English Muffin Pizza

English muffin pizza is the ultimate kid-friendly recipe. I should know: When we were kids, my brother and I used to make (and devour) quite a few of them as our after-school snacks. Of course, that doesn’t mean they’re just for children! Anytime you’re craving pizza or need an easy comfort food meal, English muffin pizzas are probably the answer.

The recipe’s name should give it away, but English muffins are the secret ingredient here. When toasted, the muffin’s nooks and crannies become crisp and golden, creating little pockets to fill with pizza sauce. This makeshift pizza crust is the perfect vehicle for pizza toppings, whether simple pepperoni and cheese for the kiddos or more creative options for adult palates.

Ingredients for English Muffin Pizza

• English muffins: You can use regular, whole wheat, gluten-free or homemade English muffins. To split the muffin, insert a fork’s tines into the side and work it around until you can pry the halves apart. Once split, lightly toast the halves. This pre-toasting step prevents the bread from getting soggy when you add sauce and toppings.
• Pizza sauce: Store-bought pizza sauce and canned marinara sauce can be used interchangeably here. These pizzas are also great for using leftover homemade pizza sauce. Using 1 tablespoon of sauce per pizza seems to be the sweet spot—any more and your pizzas will be heavy and soggy.
• Pepperoni: Feel free to use your favorite type of pepperoni, whether traditional, spicy or a lightened-up turkey version. Four slices of full-size pepperoni per muffin half should be the perfect amount to add savory, meaty flavor. You could also use mini pepperoni for extra-cute visual appeal.
• Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is the most traditional choice for pizza recipes. You’ll find several options at the store, but whole milk mozzarella cheese is best because it melts well and has a great flavor. I usually recommend shredding it at home, but pre-shredded cheese works if you need to keep this recipe quick and kid-friendly.
• Oregano: Topping each pizza with a pinch of dried oregano flakes makes them taste more like pizza. You could also substitute Italian seasoning or a combination of dried oregano, basil and rosemary.

Directions

Step 1: Assemble the pizzas

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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the split and toasted English muffins on a foil-lined baking sheet. Top each with pizza sauce, followed by pepperoni slices and shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the pizzas with oregano, if desired.

Editor’s Tip: Toasting the English muffins prevents your pizza crust from getting soggy. Lightly toast the split English muffins in a regular toaster, toaster oven or preheated oven for a few minutes, then add the sauce and toppings.

Step 2: Bake the pizzas

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Bake the pizzas for 9 to 12 minutes or until the edges of the English muffins are toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Editor’s Tip: If you prefer an extra-crisp crust and browned bits of melty cheese, broil the pizzas for the last minute.

English Muffin Pizza Variations

• Change the crust: While they wouldn’t be “English muffin” pizzas without English muffins, you can use this recipe to make personal-sized pizzas with other types of bread. Try pita or naan.
• Add more cheese: More cheese, please! Add a dollop of creamy ricotta or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to each pizza for more cheesy goodness. You can also swap in shredded cheddar cheese or another melting cheese.
• Use a different sauce: Tomato-based sauce is classic, but feel free to experiment with other sauces for a different flavor experience. Think creamy Alfredo sauce, herby pesto or zesty barbecue sauce.

Topping Ideas for English Muffin Pizzas

Set out a few toppings and invite the family into the kitchen to build personalized pizzas. Here are some topping ideas for inspiration:

• Margherita: Make a miniature margherita pizza with slices of fresh mozzarella instead of shredded cheese. Top the pizzas with torn fresh basil leaves after they come out of the oven.
• Veggie lovers: Top pizzas with chopped button mushrooms, green bell pepper, red onion and sliced black olives.
• White pizza: Spread English muffins with white pizza sauce and top with minced garlic or garlic powder. Finish with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Hawaiian: Combine cubed ham and fresh or canned pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-salty Hawaiian pizza.
• Barbecue: Use barbecue sauce instead of tomato sauce, then add red onions and chicken to make barbecued chicken pizza. Pulled pork works well on this type of pizza, too.

How to Store English Muffin Pizzas

English muffin pizzas taste best when they’re eaten right after baking, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Let the pizzas cool, then transfer them to an airtight storage container. If you need to stack them, layer parchment paper between the pizzas so they don’t stick together.

Can you freeze English muffin pizzas?

You can freeze English muffin pizzas for up to three months. The best way to freeze them is before baking. Assemble the pizzas as directed, and place them on a sheet pan that will fit in your freezer. Cover the pan with storage wrap and place the pan in the freezer for several hours or overnight. Transfer the frozen pizzas to a storage container. You can cook the pizzas from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed for the cheese to melt.

How do you reheat English muffin pizzas?

Reheat refrigerated pizzas on a foil-lined baking sheet in a 375° oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty, about 10 minutes. Some people swear by reheating pizza in an air fryer to get an extra-crisp crust. While I haven’t tried the air fryer method yet, it should work for these mini pizzas.

English Muffin Pizza Tips

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Can I cook English muffin pizzas in the microwave?

I don’t recommend microwaving English muffin pizzas. Although the microwave can warm the ingredients and melt the cheese quickly, it won’t produce a crisp crust. For the best texture, bake the pizzas in the oven or a toaster oven.

Why are my English muffin pizzas soggy?

If you forget to toast the English muffins before adding the toppings, the crust will absorb moisture and become mushy. Toasting helps to crisp up the cut side of the English muffin so it holds up better to the sauce. Another culprit for soggy pizzas is adding too many toppings, especially ingredients with a high water content like veggies. Stick to 1 tablespoon of sauce and 1 to 2 tablespoons of toppings per crust.

What can you serve with English muffin pizzas?

A simple salad is the perfect side for these English muffin pizzas. You can’t go wrong with a classic Caesar salad or a chopped garden salad. Another good idea is to pair healthy dips with assorted veggies, like strips of bell pepper and carrot and celery sticks. It’s a delicious and easy side for the little ones to snack on while they wait for the cheese to melt.