This easy English muffin pizza is a quick homemade dinner made with simple pantry ingredients. Crispy edges, soft centers, and bubbly melted cheese make these mini pizzas perfect for snacks, lunches, or weeknight meals.
Table of Contents
A Quick Classic That Never Gets Old
I’ve tried plenty of quick pizza recipes over the years, but so many end up soggy or bland. This one gets it right. The muffins crisp just enough around the edges, the sauce is balanced with herbs, and the cheese melts perfectly without sliding off. It’s the kind of easy dinner that actually tastes homemade.
I found this English muffin pizza recipe tucked inside my grandma’s recipe box, written on a yellowed newspaper clipping that had clearly seen its share of kitchen counters. It’s one of those recipes that feels both nostalgic and practical, the kind you can make on a whim with what’s already in the pantry.
I like to serve these straight from the oven with a simple salad or a few cut veggies on the side. They’re just as good for a casual lunch as they are for a family movie night. And if you’re in the mood to make your own crust sometime, my easy no rise pizza dough has that same homemade charm with a little extra hands-on fun.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pizza sauce: Grab your favorite pint of pizza sauce to create the saucy layer.
- English muffins: The perfect base for these mini pizzas. They crisp on the edges while staying soft in the center. Whole wheat or sourdough muffins work just as well.
- Pepperoni: Adds salty, savory flavor and a little crunch when baked. You can swap in sausage, ham, or even veggies if you like.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully and gives that stretchy, cheesy finish we all love. If you prefer, try part-skim mozzarella or a mix with provolone for extra flavor.
How to Make English Muffin Pizza
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 450˚F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Split the English muffins in half and set them cut side up. Measure out all ingredients so they’re ready to use once the oven is hot.
Step 1 – Arrange the Muffins
Place the split English muffin halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up, in a single layer. Make sure they are spaced slightly apart so they toast evenly.
Step 2 – Spread the Sauce
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pizza sauce onto each muffin half. Spread it evenly to the edges, but avoid adding too much so the muffins stay crisp.
Step 4 – Add the Cheese and Pepperoni
Top with mozarella slice and top each with slices of pepperoni, spacing them evenly.
Step 5 – Bake and Serve
Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the edges look lightly golden and the pepperoni begins to curl slightly. Take the pizzas out of the oven and let them rest for 2–3 minutes. This allows the cheese to set so it doesn’t slide off when serving. Serve warm and enjoy.
Lynette’s Tip
For crisper results, bake the plain English muffin halves for 2–3 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings. This quick step helps prevent soggy pizzas and gives the muffins a sturdy base.
More Pizza Recipes You’ll Enjoy
English Muffin Pizza
Ingredients
- 2 Cups pizza sauce
- 6 English muffins split in half
- 24 pepperoni slices
- 12 slices mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat The Oven: Heat oven to 450˚F. Allow it to fully preheat so the muffins crisp properly.
- Arrange The Muffins: Place the split English muffin halves cut side up on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Spread The Sauce: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each muffin half. Spread evenly to the edges, but do not oversaturate. Top with cheese slice and pepperoni.
- Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the edges look lightly golden and the pepperoni begins to curl slightly.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let rest 2–3 minutes before serving so the cheese sets and doesn’t slide off.
Notes
Variations
- Use Different Toppings: Swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage, diced ham, or sliced mushrooms. It’s easy to make a few different kinds so everyone gets their favorite.
- Try a Different Sauce: Skip the tomato sauce and spread a thin layer of garlic butter or Alfredo sauce instead. Top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a creamy version.
- Add Veggies: Layer on chopped bell peppers, onions, or black olives before baking. The quick bake keeps them tender but still a little crisp.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
Yes, whole wheat muffins work just as well. They add a slightly nutty flavor and hold up nicely under the sauce and toppings.
Bake the plain muffin halves for 2–3 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings. This quick toast helps them stay crisp on the edges and firm in the center.
Try cooked sausage, diced ham, or chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Just avoid adding too many wet toppings so the muffins stay crisp.
Add 1–2 more minutes to the initial bake time. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get too dark.
