English Muffin Pizzas are perfect for a quick snack, lunch, or dinner that everyone will love, especially when you’re craving pizza (aka pizza emergency!) but don’t have any on hand.
English Muffin Pizzas are the ultimate quick comfort food hack, especially if it’s been A DAY you need something quick and easy. They’re crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and endlessly customizable with your favorite pizza toppings. Using English muffin halves as the base gives you that perfect mini pizza crust—the nooks hold onto the sauce and melted cheese for quick pizza perfection.
All you need is an English muffin, marinara or pizza sauce, mozzarella, and (optionally) your favorite toppings. You can keep it classic with marinara sauce and cheese, go rogue with BBQ sauce and shredded chicken, or make a fancy margherita pizza with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil.
They’re perfect for busy weeknights, lazy afternoons, school lunches, or after-school snacks.
Why You’ll Love English Muffin Pizzas
- Fast & Easy: With just a few ingredients, you’ll go from start to finish in just 15-20 minutes.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for getting kids in the kitchen and having their little hands to help assemble.
- Customizable: Endless topping possibilities for every taste. Everyone gets what they like.
- Perfectly Crisp: Toasting the muffins first keeps them from getting soggy. Gives these mini pizzas great texture every time.
The best part? These mini pizzas can be prepped in minutes and baked to bubbly perfection in under 20 minutes. Plus, they store well in the fridge or freezer, so you can make a batch ahead and reheat for an easy meal anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need for English Muffin Pizzas
- English muffins: The ideal base for a crisp-yet-chewy personal pizza. Feel free to use gluten-free English muffins or whole wheat.
- Marinara or pizza sauce: I like using jarred sauce for quick and easy meal prep.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully for that classic pizza pull.
- Pepperoni, if you want it: Thinly sliced and quartered so every bite gets a little.
- Parmesan cheese: Optional, but recommended. It adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Dried oregano: Just a pinch to give that signature pizzeria flavor.
(For full ingredient amounts, see printable recipe card below)
How to Make English Muffin Pizzas
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place muffin halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Optionally, line the baking sheet with parchment paper for virtually no clean up.
- 1st Bake: Toast for 3-4 minutes until just crisp.
- Spread the sauce: Remove from the oven and spoon the sauce evenly over each half, right to the edges.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle with mozzarella, then top with parmesan (if using).
- Finish with flavor: Add pepperoni (if using) and a pinch of oregano.
- 2nd Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve hot with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies.
Oven tip: All ovens are different. You can bake these at either 400°F (200°C) or 425°F (220°C), noting that the higher the temp, the faster they’ll toast and cook. If your oven runs hot, use the lower temperature to make sure they don’t overcook before the cheese is melted. Always watch them closely those last few minutes. If your oven runs a little under temp, use the broiler to finish melting the cheese and get the edges crispy.
Tips & Variations
- Use English muffin halves: Splitting them gives you the perfect individual pizza base with the nooks that hold sauce beautifully.
- Toast first: Always toast your muffin halves before adding toppings—this prevents sogginess and keeps that crisp bite.
- Microwave shortcut: In a pinch, you can microwave your pizzas for 30–45 seconds instead of baking, though the crust won’t be as crisp.
- Try new sauces: Swap classic marinara sauce or tomato sauce for pesto, Alfredo, or even BBQ sauce for a fun flavor twist.
- Play with cheese: Mix mozzarella with cheddar cheese for extra flavor, or top with fresh mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta before baking.
- Go gourmet: Add caramelized red onion, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted chicken for an elevated version.
- Veggie lover’s option: Use your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, onions, green bell peppers, or zucchini. A few pineapple slices give you that Hawaiian pizza vibe.
- Mini-pepperonis for kids: They cover the surface evenly and make every bite taste like the perfect pizza crust-to-topping ratio.
- Protein swap: Try crumbled sausage, Canadian bacon, shredded chicken, or even leftover pulled pork.
- Meal prep friendly: Assemble ahead of time, store in the fridge, and bake when ready for easy cleanup.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store cooled pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Place baked or unbaked pizzas in a single layer on a sheet pan to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 375°F until warmed through, or microwave for 45–60 seconds (the oven keeps them crispier). Or, toast in a toaster oven for 3-4 minutes.
- Make-ahead: Toast English muffin halves, cool, top, and skip the final bake. Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready, bake, air fry, or toast until crisp and the cheese melts.
Print
Description
These easy English Muffin Pizzas are a 15-20-minute weeknight favorite. Crispy on the edges, soft in the middle, and topped with melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a hint of oregano. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, after-school snack, or fun build-your-own pizza night. Customize with your favorite toppings for endless variations.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the English muffin halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. For easy cleanup, line the sheet with parchment paper.
- First bake: Toast for 3–4 minutes until lightly crisp. Remove from the oven.
- Sauce & Cheese: Spread pizza or marinara sauce evenly to the edges of each half. Top with mozzarella, then sprinkle with parmesan (if using).
- Option: Add toppings: Finish with pepperoni or your favorite pizza toppings, plus a pinch of oregano.
- Second bake: Return to the oven for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden in spots. Serve hot.
Notes
- Swap pepperoni for your favorite vegetables or plant-based protein.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free English muffins.
- Leftovers (fulled cooked and cooled) can be reheated in the oven, air fryer or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 4-8 minutes for the best texture.
- Make-ahead: Toast, cool, and top English muffin halves, then refrigerate (airtight) for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, finish in the oven at 400°F (200°C), toaster oven, or air fryer until crisp and melty.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Assemble the pizzas, store them in the refrigerator, and bake right before serving. Perfect for parties or after-school snacks. They also hold up pretty well full made when packed in a lunch to go.
What’s the best sauce to use?
Classic marinara sauce or pizza sauce works great, but pesto, Alfredo, or BBQ sauce are all fun variations.
Can I make a healthier version?
Use whole wheat or gluten-free English muffin halves, add veggie toppings, and load up on fiber-rich vegetables. The frozen Food for Life brand’s healthier English muffins are great here if you want a higher fiber option.
Do they taste like pizza bagels?
A little! The texture is different—more crisp and chewy like a mini pizza crust, thanks to the English muffin’s nooks & crannies.
How many calories are in an English muffin pizza?
It depends on toppings and what brands you use, but a basic cheese version is usually around 150–200 calories per half. Add more veggies for nutrition without many extra calories.
What if I don’t have mozzarella?
You can use cheddar cheese, fresh mozzarella, or even ricotta for a creamy finish.
Can I make a margherita pizza version?
Absolutely—top with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato, and basil after baking for a classic margherita flavor.
www.elizabethrider.com (Article Sourced Website)
#English #Muffin #Pizzas