If you’re searching for a snack or weeknight meal that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat, English Muffin Pizzas deliver every time. These mini pizzas start with a crispy-edged English muffin, a generous layer of rich pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and whatever toppings your heart desires. This recipe is an absolute family favorite, perfect for hungry kids after school or a relaxed evening with friends. With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and barely any prep time, you’ll be sinking your teeth into melty, cheesy perfection in under 20 minutes. Whether you keep things classic or load them up with your own delicious combinations, English Muffin Pizzas seriously never get old.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic here is how the most straightforward ingredients—each pulling their weight in taste and texture—come together so beautifully. Every item on the list has a purpose, from the toasty base to that final flutter of herbs for aroma and flavor.
- English muffins: The ultimate mini pizza base, providing a crunchy outside and fluffy center that stands up to all your toppings.
- Pizza sauce: This adds that must-have tang and tomatoey depth; feel free to reach for your favorite jarred brand or homemade batch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts like a dream over the sauce, bubbling up to savory, stretchy satisfaction.
- Mini pepperoni slices or cooked sausage crumbles (optional): For those classic pizza vibes and a pop of savory, meaty flavor.
- Sliced black olives or diced bell peppers (optional): Adds color, crunch, and a fresh finish—perfect for veggie-lovers or extra texture fans.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Even a pinch transforms your pizzas with herbal aroma and a little magic, reminiscent of your favorite pizza joint.
- Olive oil (optional): A light brushing before baking gives extra crispiness and a subtle, golden richness to each bite.
How to Make English Muffin Pizzas
Step 1: Prep the Muffins and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is easy and nothing sticks. Split your English muffins in half, then arrange them cut side up on the prepared sheet. If you love an extra-crispy bottom, lightly brush the open faces with a bit of olive oil—it makes a noticeable difference!
Step 2: Sauce It Up
Spoon about two tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each English muffin half. Gently spread the sauce from the middle to the edges, leaving a little border for that oh-so-good toasted muffin crust. Don’t be shy—the sauce brings big flavor and moisture, but don’t overload, or things might get soggy.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Toppings
Scatter a generous handful of shredded mozzarella over the saucy muffins, making sure each one gets a satisfying coating. This is your Canvas—add your favorite toppings! Mini pepperoni slices or sausage work beautifully, or opt for veggies like black olives and diced bell peppers to add color and freshness. This step is perfect for letting everyone pick and personalize their pizzas.
Step 4: Season and Bake
Sprinkle dried Italian seasoning across your assembled muffins. This is where the aroma really starts to tease your taste buds. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and starting to bubble, and the muffins are golden and crisp on the edges. If you like extra crunch, you can toast the muffin halves briefly before you add any toppings, then finish as directed.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the English Muffin Pizzas cool for just a minute or two—they’ll firm up a little and be easier to eat. Transfer to plates, serve warm, and watch how quickly they disappear!
How to Serve English Muffin Pizzas
Garnishes
For that pizzeria finish, shower your English Muffin Pizzas with freshly chopped basil, a dusting of grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Even a quick drizzle of garlic oil or balsamic glaze can make these little pizzas feel gourmet. Let everyone garnish their own for extra fun at the table.
Side Dishes
Pair your mini pizzas with a crisp green salad, some garlic knots, or crunchy carrot and celery sticks for a well-rounded meal. These pizzas are rich and flavorful, so sides that offer freshness, tang, or crunch really complement every bite without overpowering your main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn English Muffin Pizzas into a DIY pizza bar for parties—set out toppings in bowls and let everyone build their own before baking. For kids’ lunches or snack time, cut the baked pizzas into quarters and serve them on skewers, or pack them burrito-style in parchment for grab-and-go snacks. They’re also great for a movie night spread, arranged on a big platter with different combos to sample.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve managed to hold back from demolishing every last English Muffin Pizza, simply let leftover pieces cool fully, then tuck them into an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. These make for super quick after-school snacks or even an easy lunchbox treat the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze your baked English Muffin Pizzas. Allow them to cool, then lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container—now you’ve got homemade frozen pizzas ready to pop in the oven whenever cravings strike, for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring your pizzas back to crispy, cheesy glory, place them straight from the fridge (or frozen) onto a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven until bubbly and hot—usually about 5 minutes from the fridge, 8 to 10 if frozen. A quick spin in the air fryer works wonders, too! Avoid microwaving if you love a crunchy base, as it tends to make them soft.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free English muffins?
Absolutely! English Muffin Pizzas are super flexible. Whole wheat muffins add a bit of nuttiness and extra fiber, while gluten-free muffins make this recipe accessible for everyone. Just keep an eye on the bake time, as muffin textures can vary.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy pizzas?
For the crispiest result, toast the split muffins in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes before adding sauce and toppings. Also, don’t overdo the sauce—just enough to coat the tops, but not so much that things get mushy!
Can I prepare these ahead of time and bake later?
You sure can! Assemble the pizzas right up to the point before baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as directed—maybe add an extra minute or two if the pizzas are going in cold.
Are English Muffin Pizzas good for parties?
These are a total party hit! Set up a topping bar and let guests build their own, or bake a big batch for a fun, hands-on appetizer. Their small size and customizable nature make them perfect for kids’ parties, game nights, and potlucks.
What other sauces or cheeses can I use?
Feel free to get creative—try pesto, Alfredo, or barbecue sauce for a twist, and experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even crumbled goat cheese. English Muffin Pizzas are endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these English Muffin Pizzas—they’re endlessly flexible and just downright comforting. Whether you make them as a quick snack, fun dinner, or party centerpiece, one thing’s for sure: they disappear fast and bring smiles every single time. Give them a go and make them your own!
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English Muffin Pizzas Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini pizzas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These English Muffin Pizzas are a fun and easy twist on traditional pizza, perfect for a quick snack or meal. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy these crispy mini pizzas!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 English muffins, split in half
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or cooked sausage crumbles (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives or diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the muffins: Arrange the split English muffins cut side up on the baking sheet. Optionally, brush with olive oil.
- Add toppings: Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each muffin half. Top with cheese, desired toppings, and Italian seasoning.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Great for kids and customizable with various toppings.
- Toast muffin halves before adding toppings for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin half
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
