English Muffin Pizza
Crisp, saucy, cheesy English muffin pizzas are a quick snack, lunch, or kid-friendly dinner. They bake in minutes and are easy to customize with the toppings you already have.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Yield
- Makes 8 mini pizzas; serves 4 as a snack
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 10mCook 10mAmericanSnacks
English muffin pizza is the kind of recipe that earns a regular spot in the kitchen. Split muffins turn crisp at the edges, the little nooks hold sauce, and the cheese melts into a bubbly topping.
This version starts by toasting the muffins before adding sauce. That small step helps keep the centers from getting soggy, especially if you like a little extra pizza sauce.
Use the recipe as a base, then make it your own. Pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, cooked sausage, or just plain cheese all work well.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
9 items · Makes 8 mini pizzas; serves 4 as a snack
- 4 English muffins, split in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional, for brushing
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 24 small pepperoni slices, or use your favorite toppings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
- Fresh basil or parsley, optional, for serving
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Heat the oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. If you like a very crisp base, place a wire rack on the sheet pan.
2. Split the muffins
Use your hands or a fork to split the English muffins in half. A fork keeps the surface craggy, which helps catch the sauce and cheese.
3. Toast the bases
Arrange the muffin halves cut-side up on the pan. Brush lightly with olive oil if using. Bake for 4 to 5 minutes, until the tops feel dry and are just starting to turn golden.
4. Add the sauce
Spoon about 1 tablespoon pizza sauce onto each toasted muffin half. Spread it almost to the edge, but do not pile it on too thickly or the muffins may soften.
5. Sprinkle on the cheese
Top each muffin with shredded mozzarella. Use enough to cover the sauce, but leave a small border so the cheese can melt without sliding off.
6. Add toppings
Place pepperoni or other toppings over the cheese. If using watery vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes, or zucchini, slice them thinly and pat them dry first.
7. Bake until bubbly
Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the muffin edges are crisp. For browned spots on the cheese, broil for 30 to 60 seconds at the end, watching closely.
8. Finish and serve
Sprinkle with oregano, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs. Let the pizzas cool for 2 minutes before eating, since the sauce and cheese will be very hot.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Toast the English muffin halves up to 1 day ahead. Cool them completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature. Add sauce and toppings just before baking.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftover cooked English muffin pizzas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The muffins will soften, but they will still taste good.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for 6 to 8 minutes. An air fryer also works well at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. The microwave is quick, but the muffins will be soft rather than crisp.
- Freezer option: Assemble the pizzas on toasted muffin halves, freeze them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 10 to 14 minutes, until hot and melted.
- Cheese swaps: Low-moisture mozzarella melts well and does not release much water. You can mix in cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a little Parmesan for more flavor.
- Topping ideas: Try cooked sausage, diced ham, olives, pineapple, roasted peppers, thinly sliced onion, or baby spinach. Cook raw meat before adding it to the pizzas.
Cook's note
For the crispiest result, do not skip the first toast. English muffins are thicker and more absorbent than pizza dough, so a quick bake before saucing makes a noticeable difference.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I make English muffin pizza in a toaster oven?
Yes. Toast the split muffins first, then add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake at 400°F to 425°F until the cheese melts, usually 5 to 8 minutes depending on the toaster oven.
How do I keep English muffin pizzas from getting soggy?
Toast the muffin halves before adding sauce, use a moderate amount of sauce, and choose low-moisture mozzarella. Also pat wet toppings dry before adding them.
Can I use whole wheat English muffins?
Yes. Whole wheat English muffins work well and may taste a little nuttier. They can be slightly drier, so watch them during the first toast.
What toppings should I avoid?
Avoid very wet toppings unless you drain or pat them dry first. Fresh tomatoes, canned pineapple, mushrooms, and frozen vegetables can add too much moisture if used straight from the package.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes. Kids can split muffins with help, spread sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add toppings. An adult should handle the hot oven, pan, and broiler.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
Makes 8 mini pizzas; serves 4 as a snack
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat6.3 g
- 8%
- Saturated Fat2.7 g
- 14%
- Cholesterol13 mg
- 4%
- Sodium277 mg
- 12%
- Total Carbohydrate15 g
- 5%
- Dietary Fiber1.1 g
- 4%
- Total Sugars2 g
- Protein9 g
- 18%
- Vitamin D0.1 mcg
- 1%
- Calcium203 mg
- 16%
- Iron0.9 mg
- 5%
- Potassium88 mg
- 2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimated from the ingredient list; actual amounts vary with brands, portion sizes, and substitutions.
05Keep cooking
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