You know those days when you crave pizza but dread the thought of waiting for delivery? Imagine if I told you that you could whip up delicious, satisfying English Muffin Pizzas in just 20 minutes! That’s right—this simple yet delightful dish transforms everyday English muffins into a canvas for your favorite pizza toppings.
The other evening, I found myself with some leftover ingredients in my fridge and a hunger for something comforting but quick. With the aroma of melting mozzarella and the zing of pizza sauce filling my kitchen, I realized I’d stumbled upon a family favorite. These mini pizzas not only cemented my love for homemade meals but also brought joy to my table.
Perfect for impromptu gatherings or a cozy night in, English Muffin Pizzas offer endless versatility. Top them with anything from zesty pepperoni to crisp veggies—whatever tickles your taste buds! So, grab your English muffins, and let’s create a dish that revolutionizes your weeknight dinners!
Why You'll Love This English Muffin Pizzas
- English Muffin Pizzas are incredibly easy to make and can be ready in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
- The flavor combination of melted mozzarella, savory pizza sauce, and your choice of toppings creates a delightful taste experience that everyone will enjoy.
- These mini pizzas are highly versatile, allowing you to customize with any toppings you desire, from classic pepperoni to fresh vegetables.
- Their fun, bite-sized format makes them a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring they’ll be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
English Muffin Pizza Ingredients
• Get ready to create your delicious mini pizzas!
For the Pizza Base
- English muffins – These serve as the perfect, sturdy base for all your toppings.
- Pizza sauce – Choose your favorite brand for a zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
For the Toppings
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – A generous layer of this melty cheese makes for the perfect gooey topping on your English muffin pizzas.
- Pepperoni slices – Classic and flavorful; feel free to swap for turkey or veggie alternatives!
- Dried oregano (optional) – Sprinkling this on adds a lovely herbaceous note to your pizza.
- Garlic powder (optional) – A dash of this spice gives your pizzas an aromatic twist.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional) – Adds a fresh, vibrant contrast and an enticing aroma to your finished dish.
Feel free to mix and match with your favorite toppings; after all, the beauty of English Muffin Pizzas lies in their endless customization possibilities!
How to Make English Muffin Pizzas
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure your pizzas bake evenly, helping the cheese melt perfectly while keeping the muffins crisp.
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Arrange the split English muffins on a baking sheet, cut side up. Make sure they’re evenly spaced to allow for good air circulation and even cooking.
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Spoon pizza sauce evenly over each half of the English muffins. Don’t be shy! A generous amount of sauce ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. The cheese should cover the sauce well, creating that gooey, melty goodness we all love in pizza.
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Top with pepperoni slices or any other toppings you prefer. If you like it extra flavorful, sprinkle dried oregano and garlic powder on top for that classic pizza taste.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye out for that golden, bubbly surface—it’s the sign of deliciousness!
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Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let cool slightly. This helps prevent burns and lets you enjoy the pizzas at just the right temperature.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. This optional touch adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma that enhances the overall experience.
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of olive oil for an extra gourmet touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These English Muffin Pizzas are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the English muffins with pizza sauce and toppings up to 24 hours in advance. Simply arrange the split muffins on a baking sheet, spoon pizza sauce over each half, sprinkle with mozzarella, and add your desired toppings. Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until bubbly and golden. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious homemade pizzas with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights!
What to Serve with English Muffin Pizzas?
Building the perfect meal around your English Muffin Pizzas can elevate your dining experience to new heights.
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Crispy Garden Salad: The fresh crunch and vibrant flavors of a garden salad provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, gooey pizzas. Toss in some nuts or seeds for added texture!
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and chewy, these breadsticks soaked in garlic butter complement the pizza’s flavors beautifully, creating a carb-lover’s dream.
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Antipasto Platter: A colorful assortment of olives, cheeses, and salami not only enhances the meal’s variety but also adds a delightful touch of Mediterranean flair.
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Classic Coleslaw: Creamy, tangy coleslaw balances the richness of the pizzas with its crispness. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce some extra veggies into the meal!
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Fruit Skewers: Bright, juicy fruit skewers can serve as a light and sweet counterpoint to the savory flavors of the pizzas, perfect for refreshing the palate.
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Sparkling Lemonade: A chilled glass of sparkling lemonade is just the thing to cleanse your taste buds between bites, its zesty brightness perfectly offsetting the savory goodness of the pizza.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: Finish your meal on a sweet note with warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies for a nostalgic dessert that everyone will love.
With these options, your English Muffin Pizzas will shine even brighter!
How to Store and Freeze English Muffin Pizzas
Fridge: Store leftover English Muffin Pizzas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the lid slightly ajar if you prefer a slightly crispier texture upon reheating.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooled pizzas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat from the fridge, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. For frozen ones, bake directly from the freezer for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Assembly Tips: If you prefer preparing ahead, consider pre-baking the muffins with sauce and cheese, then refrigerate or freeze before adding toppings for quicker meals later!
English Muffin Pizza Variations
Discover exciting twists and substitutions to make your English Muffin Pizzas even more delightful!
- Vegetarian: Swap out pepperoni for your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a fresh, colorful topping.
- Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to kick up the heat and give your pizzas a fiery zing.
- Cheese Lover: Experiment with different cheeses! Swap mozzarella for gouda, cheddar, or a zesty pepper jack for added flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free English muffins to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
- Sweet Twist: Drizzle your pizzas with a touch of honey after baking for a sweet and savory combination that’s truly unique!
- Buffalo Chicken: Top with shredded cooked chicken and buffalo sauce instead of traditional pizza toppings for a tangy twist.
- Breakfast Style: Use scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage on top for a fun breakfast-inspired version of English Muffin Pizzas.
- Mediterranean: Add feta cheese, olives, and artichoke hearts for a delightful Mediterranean flair that will transport your taste buds!
Let your imagination run wild and transform these classic mini pizzas into a meal that reflects your unique taste!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your English muffin pizzas turn out perfectly, remember to preheat your oven to 375°F, as this temperature helps achieve an evenly cooked base and melty cheese.
- Avoid common pitfalls by not overloading the toppings, as too much can lead to a soggy muffin; stick to a balance for optimal crunch.
- When adding cheese, opt for a generous layer that covers the sauce completely for that gooey texture that everyone loves.
- Lastly, keep a close eye on your pizzas in the oven — they usually need just 8–10 minutes to reach that golden, bubbly perfection, so set a timer to avoid burning them.
English Muffin Pizzas Recipe FAQs
What type of English muffins should I use?
Absolutely! You can use any type of English muffins—white, whole wheat, or even gluten-free. Just ensure they are fresh and without any dark spots or mold for the best taste and texture.
How should I store leftover English Muffin Pizzas?
For best results, store your leftover English Muffin Pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you like a bit of crunch when reheating, you can leave the lid slightly ajar.
Can I freeze English Muffin Pizzas?
Yes, you can! To freeze, first let the pizzas cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and they will keep for up to 2 months. For reheating, bake directly from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
What if my cheese isn’t melting properly?
Very! If the cheese doesn’t seem to melt after the initial baking time, it might be due to your oven temperature being off. Check your oven with an oven thermometer. You can also switch to the broiler for the last minute or so for that perfect bubbling effect—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! Always check your ingredients, especially for allergies. For instance, mozzarella and pepperoni can contain dairy and gluten, respectively. You might want to substitute with dairy-free cheese and veggie toppings if you’re catering to dietary restrictions, ensuring it’s safe and delicious for everyone.
Can I use different toppings?
The more the merrier! Feel free to mix it up based on what you have at home. From bell peppers to olives or even cooked chicken, the combinations are endless. Just remember not to overload your muffins to keep their structure intact!
English Muffin Pizzas
Ingredients
- 2 pieces English muffins Split in half
- 1/2 cup Pizza sauce Zesty flavor
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese Generously layered
- 10 slices Pepperoni Or other toppings
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano Optional
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Optional
- 5 leaves Fresh basil leaves For garnish, optional
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the split English muffins on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Spoon pizza sauce evenly over each half of the English muffins.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
- Top with pepperoni slices or your preferred toppings.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
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