Name: English Muffin Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 4 each English muffins ((split in half)); 1 cup marinara sauce ((store-bought or homemade)); 2 cups mozzarella cheese ((shredded)); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil ((for drizzling)); Toppings of your choice ((such as pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, etc.))

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something delightfully nostalgic about English muffin pizza. This quick and easy dish combines the comfort of pizza with the fun of a DIY project, making it a hit for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re whipping up a snack for yourself, hosting a casual gathering, or looking for a fun family activity, English muffin pizzas are here to save the day. The best part? You can customize them to fit your taste buds perfectly. Let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

English muffin pizza is not just a meal; it’s a canvas for creativity! With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dish that’s both tasty and versatile. Here are some reasons why this recipe will have a permanent spot in your kitchen:

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these pizzas take less than 30 minutes to prepare and bake.
Customizable: Use whatever toppings you have on hand to make each pizza unique.
Kid-Friendly: Perfect for kids to help with, making it a fun family cooking activity.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch and store them for quick snacks or lunches throughout the week.

The Essentials

To make your own English muffin pizzas, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 English muffins (split in half) – the base for your pizzas.
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) – the flavorful foundation.
2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded) – for that gooey, melty goodness.
Toppings of your choice (such as pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, etc.) – get creative!
1 teaspoon dried oregano – for a touch of Italian flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – to enhance the taste.
Olive oil (for drizzling) – adds richness and depth.

Before You Start: Equipment

To make your English muffin pizzas, gather the following equipment:

Baking sheet – to hold your pizzas while they bake.
Parchment paper (optional) – for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Oven – preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Knife – for splitting the muffins and chopping toppings.
Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure the right ingredient amounts.

The Method for English Muffin Pizza

Ready to create your delicious English muffin pizzas? Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfectly crispy base for your pizzas.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffins

Split the English muffins in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. If you’re using parchment paper, line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Spread about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on each half of the muffins. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cheese

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each muffin half. Don’t be shy; cheese is the star of the show!

Step 5: Add Your Toppings

Now it’s time to get creative! Add your favorite toppings on top of the cheese. The possibilities are endless—choose from pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or anything else your heart desires.

Step 6: Season It Up

Sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano and garlic powder over the top of each pizza. This will elevate the flavors and make your kitchen smell heavenly.

Step 7: Drizzle with Olive Oil

Finish off by drizzling a little olive oil over the top for added richness and to help the cheese melt beautifully.

Step 8: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious DIY English muffin pizzas!

Dietary Swaps & Alternatives

If you’re looking to modify this recipe to fit dietary needs, consider these swaps:

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free English muffins.
Dairy-Free: Substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Low-Carb: Use portobello mushrooms or cauliflower slices as a base instead of English muffins.
Vegetarian: Load up on veggies and skip meat toppings.

If You’re Curious

If you want to know more about English muffin pizzas, here are some interesting tidbits:

Did you know that English muffins were invented in the United States? They were first introduced by a British baker named Samuel Bath Thomas in the late 1800s, who sought to create a bread that could be toasted easily. Today, they are a staple in many households and make for a perfect pizza base!

English muffins are often mistaken for crumpets, but they are distinctly different in texture and taste.
You can also experiment with different sauces, like pesto or barbecue sauce, for a unique twist on your pizzas.
Leftover muffins can be stored in the freezer and toasted for breakfast or snacks later.

Save It for Later

English muffin pizzas are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for meal prep. Here’s how you can save them for later:

After baking, allow the pizzas to cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the unbaked pizzas by assembling them and then wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Questions People Ask

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a blend of your favorites for a unique flavor.

How do I make my own marinara sauce?

To make a simple marinara sauce, sauté minced garlic in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and simmer for about 20 minutes.

What toppings work best for English muffin pizza?

The best toppings are those you love! Classic options include pepperoni and olives, but feel free to get adventurous with spinach, artichokes, or even pineapple.

Can I make these pizzas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time by assembling the pizzas and storing them in the fridge or freezer. Bake them when you’re ready to eat!

Wrap-Up

English muffin pizza is a delightful and adaptable recipe that brings joy to the table with minimal effort. It’s the perfect way to involve the whole family in the kitchen, letting everyone personalize their own pizza with toppings of their choice. Whether you’re enjoying these for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, you’ll be amazed at how satisfying and fulfilling English muffin pizza can be. So gather your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat!