English Muffin Pizza: A Fun and Easy Snack for All Ages
When you need a quick, delicious snack or appetizer, English Muffin Pizza is the perfect solution. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create individual pizzas in no time, making them perfect for kids, parties, or casual meals. The crispy, golden muffin base holds all the best pizza toppings: zesty pizza sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and flavorful pepperoni. Whether you’re short on time or just craving pizza, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. You can also customize the toppings to suit your preferences, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.
If you want to explore more creative pizza ideas, check out Food Network’s pizza recipes for endless inspiration and variations. Additionally, you can find more twists on this classic at The Spruce Eats.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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Quick and Delicious English Muffin Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 individual pizzas (1 per muffin) 1x
Description
English Muffin Pizzas are a fun and easy way to enjoy homemade pizza in a smaller, individual size. With a crispy toasted muffin base, zesty pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and savory pepperoni, this dish is perfect for a quick snack, lunch, or dinner. Plus, it’s customizable—swap out the pepperoni for your favorite toppings!
Ingredients
- 4 English muffins, split and toasted
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 16 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Muffins:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Split the English muffins in half and toast them lightly in a toaster or on a baking sheet in the oven until golden brown.
- Assemble the Pizzas:
- Spread a tablespoon or so of pizza sauce evenly over each toasted muffin half.
- Place 4 slices of pepperoni on top of the sauce on each muffin.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pepperoni.
- Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano over the cheese for added flavor.
- Bake the Pizzas:
- Place the prepared muffin halves on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the muffins are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the pizzas cool for a minute before serving. Slice into quarters for easy sharing, or enjoy as is!
Notes
Customization: Add your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or sausage to make these pizzas your own.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pizzas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, bake them at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza (half of an English muffin)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: English Muffin Pizza Recipe
Instructions:
1. Toast the English Muffins:
Begin by splitting the English muffins in half. Toast each half until golden brown. You can either toast them in a toaster or place them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Toasting them before adding the toppings ensures that they become nice and crisp, making the perfect base for your mini pizzas.
2. Spread the Pizza Sauce:
Once the English muffins are toasted, spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each muffin half. Be sure to cover the surface evenly with the sauce, but avoid using too much to prevent sogginess. The pizza sauce will bring a nice, tangy flavor that complements the cheese and pepperoni.
3. Add the Toppings:
Next, top each muffin with 2 slices of pepperoni and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella is the traditional choice for pizza, but feel free to get creative with your cheese selections. You can mix in cheddar, provolone, or even parmesan for a more complex flavor. If you like a little extra flavor, sprinkle some dried oregano or crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
4. Bake:
Once you’ve added your toppings, place the prepared muffins on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese has fully melted and the edges of the muffins are golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
After baking, allow the English muffin pizzas to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This will prevent the hot cheese from burning your mouth and make them easier to eat. These mini pizzas are the perfect snack for kids, a party, or a movie night.
Advanced Techniques
1. Customizing Your Toppings:
While the classic combination of pepperoni and mozzarella is always a winner, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. You can easily swap out the pepperoni for other proteins, such as cooked sausage, grilled chicken, or even bacon. For a vegetarian version, consider using mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, spinach, or olives.
You can also experiment with different cheeses. Instead of just mozzarella, try using a combination of cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a more complex flavor profile. For a touch of creaminess, a small dollop of ricotta cheese on top of the mozzarella can add richness and texture.
2. Spice It Up:
If you like your pizza with a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or chili oil to the top of your muffin pizzas. You can also drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the top just before serving for an extra kick. These simple additions will give your English Muffin Pizzas a bold and spicy twist.
3. Use Fresh Herbs:
Fresh herbs can really elevate the flavor of your mini pizzas. After baking, add a sprinkle of fresh basil, oregano, or parsley for a burst of freshness and aroma. Fresh herbs add brightness and contrast to the richness of the cheese and sauce, making the pizza even more delicious.
4. Make Your Own Pizza Sauce:
While store-bought pizza sauce works just fine, making your own can take these mini pizzas to the next level. A simple homemade pizza sauce can be made by combining canned crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer the ingredients together to develop the flavors, and then spread it over your toasted muffins for a rich and savory base.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
1. Storing Leftovers:
If you happen to have leftover English Muffin Pizzas, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place the pizzas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This will ensure the cheese remains melted and the muffin base doesn’t become soggy.
2. Freezing:
If you want to make these mini pizzas in advance, you can freeze them. To do this, assemble the pizzas on the English muffin halves, but do not bake them. Instead, place the muffins on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake them directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
1. Gluten-Free Version:
For those who follow a gluten-free diet, you can easily make English Muffin Pizzas by using gluten-free English muffins. There are many gluten-free options available at grocery stores that taste just as good as regular English muffins. Make sure your pizza sauce is also gluten-free, and you’ll have a satisfying, gluten-free pizza alternative.
2. Dairy-Free Version:
If you’re dairy-free or following a vegan diet, you can swap the regular mozzarella cheese for a dairy-free mozzarella alternative made from coconut milk or cashews. Additionally, many vegan pizza sauces are available, or you can make your own with tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs. This allows you to enjoy the pizza without any dairy products.
3. Low-Carb Option:
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can substitute the English muffin base with cauliflower crusts or zucchini slices. These options provide a lighter, lower-carb alternative that still holds the pizza toppings well. Cauliflower crusts can be found pre-made at many grocery stores, or you can make your own by pulsing cauliflower in a food processor and baking it into a crust.
FAQs About English Muffin Pizza
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the English Muffin Pizzas in advance by toasting the muffins and adding the sauce and toppings. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake them in the oven for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can try other cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or gouda. You could even experiment with a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Adding Parmesan or Ricotta as a topping can also add richness to the pizza.
3. Can I make these without pepperoni?
Yes, you can leave off the pepperoni and use other proteins like sausage, grilled chicken, or even bacon. Alternatively, you could make a vegetarian version by using a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach.
4. How do I make them spicier?
If you enjoy spicy food, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, fresh jalapeños, or drizzle some hot sauce on top of your pizzas before serving. This adds heat and complexity to the flavors, making them even more satisfying.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
English Muffin Pizza is an incredibly versatile, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for all occasions. Whether you’re in need of a quick snack, a fun family meal, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these mini pizzas can be tailored to suit your tastes and dietary needs. You can stick with the classic combination of pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, or get creative with your toppings. The possibilities are endless, making English Muffin Pizzas a go-to favorite in any kitchen.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy these delightful mini pizzas that are sure to satisfy your cravings!