Breakfast pizza has become a delicious and convenient way to enjoy all of your favorite morning meals in one slice. From crispy bacon to scrambled eggs and melted cheese, breakfast pizza has taken its place as a go-to comfort food for many. But while the toppings often get all the attention, the sauce is the true foundation that brings all these ingredients together. So, what is breakfast pizza sauce made of? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore different types of sauces used for breakfast pizza, how to make them, and which combinations work best to craft the perfect breakfast pizza.
What Sets Breakfast Pizza Apart from Traditional Pizza?
At its heart, breakfast pizza is all about transforming classic breakfast ingredients into a pizza format. Unlike a traditional pizza, which uses marinara or tomato-based sauces, breakfast pizza typically employs creamy, rich sauces that blend well with eggs, cheese, and meats like bacon or sausage.
Here’s how breakfast pizza is different:
- Toppings: Scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, and sometimes even breakfast vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Sauce: Instead of marinara, breakfast pizza sauces are often creamy, savory, and light, ranging from Hollandaise to cheese sauce to béchamel.
- Cheese: While mozzarella and cheddar are commonly used, some breakfast pizzas use sharp cheeses like Parmesan or even Gruyère.
For those interested in trying a delicious breakfast pizza at home, this easy breakfast pizza recipe offers a step-by-step guide on how to create the perfect dish, complete with sauce and toppings.
Why the Sauce is the Key Ingredient
The sauce is the backbone of any great breakfast pizza. It ties together the flavors of the eggs, meats, and vegetables while adding richness and moisture to the dish. A good sauce enhances the overall texture, making sure each bite is creamy and delicious without overpowering the other ingredients.
Common Breakfast Pizza Sauces Include:
- Hollandaise Sauce
- Creamy Cheese Sauce
- White Sauce (Béchamel)
- Sausage Gravy Sauce
- Pesto Sauce
Each of these sauces provides a unique flavor profile that can make or break your breakfast pizza. Let’s dive into the details of each one.
Perfecting sauces such as Hollandaise and béchamel requires a balance of temperature control and whisking techniques, something has outlined extensively in this guide to classic French sauces.
1. Hollandaise Sauce: A Classic Breakfast Staple
When you think of breakfast dishes, one of the first sauces that come to mind is Hollandaise. Known for its use in eggs Benedict, Hollandaise sauce is a rich and buttery option that pairs perfectly with eggs, bacon, and English muffins—and, of course, pizza!
Why Choose Hollandaise?
- Flavor: Rich, buttery, and slightly tangy, Hollandaise adds a luxurious texture and flavor to your breakfast pizza.
- Texture: Smooth and creamy, it holds toppings in place while adding moisture to the dish.
Ingredients for Hollandaise Sauce:
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- A pinch of salt
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
How to Make Hollandaise Sauce:
- Whisk egg yolks and lemon juice in a bowl until thickened.
- Slowly add melted butter while whisking continuously. Add butter gradually to avoid separating the sauce.
- Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
This sauce might require a bit more attention while preparing, but it elevates the flavor of your breakfast pizza to gourmet status.
For more tips on making the perfect Hollandaise sauce, you can refer to this detailed guide on Serious Eats.
2. Creamy Cheese Sauce: For the Cheese Lovers
If you’re a fan of cheesy goodness, a creamy cheese sauce might be the perfect choice for your breakfast pizza. This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be made with various types of cheese, depending on the flavor profile you prefer.
Why Use a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
- Flavor: Cheese sauce adds richness without being too heavy. It’s the perfect base for meats like sausage or bacon, and it complements eggs beautifully.
- Customization: You can choose different cheeses, from sharp cheddar to mozzarella, depending on your taste.
Ingredients for Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute while whisking constantly.
- Slowly add the milk while continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens.
- Add shredded cheese and stir until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Creamy cheese sauce is a hit with everyone because it delivers that gooey, cheesy experience that people love. Looking for the perfect side to accompany your breakfast pizza? Try these crispy skillet breakfast potatoes for a crunchy and satisfying addition to your meal.
3. White Sauce (Béchamel): A Subtle and Creamy Option
Sometimes, you want a sauce that doesn’t overpower the toppings. Enter white sauce, also known as béchamel. This classic French sauce is made from butter, flour, and milk, resulting in a creamy but mild sauce that enhances the flavors of the other ingredients without stealing the spotlight.
Why Use Béchamel?
- Subtle Flavor: Unlike Hollandaise or cheese sauce, béchamel is milder and lets the flavors of the toppings shine.
- Smooth Texture: It creates a creamy, silky base for your breakfast pizza without adding too much richness.
Ingredients for White Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nutmeg (optional)
How to Make White Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg (optional) for seasoning.
This sauce works particularly well with veggie-heavy pizzas or those featuring delicate toppings like mushrooms, spinach, or soft cheeses.
4. Sausage Gravy Sauce: For a Hearty, Southern Twist
Want a sauce that adds extra heartiness to your breakfast pizza? Sausage gravy sauce is your answer. A staple in Southern breakfasts, this sauce is traditionally served over biscuits, but it works just as well on pizza. It’s rich, flavorful, and complements breakfast meats like bacon and sausage perfectly.
Why Choose Sausage Gravy Sauce?
- Flavor: Rich, meaty, and filling, sausage gravy adds depth to any breakfast pizza.
- Texture: Thick and hearty, it provides a substantial base for heavier toppings.
Ingredients for Sausage Gravy Sauce:
- 1/2 pound of breakfast sausage
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Sausage Gravy Sauce:
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet and whisk in the flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the gravy thickens.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and season with salt and pepper.
This sauce is perfect for those who love a big, hearty breakfast. It pairs especially well with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and bacon. For a lighter option after your savory breakfast pizza, check out this ultimate chia seed pudding guide, a healthy and delicious alternative to balance your meal.
5. Pesto Sauce: A Fresh and Flavorful Option
For those who want a lighter, herb-forward breakfast pizza, pesto sauce offers a refreshing twist. Made from basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, pesto provides a fresh, vibrant flavor that works well with lighter toppings like tomatoes, spinach, and eggs.
Why Use Pesto?
- Fresh Flavor: Pesto adds a bright, herby flavor to your pizza, making it a great option for those who prefer something less heavy.
- Versatility: Pesto can be paired with a variety of toppings, from eggs to vegetables and even mild cheeses.
Ingredients for Pesto Sauce:
- 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Pesto Sauce:
- Combine basil, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pesto is a great option for those who want a fresher, lighter breakfast pizza. It pairs beautifully with eggs, mozzarella, and veggies.
Combining Sauces with Toppings: Creative Ideas
Now that you know the ins and outs of various breakfast pizza sauces, it’s time to get creative! The beauty of breakfast pizza lies in its versatility—you can mix and match sauces and toppings to suit your taste. Here are some creative combinations:
- Hollandaise Sauce + Bacon + Scrambled Eggs: A classic breakfast combination that never disappoints.
- Creamy Cheese Sauce + Sausage + Hash Browns: For a hearty and satisfying pizza.
- White Sauce + Mushrooms + Spinach + Feta: A lighter, veggie-forward option.
- Sausage Gravy Sauce + Cheddar Cheese + Scrambled Eggs: The ultimate comfort food pizza.
- Pesto Sauce + Fresh Mozzarella + Cherry Tomatoes: A fresh, herby twist on the traditional breakfast pizza.
How to Choose the Right Sauce for Your Breakfast Pizza
With so many options to choose from, how do you pick the right sauce for your breakfast pizza? Here are a few tips to help you decide:
- Consider the Toppings: If you’re using bold, savory toppings like bacon and sausage, a mild sauce like béchamel or cheese sauce may be a better option. If you want something rich and flavorful, Hollandaise or sausage gravy will complement your toppings perfectly.
- Think About Texture: Some sauces, like Hollandaise and sausage gravy, are thicker and richer, while others, like pesto, are lighter. Choose a sauce that will provide the texture you want.
- Match the Effort to Your Schedule: If you’re short on time, a simple cheese sauce or béchamel may be quicker and easier to prepare. If you’re up for a challenge, making Hollandaise or sausage gravy from scratch can be incredibly rewarding.
Conclusion
Breakfast pizza is all about creativity and versatility, and the sauce you choose plays a crucial role in the overall flavor and texture of the dish. Whether you prefer the richness of Hollandaise, the creaminess of cheese sauce, the subtlety of béchamel, or the heartiness of sausage gravy, there’s a sauce out there for every type of breakfast pizza.
By mastering these sauces and experimenting with different combinations, you can elevate your breakfast pizza game to new heights. So go ahead—get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy a delicious, customized breakfast pizza that’s perfect for any morning!
