English muffin pizzas are a kid-friendly lunch or after-school snack you can make any time. Toasted English muffin halves topped with classic pizza ingredients are ready in under 30 minutes and are perfect for busy days.
As a parent I often find myself juggling schedules, carpools, and meals. Kids seem to be hungry constantly, and a quick, satisfying option that everyone enjoys is a huge help. English muffin pizzas offer all the familiar pizza flavors in a small, easy-to-make package. They’re customizable, kid-approved, and come together fast—making them a staple for lunches, snacks, or a simple dinner.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients:
- English muffins – Any brand works; regular or whole wheat are both fine.
- Olive oil – Use olive oil or substitute melted butter if you prefer.
- Pizza sauce – Your favorite jarred or homemade sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese – Shredded for easy melting.
- Pepperoni – Slices; swap for any preferred pizza topping.
- Basil leaves – Fresh, thinly sliced or torn for garnish.
How to Make
Follow these easy steps to assemble and bake your English muffin pizzas:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Gently split the English muffins into halves and place them cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil lightly over each muffin half. Toast in the oven for 3–4 minutes, just until the edges are slightly golden—this helps keep the crust crisp.
- Remove the tray and spoon pizza sauce evenly over each toasted muffin, spreading it to the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce on each muffin and top with two pepperoni slices (or other toppings of your choice).
- Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges are nicely browned.
- Let the mini pizzas rest for 1–2 minutes, then finish with fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy.
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.
Freezing Instructions
Yes, these freeze well and are great to make in a larger batch:
- Toast the muffin halves as instructed, then assemble with sauce, cheese, and toppings but do not bake.
- Place the assembled muffins on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours until firm.
- Transfer frozen mini pizzas to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They keep for up to 3 months.
- To bake from frozen, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (204°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the crust is toasted.
Tips and Variations
- Toast the muffins before adding toppings to avoid soggy bottoms—this step is important for a crisp crust.
- Customize toppings to suit tastes: sausage, mushrooms, olives, peppers, or a sprinkle of parmesan all work well.
- For white pizzas, swap pizza sauce for Alfredo or a basil pesto for a fresh twist.
- Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Other Easy Pizza Ideas
If you enjoy English muffin pizzas, try other quick pizza-style meals like mac & cheese pizza, pizza quesadillas, or a white pizza grilled cheese for more family-friendly options.
Make these English muffin pizzas for a fast, comforting meal or snack—easy to prepare, easy to customize, and always a crowd pleaser.
English Muffin Pizzas
Ingredients
- 4 English muffins
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 slices pepperoni
- freshly sliced basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
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Gently open the English muffins, separating the halves, and arrange them cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the muffins. Bake at 400°F for 3–4 minutes until lightly toasted and barely golden.
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Spoon pizza sauce evenly over each toasted muffin and spread to the edges.
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Top with shredded cheese and two pepperoni slices on each muffin.
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Bake the mini pizzas for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and edges are browned.
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Let rest 1–2 minutes, top with basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- Toasting the muffins first is key to keeping the crust crisp and avoiding sogginess.
- Mix and match toppings to suit your family’s preferences.
- Switch the sauce to Alfredo or pesto for a different flavor profile.
- Offer extra pizza sauce for dipping on the side.
Nutrition