If you’re craving something cheesy, crispy, and downright comforting, then you’re in for a treat with English Muffin Pizza. This little gem of a recipe combines the crunch of a toasted muffin with gooey melted cheese and all your favorite pizza toppings—basically, it’s mini pizza heaven! What makes it even better? You can whip up these bite-sized delights in less than 20 minutes.
Here’s a fun fact: English Muffin Pizzas actually became popular in the 1980s as a quick kid-friendly snack, often featured in school lunch menus and after-school treats. Fast forward to today, and they’re not just for kids anymore. Families love them because they’re customizable, budget-friendly, and an absolute hit at both casual dinners and parties.
Why should you try them? Well, they’re a total game-changer for busy weeknights when you want the flavors of a pizza without the fuss of kneading dough or waiting for delivery. Plus, if you’ve already tried my Chorizo Pizza recipe, you’ll appreciate how versatile these pizzas can be—you can keep them classic or load them up with bold, creative toppings.
So, grab a pack of English muffins, your favorite sauce, and let’s get started on making these irresistible pizzas that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Want more Breakfast inspiration? Check out our Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins and English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe for another irresistible treat!
What is English Muffin Pizza?
So, what exactly is an English Muffin Pizza? Imagine taking a humble English muffin, splitting it in half, and turning it into a personal-sized pizza crust. Genius, right? It’s like pizza’s quirky little cousin who shows up at the party and steals the spotlight.
Why is it called this? Well, instead of traditional pizza dough, you’re using a muffin as the base—and let’s be honest, anything that makes pizza easier to eat gets a standing ovation! Remember the old saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, these cheesy, saucy mini pizzas might just be the shortcut.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can pizza get any easier?” this recipe is the answer. Now it’s your turn to give it a try and see why it’s the snack (or meal!) that always disappears first.
Why You’ll Love This English Muffin Pizza
There are three delicious reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Crispy, cheesy goodness – The muffin crisps up beautifully in the oven, giving you a crunchy base topped with melty cheese and flavorful toppings.
- Budget-friendly alternative – Skip the delivery and make pizza night at home without breaking the bank. A pack of muffins costs a fraction of takeout dough.
- Toppings galore – From classic pepperoni to fresh veggies, you can customize each mini pizza so everyone in the family gets their favorite.
If you loved my Mushroom Sandwich Melts, you’ll adore how this recipe offers the same comfort-food vibes in pizza form. Ready to make them part of your weekly rotation? Let’s dive in!
How to Make English Muffin Pizza
Quick Overview
The beauty of English Muffin Pizza is that it’s quick, easy, and always satisfying. With just 15–20 minutes total, you’ll have golden, crispy crusts, perfectly melted cheese, and toppings that pop with flavor.
Key Ingredients for English Muffin Pizza
Here’s what you’ll need to make 6 mini pizzas (3 muffins split in half):
- 3 English muffins, split in half
- ½ cup pizza sauce (or marinara)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slices of pepperoni (optional)
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers or mushrooms (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Olive oil spray (to crisp the muffins)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toast the muffins: Lightly spray the cut sides of the muffins with olive oil and toast them in the oven for 3–4 minutes until slightly golden. This keeps them crispy under the sauce.
- Add sauce: Spread 1–2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each toasted muffin half.
- Load the toppings: Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then add pepperoni, veggies, or your favorites.
- Bake to perfection: Return to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
And just like that—you’ve made delicious English Muffin Pizzas in 3 easy steps!
What to Serve English Muffin Pizza With
Pair your mini pizzas with:
- A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks
- A side of marinara dipping sauce
- Sparkling water, soda, or even a fun mocktail
These combos turn snack-sized pizzas into a complete meal everyone will enjoy.
Top Tips for Perfecting English Muffin Pizza
- Crispy base trick: Toast the muffins before adding sauce. No soggy bottoms here!
- Cheese options: Try cheddar, provolone, or even a blend for more flavor.
- Mix up toppings: Go classic with pepperoni, veggie-packed with peppers and onions, or bold with BBQ chicken.
- Avoid overloading: Too many toppings weigh the muffin down. Keep it balanced.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the pizzas but don’t bake them. Freeze on a tray, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes, or use the air fryer for maximum crispiness.
FAQ About English Muffin Pizza
Q: Can I make English Muffin Pizza in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 5–6 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Q: What toppings work best?
Classic options like pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, or just plain cheese all work wonderfully.
Q: Can I use whole wheat muffins?
Absolutely—they add extra fiber and still get nice and crispy.
Q: How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Pre-toast the muffins before adding sauce and toppings—it makes all the difference!
Conclusion
English Muffin Pizza is the ultimate easy, family-friendly recipe that delivers all the comfort of a traditional pizza without the wait or cost. With just a few simple ingredients and 3 easy steps, you can create golden, crispy pizzas topped with melty cheese and bold flavors.
Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, an after-school snack, or a fun DIY pizza night, these little pizzas are guaranteed to please. Give them a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner!