If you’re craving a quick, fun, and utterly delicious snack or meal, this English Muffin Pizza Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine the crispy edges of perfectly toasted English muffins topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese, rich pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a convenient, mini portion that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a party snack. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, kids, or friends, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that transforms simple pantry staples into a mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this English Muffin Pizza Recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the English muffins provide a crispy, chewy base, the pizza sauce gives vibrant tomato flavor, and the melted mozzarella creates that irresistible gooey texture. Toppings and seasonings bring in your favorite personal touches and pop of color.
- English muffins: Split and toasted, they give you that iconic crunchy-yet-soft texture that makes these mini pizzas so delightful.
- Pizza sauce: Look for a flavorful tomato sauce that’s not too watery, setting a rich base for the toppings.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The key to that melty, stringy, cheesy goodness that pulls every bite together.
- Sliced pepperoni or toppings of choice (optional): From classic pepperoni to veggies or sausage, the customization is endless!
- Dried Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of this adds herby depth and warmth to each mini pizza.
- Olive oil (optional): Brushing the muffin halves with olive oil before baking creates an extra crispy crust.
- Red pepper flakes or fresh basil (optional): These garnishes add a fresh burst of spice or herbal brightness at serving.
How to Make English Muffin Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffins
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when the pizzas go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup and place the split English muffin halves on it, cut-side up. If you’re up for a crisper crust, lightly brush each muffin half with olive oil—this little step makes a noticeable difference!
Step 2: Sauce and Cheese Time
Next, spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of your pizza sauce evenly over each English muffin half. Don’t skimp here—this sauce is the heart of your pizza flavor. Then, sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, making sure each bite promises that glorious cheesy pull.
Step 3: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Now’s the time to get creative! Add pepperoni slices or whichever toppings you love—diced bell peppers, olives, pineapple, or even cooked sausage all work beautifully. After the toppings, sprinkle dried Italian seasoning on top for that authentic, herb-infused flavor.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Crispy
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling, and those English muffin edges are turning deliciously crisp and golden. Let them cool for a minute or two once out of the oven to avoid a hot cheese burn!
How to Serve English Muffin Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
To take these English Muffin Pizza Recipe creations to the next level, sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or fresh basil leaves for a bright, fragrant touch. These simple garnishes don’t just look pretty—they elevate the overall taste profile and make your mini pizzas feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a fresh green salad or crunchy carrot sticks for added texture and nutrition. Garlic bread or a simple cup of tomato soup also pairs wonderfully, turning this easy snack into a satisfying meal. The beauty of these pizzas is that they complement a wide range of sides, keeping your options open and meals fun.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by arranging the mini pizzas on a colorful platter with dips like ranch, marinara, or spicy mayo around the edges for dunking. You could even make a mini pizza party out of it, letting everyone customize their own English muffin pizza with a variety of toppings spread out like a fun buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover English Muffin Pizza Recipe mini pizzas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the crust as crisp as possible, place a paper towel underneath the muffins to absorb moisture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze these mini pizzas. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months without losing their delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring your English Muffin Pizza Recipe back to life, reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until the cheese melts and the base is crisp again—usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crispy base.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free English muffins?
Absolutely! Using whole wheat muffins adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, while gluten-free options make this recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities. Just toast them lightly before topping for the best texture.
What are some good topping alternatives to pepperoni?
If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, try diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, pineapple, cooked sausage, or even fresh spinach. The key is to keep toppings thinly sliced or pre-cooked if needed, so they heat evenly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use vegan mozzarella cheese and vegan-friendly pizza sauce, and skip any meat toppings. Using olive oil instead of butter will keep these English muffin pizzas fully plant-based and just as tasty.
Is it possible to make these in an air fryer?
Definitely! Preheat your air fryer to 370°F and cook the English muffin pizzas for 5 to 6 minutes. This method gives you an extra crispy crust quicker than the oven.
How do I prevent the English muffin from getting soggy?
Brushing the muffin halves lightly with olive oil before adding sauce helps create a barrier that keeps the crust crispy. Also, avoid adding too much sauce to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This English Muffin Pizza Recipe is pure joy in a mini package—fast, flavorful, and infinitely customizable. It’s a fantastic way to satisfy pizza cravings with minimal effort and maximum fun. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite. Trust me, these mini pizzas will fly off your plate and into your regular recipe rotation.
Print
English Muffin Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini pizzas (serves 4)
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and delicious English Muffin Pizzas made with toasted English muffins, pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack that kids and adults love.
Ingredients
Base
- 4 English muffins, split in half
Sauce & Cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni or other toppings of choice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Additional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
- Red pepper flakes or fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Muffins: Place the split English muffin halves cut-side up on the baking sheet. If you want extra crispiness, lightly brush each muffin half with olive oil.
- Add Sauce: Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each muffin half and spread it evenly across the surface.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced muffins.
- Add Toppings and Seasoning: Add your choice of toppings such as sliced pepperoni, vegetables, or cooked sausage. Sprinkle each muffin half with a pinch of dried Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
- Bake: Bake the prepared muffins in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese melts, bubbles, and the muffin edges become crisp.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with red pepper flakes or fresh basil as desired before serving.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free English muffins to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Try a variety of toppings like diced bell peppers, olives, or pineapple for fun flavor variations.
- These mini pizzas can also be cooked in an air fryer at 370°F for 5 to 6 minutes for a quicker option.
