Gradually pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This slow addition is crucial for a smooth gravy. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue whisking as it thickens. The gravy should coat the back of a spoon when ready after about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper then transfer to a bowl for later use.

Prepare the skillet:

Clean the skillet thoroughly then place it in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes searingly hot. This extreme heat is what creates the perfect crispy crust. Meanwhile prepare your eggs by draining excess whites through a strainer to ensure they sit properly on the pizza. Combine the cheeses in a small bowl.

Assemble the pizza:

Once the skillet is properly heated, carefully remove it from the oven and sprinkle cornmeal evenly across the bottom. Working quickly but carefully, transfer your shaped pizza dough into the hot skillet. Spread a generous layer of the prepared gravy over the dough leaving a border for the crust. Add half the sausage and two thirds of the cheese mixture before arranging tater tots across the surface.

Bake in stages:

Bake the initial pizza for 10 minutes until the crust begins to set and the cheese starts melting. Remove from the oven and carefully add the prepared eggs in evenly spaced positions. Season each egg with freshly ground black pepper and add the remaining cheese and sausage. Return to the oven for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until the egg whites are set but yolks remain beautifully runny.

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The key ingredient that makes this recipe special is the homemade sausage gravy. My grandmother taught me this gravy technique when I was just learning to cook, and the simple combination of quality sausage, butter, flour and dairy creates something truly magical. I remember her telling me that patience was the secret ingredient a lesson that applies perfectly to this recipe where properly developing flavors at each stage makes all the difference.

Make Ahead Options

The sausage gravy can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use simply reheat gently on the stovetop adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the original consistency. The tater tots can also be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated then reheated in a hot oven for 5 minutes before adding them to your pizza.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version substitute turkey sausage for traditional pork sausage and use reduced fat milk instead of whole milk and cream. While the texture will be slightly less rich the flavor will still be excellent. The cheese blend can be modified according to your preferences. Pepper jack adds a nice heat while fontina melts beautifully. For a vegetarian option simply omit the sausage and use mushrooms sautéed with herbs and garlic in its place.

Serving Suggestions

This breakfast pizza makes for an impressive centerpiece at a brunch gathering. Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A fruit platter with seasonal berries and citrus provides a refreshing contrast. For beverages consider offering a Bloody Mary bar or mimosas for adults and fresh squeezed orange juice for everyone. The pizza can be cut into wedges or squares depending on your preference.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the sausage gravy ahead of time?

Yes! The sausage gravy can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to reach the desired consistency before using it on the pizza.

→ What's the best way to ensure a crispy crust?

The key to a crispy crust is properly preheating your cast iron skillet until it's smoking hot (10-15 minutes at 450°F). The cornmeal sprinkled at the bottom also helps create a barrier between the dough and the pan while adding a nice textural element.

→ Can I use store-bought gravy instead of making it from scratch?

While homemade gravy provides the best flavor, you can substitute store-bought sausage gravy in a pinch. Just make sure to heat it slightly before spreading it on the dough to ensure even distribution.

→ How do I know when the eggs are perfectly cooked?

The eggs should be baked for 10-12 minutes after adding them to the pizza. Look for egg whites that are completely set (opaque and firm) while the yolks should still look glossy and slightly jiggly if you gently shake the pan. This will give you that perfect runny yolk.

→ Can I substitute other breakfast meats for the sausage?

Absolutely! Cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham would work wonderfully as alternatives to the breakfast sausage. If using bacon, you can use the rendered bacon fat in place of some of the butter when making the gravy for extra flavor.

→ What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?

While cast iron provides the best heat retention and crust, you can use an oven-safe skillet or a pizza stone as alternatives. If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven, then carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto it using a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet.