English Muffin Pizzas are everything you crave in a comforting, cheesy pizza experience wrapped up in a fun, speedy package. They’re delightfully crisp around the edges, gooey in the center, endlessly customizable, and come together in a flash—making them perfect for busy weeknights or quick snacks. This recipe transforms a humble English muffin into something truly crave-worthy, with a bubbly cheese topping and all the classic pizza flavors you love. Whether you’re making a batch for the kids, a movie night, or just need a little nostalgic pick-me-up for yourself, English Muffin Pizzas are sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about English Muffin Pizzas is their sheer simplicity—you need just a handful of ingredients, each adding its own bit of magic. These staples work together to create the perfect bite: crunchy, melty, saucy, and full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- English muffins (4, split in half): The star base! Their nooks and crannies soak up all the sauce and crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Pizza sauce (1 cup): All the herby, tomato-y goodness that gives your pizzas that classic flavor. Homemade or jarred is fine—just pick your favorite!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): This is your melty, gooey crowning glory. Extra cheese never hurts!
- Mini pepperoni slices or cooked sausage crumbles (1/2 cup, optional): For a savory kick. Leave these off for a vegetarian version.
- Sliced black olives or diced bell peppers (1/4 cup, optional): Pops of color and flavor that make each pizza feel customized and fresh.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant, authentic pizzeria vibe with almost no effort.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, optional): Brushing the muffins with olive oil gives an ultra-crispy, flavorful base.
How to Make English Muffin Pizzas
Step 1: Prep the Oven and the Muffins
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange your split English muffins cut side up on the sheet. If you want that golden, toasty crunch, brush each half lightly with olive oil—this makes all the difference for a crave-able base.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your favorite pizza sauce onto each muffin half. Spread it evenly, making sure to get right to the edges so every bite is saucy and flavorful. Don’t be shy—these muffins can handle it!
Step 3: Pile on the Cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. The more the merrier when it comes to cheese, so go with your taste, but about 3 tablespoons per muffin half is just right for that perfect pull.
Step 4: Time for Toppings
This is where English Muffin Pizzas get personal, so have fun! Scatter on mini pepperoni, cooked sausage, olives, diced bell peppers, or any other favorites you have on hand. Each pizza can be unique—let everyone in the family create their own masterpiece.
Step 5: Season and Bake
Give the pizzas a quick sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning for that classic aroma and flavor. Slide the baking sheet into your hot oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden and the edges of the English muffins are perfectly crisp.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pizzas cool for a few minutes—trust me, the molten cheese is worth waiting for! Serve them warm, and watch them disappear in no time.
How to Serve English Muffin Pizzas
Garnishes
For a pop of color and a hit of flavor, sprinkle your English Muffin Pizzas with fresh basil or parsley just before serving. Crushed red pepper flakes or a dusting of grated parmesan make fantastic finishing touches, adding zing and an extra layer of yum.
Side Dishes
Pair your English Muffin Pizzas with a crisp garden salad, crunchy veggie sticks, or even a warm cup of tomato soup. These simple sides turn snack time into a satisfying meal while keeping things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or lunchboxes, cut each pizza into quarters for adorable mini wedges. Arrange a platter with a variety of toppings and let guests build their own. You can even offer dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or marinara for interactive fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover English Muffin Pizzas (it’s rare!), simply let them cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days and reheat like a dream.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled pizzas in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then pop them into a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready for a quick pizza fix, they go straight from the freezer to the oven without missing a beat.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your English Muffin Pizzas in a 375°F (190°C) oven or toaster oven for 5–8 minutes. This brings back their crispness and melts the cheese all over again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven is truly worth it.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free English muffins?
Absolutely! Whole wheat adds a nutty depth, while gluten-free English muffins keep the recipe accessible to everyone. Just follow the same instructions, and you’ll end up with delicious results.
What sauce alternatives work well for English Muffin Pizzas?
Try pesto, Alfredo, barbecue sauce, or even a drizzle of olive oil with garlic for something different. These bases let you play with new flavor profiles and mix up pizza night.
How can I make these pizzas vegan?
Just swap in your favorite plant-based mozzarella and use vegan-friendly toppings like mushrooms, peppers, olives, and artichokes. Most store-bought English muffins are vegan, but always check the label.
Are English Muffin Pizzas a good make-ahead lunch?
Definitely! Bake and cool, then pack them in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. They’re tasty at room temperature or briefly reheated at work or school.
Can I toast the English muffins before baking?
Yes! Pre-toasting gives an even crispier base and helps prevent sogginess from the sauce. It’s a smart trick if you love extra crunch in every bite.
Final Thoughts
Give English Muffin Pizzas a try and let them become your go-to quick meal or fun family project. Once you see just how easy and endlessly adaptable they are, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe anytime you need speedy comfort and big flavor—no delivery required!
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English Muffin Pizzas Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini pizzas
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These English Muffin Pizzas are a quick and easy snack or meal option that can be customized to suit your tastes. With crispy English muffin bases, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, they’re perfect for a fun and delicious treat.
Ingredients
English Muffins:
4 English muffins, split in half
Pizza Sauce:
1 cup
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
1 1/2 cups
Mini Pepperoni Slices or Cooked Sausage Crumbles (optional):
1/2 cup
Sliced Black Olives or Diced Bell Peppers (optional):
1/4 cup
Dried Italian Seasoning:
1 teaspoon
Olive Oil (optional):
1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the English muffins: Arrange the split English muffins cut side up on the baking sheet. Optionally, brush the muffin halves with olive oil.
- Add the toppings: Spoon pizza sauce onto each muffin half, then top with mozzarella cheese, desired toppings, and Italian seasoning.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and muffins are golden and crisp.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Customize toppings to suit your preferences.
- For extra crispiness, lightly toast the muffin halves before adding toppings.
- 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
