Name: Diner Breakfast Sausage Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 26 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup whole milk; 4 large eggs; 1 cup cottage cheese; 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated; 1 1/2 cups rolled oats; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 12 oz. breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled; 2 cups baby spinach, cooked, drained, and chopped; 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup green onion, sliced thin

There’s something so comforting about a good, savory muffin that feels like a proper breakfast in your hand. This Diner Breakfast Sausage Muffins Recipe packs all the classic diner flavors—sausage, spinach, cheese—into a handy, grab-and-go form that you’ll reach for again and again.

The image shows a group of twelve golden-brown muffins placed on a silver cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each muffin has a rough, bumpy texture with a topping of melted cheddar cheese that gives them an orange and slightly shiny appearance. Some green herbs are visible, mixed within the muffin dough, creating a contrast with the yellowish interior. The muffins are arranged randomly but evenly spaced on the rack, and the silver grid of the rack adds geometric lines to the image. The lighting highlights the cheesy tops and the soft texture of the muffins, making them look fresh and appetizing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Diner Breakfast Sausage Muffins Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Diner Breakfast Sausage Muffins Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Diner Breakfast Sausage Muffins Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I was hooked the first time I made these sausage muffins. They bring that diner charm straight to your kitchen with minimal fuss, and the combo of proteins and greens keeps you full without weighing you down.

All-in-One Breakfast: These muffins combine eggs, sausage, cheese, and spinach in one perfect handheld portion.
Quick and Easy: With a blender doing most of the work, prep time is short but the flavor is anything but.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Rolled oats provide texture and fiber, making this a filling, gluten-free option.
Customizable and Versatile: Once you’ve nailed the base Diner Breakfast Sausage Muffins Recipe, you can tweak it with your favorite fillings or herbs.

A stack of golden brown muffins sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface, topped with a muffin broken in half showing a textured inside filled with green leafy vegetables, light brown sausage pieces, and specks of melted yellow cheese. The muffins have a slightly rough surface with a baked crisp crust. A blue and white checkered cloth is softly blurred in the background, and a white bowl with a creamy white dip is partially visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe isn’t just about mixing things up; it’s about balancing flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a part, from the creamy cottage cheese adding moisture and richness to the Parmesan boosting that savory depth.

Flat lay of a small white bowl of whole milk, four whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of creamy cottage cheese, a small white bowl of finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of rolled oats, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl of garlic powder, cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage arranged in a neat pile, a small white bowl of chopped cooked baby spinach, a small white bowl of grated cheddar cheese, fresh parsley sprigs loosely gathered, thinly sliced green onions fanned out, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically and balanced on simple white ceramic dishes placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk: Adds moisture for a tender crumb without thinning the batter too much.
Large eggs: The glue that holds everything together and adds protein.
Cottage cheese: A surprise ingredient that keeps the muffins creamy and soft, plus extra protein.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for umami and a touch of sharpness.
Rolled oats: The gluten-free base that provides structure and hearty texture.
Baking powder: Gives these muffins just enough lift for a light bite.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors without overpowering.
Garlic powder: A subtle background note that elevates the sausage.
Breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled): The star of the show, bringing savory richness and spice.
Baby spinach (cooked, drained, and chopped): Sneaks in some greens without taking over the flavor.
Cheddar cheese (grated): Melts into pockets of gooey deliciousness.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds brightness and a fresh herbal lift.
Green onion (sliced thin): For a little mild onion flavor and crunch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Diner Breakfast Sausage Muffins Recipe is kind of a blank canvas—you can tweak the cheeses, swap out the greens, or make it a little spicier. It’s all about what makes you smile first thing in the morning.

Variation: I sometimes swap the parsley and green onions for fresh chives and cilantro when I want a different herbal twist—it’s surprisingly delicious!
Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based milk and omit the Parmesan or substitute with a dairy-free cheese.
Extra Veggie Boost: Try adding finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño can bring some heat without overwhelming the sausage.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Diner Breakfast Sausage Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners, and here’s a trick: spray the liners well with cooking spray. I learned that without this step, some muffins can stick stubbornly to the paper, which is no fun when you’re ready to dig in.

Step 2: Blend the Batter

Pop the eggs, whole milk, cottage cheese, Parmesan, oats, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder into a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth. This step takes less than a minute but is essential for a consistent texture in your muffins—no more clumps or uneven oat bits.

Step 3: Fold in the Good Stuff

Pour the batter into a bowl, then gently fold in the cooked sausage, chopped spinach, cheddar cheese, parsley, and green onions. I find folding gently helps keep some texture, so you get little pockets of cheese and sausage through every bite.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared pan—about 12 muffins worth. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes until they’re puffed and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Watch closely towards the end; you want golden tops but no dryness inside.

Step 5: Rest Before Enjoying

Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. This little resting time helps them set perfectly so they don’t crumble apart when you bite in.

Top Tip

From experimenting in my kitchen, I’ve discovered a few little hacks that make this Diner Breakfast Sausage Muffins Recipe extra foolproof and tasty.

Spray the Liners Thoroughly: Even though paper liners are designed to be non-stick, an extra layer of spray means your muffins pop out beautifully every time.
Cook Sausage in Advance: Try cooking and crumbling your sausage the day before; it saves prep time and lets the flavors settle.
Don’t Overblend: Blend just until smooth—not too long, or the batter can get too thin, leading to dense muffins.
Check Early for Doneness: Oven temps vary, so start checking your muffins at 20 minutes to avoid drying them out.

How to Serve Diner Breakfast Sausage Muffins Recipe

Breakfast Sausage Muffins - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and brightness. A dollop of sour cream or a swipe of butter right after baking also takes these muffins to the next level.

Side Dishes

Pair these hearty muffins with a simple side of fresh fruit or a crisp green salad for balance. They also go wonderfully with homemade hash browns or roasted breakfast potatoes if you’re going all out.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, I’ve assembled a little “build-your-own” breakfast muffin bar—offering toppings like sliced avocado, hot sauce, and extra cheese to customize each muffin. It’s a hit every time with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

These sausage muffins freeze wonderfully. I wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then pop them all in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for busy mornings.

Reheating

I reheat them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to bring back a bit of crispness on the outside. Either way, they taste just as good as fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Diner Breakfast Sausage Muffins Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. To make it vegetarian, simply replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or cooked mushrooms for a similar texture and flavor. The rest of the recipe stays the same and remains delicious.

Are these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, using rolled oats instead of flour keeps these muffins gluten-free, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed.

Can I prepare the batter the night before?

I recommend preparing the batter fresh for best rise and texture, but you can mix it the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Expect slightly denser muffins, but the flavor will still be great!

How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?

Spraying the paper liners generously with cooking spray before adding the batter works like a charm. This extra step ensures easy removal and keeps your muffins intact.

Final Thoughts

Making these Diner Breakfast Sausage Muffins Recipe feels like giving yourself a warm diner hug without ever leaving your kitchen. They’re perfect for busy mornings, lazy brunches, or meal-prepping ahead. I hope you enjoy baking and tasting them as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes I’m happy to share with friends because it just works.