English Muffin Pizzas

Making pizza at home is always a big hit. Sometimes you want a pizza but do not want to wait for dough to rise. That is where English muffin pizzas come in to save the day. They are small, crunchy, and very easy to make. I love making these because everyone gets to pick their own toppings. It feels like a tiny party in the kitchen every single time.

In this post, you will learn exactly how to make these crispy treats. I will show you the best way to toast them so they do not get soggy. You will also find a list of fun toppings and some tricks I learned the hard way. These are great for a quick lunch or a fun dinner with the family.

Grab your muffins and let’s get cooking!

Why English Muffins Make the Best Pizza Crust

English muffins have lots of little holes inside them. People call these nooks and crannies. When you put sauce and cheese on top, those holes catch all the good flavor. It makes every bite taste better than a flat crust. I think they are the perfect size for kids too. One or two muffins make a full meal without any waste.

Another reason I use these is the crunch. If you cook them right, the edges get very brown and crispy. It is much faster than making a big pizza from scratch. You can have a hot meal on the table in less than twenty minutes. That is a win for anyone who has a busy schedule or hungry kids waiting for food.

What You Need to Gather

First, you need to get your ingredients ready. You do not need anything fancy to make these taste great. I usually buy the plain English muffins from the store. You can use whole wheat ones if you want to be a bit more healthy. The most important part is the sauce and the cheese. If you have those, you are halfway there already.

I like to use a thick pizza sauce. If the sauce is too watery, the bread will get soft and mushy. For cheese, mozzarella is the classic choice. It melts really well and gives you those long cheese pulls. You can also add some parmesan for a little extra salt. Don’t forget your favorite toppings like pepperoni, peppers, or even bits of cooked sausage.

• 6 English muffins (makes 12 pizzas)
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Optional: Fresh basil or red pepper flakes

How to Cook Your Mini Pizzas

The process is very simple, but the order matters. I learned that you should always toast the bread a little bit before you add the sauce. If you put sauce on cold bread, the liquid soaks in right away. This makes the middle of the pizza soft and gross. Nobody likes a soggy pizza! Toast them until they are just starting to turn light brown.

Once they are toasted, lay them out on a big baking sheet. I use a spoon to put a little sauce on each half. Spread it out to the edges but leave a tiny bit of room for a crust. Then, pile on the cheese. Be generous! The cheese acts like glue for the toppings. Put your pepperoni or veggies on last so they can get crispy in the oven heat.

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Split the muffins in half and toast them in a toaster or under the broiler for 2 minutes.
3. Place toasted muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread 1 tablespoon of sauce on each muffin half.
5. Sprinkle a big handful of cheese over the sauce.
6. Add your favorite toppings on top of the cheese.
7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and brown.

The Best Topping Ideas

This is the part where you can get creative. I love a classic pepperoni pizza, but sometimes I want something different. You can make a veggie pizza with small pieces of broccoli and mushrooms. Just make sure to cut the veggies small. Since these pizzas are tiny, big chunks of food will fall off. I also like making a white pizza with garlic butter and cheese instead of red sauce.

If you like fruit on pizza, try ham and pineapple. My cousin hates it, but IMO, the sweet and salty mix is great. Another fun idea is a BBQ chicken pizza. Use BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce and add some cooked chicken. Since the muffins are small, you can make three or four different kinds and try them all. It is a great way to use up small leftovers in the fridge.

Tips for the Perfect Crunch

If you want the best results, do not skip the pre-toasting step. This is the secret to a professional snack. I once tried to skip it because I was in a rush. The pizzas came out like wet sponges. It was a sad day for lunch! Now I always toast them first. You can even rub a little garlic on the toasted bread before adding sauce to give it a boost.

Another tip is to use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet. This lets the hot air move under the muffin. It makes the bottom just as crunchy as the top. If you don’t have a rack, just make sure your oven is nice and hot. A cold oven will just dry out the bread without melting the cheese quickly. Check them often after the 8-minute mark so they don’t burn.

How to Store and Reheat

Sometimes you might have leftovers. These pizzas keep well in the fridge for about two days. I put them in a sealed container once they are totally cool. If you put them in while they are hot, the steam will make them soft. You can even freeze them! Just freeze them on a tray first, then move them to a bag. This keeps them from sticking together.

When you want to eat them again, do not use the microwave. The microwave makes bread chewy and tough. It is better to use a toaster oven or a regular oven. Put them in at 350 degrees for about five minutes. This brings back the crunch and melts the cheese again. It tastes almost as good as the day you made them. FYI, they make a great cold snack too if you are into that!

Ways to Serve Your Pizzas

I usually serve these with a side salad to feel a bit more healthy. A simple bowl of greens with dressing balances the cheesy pizza perfectly. If I am making these for a kids’ party, I serve them with carrot sticks and ranch dip. They are also a great appetizer for a big game. You can put them on a large platter and let people grab them like finger food.

One fun way to serve them is a “build your own” bar. Put out bowls of sauce, cheese, and many toppings. Give everyone two muffin halves and let them decorate. This is a big hit with my friends’ kids. It keeps them busy and they are more likely to eat the food they made themselves. Just be ready for a little bit of a mess on the table!

Common Questions About Muffin Pizzas

Can I use a microwave?

You can, but the crust will be soft. It is much better to use an oven or a toaster oven for a crunchy base.

What if I don’t have pizza sauce?

You can use pasta sauce or even a little tomato paste with herbs. Some people even use ketchup in a pinch!

Are these healthy for kids?

Yes, they are a good size. Use whole wheat muffins and lots of veggies on top to make them even better.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook them at 370 degrees for about 5 to 7 minutes. They get extra crispy this way.

Enjoy Your Homemade Snack

English muffin pizzas are a classic for a reason. They are cheap, fast, and taste amazing. Whether you are a student or a parent, these will save your lunch. Give them a try tonight and see how crunchy and fun they can be!