English Muffin Pizzas

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Crispy, cheesy, and ready in minutes—English Muffin Pizzas are the ultimate go-to for a fun and satisfying snack or light meal. With their golden, toasty base and gooey melted cheese, they deliver all the flavors of a traditional pizza in a bite-sized, hand-held form. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, looking for an after-school treat, or simply craving a quick dinner, these mini pizzas hit the spot every time.

The beauty of English Muffin Pizzas lies in their simplicity and versatility. You can keep it classic with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni, or get creative with your favorite toppings like veggies, pineapple, sausage, or even a drizzle of pesto. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen—just set out the toppings and let everyone build their own!

Why You’ll Love This English Muffin Pizzas Recipe

• Super quick to make—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Customizable with your favorite sauces, cheeses, and toppings.
• Kid-friendly and ideal for DIY pizza nights.
• Great way to use pantry and fridge staples.
• Toasty, crunchy base with perfectly melty cheese every time.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Here’s what you need to get started:

• Baking Sheet: Essential for getting that perfectly toasted muffin bottom and evenly melted toppings.
• Toaster or Oven: While a toaster oven works great for small batches, a conventional oven is ideal for larger servings.
• Spoon or Silicone Spreader: Helps evenly distribute the sauce over the muffins.
• Grater: If you’re using block cheese, a grater ensures fresh, gooey melt.
• Cooling Rack (Optional): Useful for keeping the base crisp after baking, especially if you’re not serving immediately.

Each tool plays a role in simplifying your prep and achieving delicious, consistent results.

Preparation Tips

Split your English muffins using a fork rather than a knife to preserve their natural nooks and crannies—this helps trap the sauce and cheese better. Lightly toast the muffins before adding toppings if you like an extra crispy bottom. Use a thick pizza sauce or even tomato paste to prevent sogginess. When layering toppings, start with sauce, then cheese, then toppings, and finish with a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning or dried oregano for a flavorful punch. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and just starting to brown for the best texture and flavor.

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Ingredients for this English Muffin Pizzas Recipe

• 6 English muffins, split in halves (12 halves total)
• 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and provolone)
• 12 slices of pepperoni (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing the muffins)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
• Optional toppings: chopped bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, onions, cooked sausage, pineapple
• Optional garnish: fresh basil, red pepper flakes, grated parmesan

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using a toaster oven, set it to the same temperature. This ensures the cheese melts properly and the muffins get a toasty bottom.

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Step 2: Prepare the English Muffins

Split the English muffins using a fork for better texture. Lightly toast them in the oven or toaster for 3–5 minutes. This prevents sogginess once the sauce is added.

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Step 3: Add Sauce

Spread about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each muffin half. Use the back of a spoon or a silicone spreader to evenly coat the surface.

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Step 4: Add Cheese and Toppings

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce. Place a slice of pepperoni on each or customize with your favorite toppings. Add a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning or oregano for extra flavor.

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Step 5: Bake the Pizzas

Arrange the muffin halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. If using a broiler, you can broil for the last 1–2 minutes for extra browning—just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

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Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for a couple of minutes. This helps the bottoms stay crisp. Garnish with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or grated parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Notes

English Muffin Pizzas are endlessly versatile. Swap in gluten-free muffins for a dietary-friendly option, or experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or feta. These pizzas are also a clever way to use up small amounts of leftover ingredients—just chop and toss on top. When prepping for a group, lay out a DIY pizza bar with toppings so everyone can create their own combo. And for added crisp, a light brushing of olive oil on the muffin halves before baking goes a long way.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using too much sauce: It can make the muffins soggy. Stick to about a tablespoon per half.
• Skipping the pre-toast: Not toasting the muffins before assembling can lead to a soggy base.
• Overloading with toppings: Too many toppings can cause uneven cooking and sogginess.
• Not preheating the oven: This delays cooking time and affects cheese melt.
• Burning under the broiler: If broiling at the end, watch closely—it only takes a few seconds to go from bubbly to burnt.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftover English Muffin Pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a toaster oven or regular oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to revive the crispiness. Microwaving is faster but can result in a softer base. For freezing, assemble but don’t bake—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Muffin Half)

• Calories: ~170 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fiber: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other bread instead of English muffins?

Yes! Mini bagels, sliced French bread, or naan are great alternatives.

How do I keep the muffin base from getting soggy?

Toast the muffins before adding sauce and avoid using too much sauce.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Cook at 370°F for 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese melting.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes. Assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella is classic, but try provolone, fontina, or even vegan cheese.

Can kids help make these?

Definitely! This is a perfect hands-on recipe for children to build their own pizzas.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, just skip the meat and load up on veggies or plant-based proteins.

Do I need to use parchment paper?

It’s optional but makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.

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Conclusion

English Muffin Pizzas are proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. Whether you’re throwing together a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests with a customizable snack bar, these mini pizzas are a guaranteed hit. Their crispy base, melty cheese, and endless topping combinations make them as fun to make as they are to eat. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

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