English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas

These English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas have become a weekend morning staple in our house, and for good reason! There’s something undeniably fun and satisfying about transforming a humble English muffin into a miniature pizza, especially when it’s loaded with all your breakfast favorites. My kids absolutely adore them, and honestly, so do I. They are incredibly easy to whip up, even on busy mornings, and they are infinitely customizable, meaning everyone can create their perfect pizza. From picky eaters to adventurous palates, these breakfast pizzas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The crispy, toasted muffin base, the savory sauce, the melted cheese, and the endless topping possibilities – it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that starts the day off on a delicious and happy note. Plus, they are so much more exciting than your average bowl of cereal or toast! If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s quick, easy, fun, and utterly delicious, you absolutely have to try these English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas. Prepare to be amazed at how something so simple can be so incredibly satisfying!

Ingredients

• English Muffins: The foundation of our breakfast pizza! Opt for your favorite brand, whole wheat or white, and split them horizontally.
• Pizza Sauce: Provides that classic pizza flavor. You can use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a richer taste. Marinara sauce also works wonderfully.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The quintessential pizza cheese, it melts beautifully and offers a mild, creamy flavor.
• Cooked Breakfast Sausage: Adds a savory protein punch. Choose your preferred type – mild, hot, or even Italian sausage. Crumble it into small pieces.
• Cooked Bacon: Crispy and smoky bacon bits are a breakfast pizza classic. Cook and crumble bacon strips before adding them to your pizzas.
• Ham, diced: Another great protein option. Diced ham adds a slightly salty and sweet flavor. Leftover ham works perfectly!
• Eggs: For a true breakfast pizza experience! You can use scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or even mini omelet pieces.
• Mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and savory, sliced mushrooms add a wonderful texture and flavor dimension. Sauté them lightly before adding for best results.
• Bell Peppers, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch. Choose your favorite color – red, green, yellow, or orange – or a mix for visual appeal.
• Onions, diced: Provides a pungent and savory base flavor. Use white, yellow, or red onions, diced finely.
• Black Olives, sliced: Adds a briny and salty flavor. Sliced black olives are a classic pizza topping.
• Green Onions, chopped: For a fresh and mild oniony flavor, and a pop of color as a garnish.
• Fresh Basil, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous aroma and flavor. Sprinkle fresh basil after baking for best results.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat. Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like a little spice.
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking and ensure crispy muffins.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffins: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, lightly brush or spray a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray. Split the English muffins in half horizontally. This creates the base for your pizzas.
2. Toast the Muffin Bases: Place the English muffin halves, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and slightly crispy. Toasting them first prevents them from becoming soggy when you add the toppings. Remove from the oven and leave the oven on.
3. Spread Pizza Sauce: Once the muffin bases are lightly toasted, take them out of the oven. Using a spoon or spatula, spread a generous tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly over each toasted muffin half. Don’t over-sauce, but ensure each pizza base is nicely covered for flavor.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce on each muffin half. Use a good amount of cheese to ensure a melty, cheesy pizza experience. You can adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.
5. Layer on Toppings: Now comes the fun part – adding your favorite toppings! Distribute your chosen toppings evenly over the cheese on each muffin pizza. Consider a mix of protein (sausage, bacon, ham, eggs), vegetables (mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives), and any other desired toppings. Be mindful not to overload the pizzas, as this can prevent them from cooking evenly and can make them soggy.
6. Bake the Pizzas: Return the assembled breakfast pizzas to the oven. Bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the toppings are heated through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, especially around the edges of the muffins.
7. Broil for Extra Crispness (Optional): For a crispier top and slightly browned cheese, you can broil the pizzas for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Watch them very closely under the broiler, as they can burn quickly. Broiling is optional but adds a nice texture and visual appeal.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once the pizzas are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven. Garnish with fresh toppings like chopped green onions, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if desired). Let them cool for a minute or two before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, based on 1 English Muffin Breakfast Pizza with sausage, bell peppers, and onions – approximate values)

• Serving Size: 1 English Muffin Pizza
• Calories: Approximately 350-450 kcal
• Protein: 15-20g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients, toppings, and portion sizes. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes chopping vegetables, cooking sausage/bacon if needed, and assembling pizzas)
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (includes toasting muffins and baking pizzas)
• Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings or a fun weekend brunch! Most of the time is spent in the oven, allowing you to multitask while the pizzas bake.

How to Serve

These English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways for different occasions. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Breakfast or Brunch:
  • Serve them hot and fresh straight from the oven for a satisfying and flavorful breakfast or brunch.
  • Pair them with a side of fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced and complete meal.
  • Offer a selection of hot sauces or condiments for those who like to customize their flavor.
• Quick Weekday Breakfast:
  • Prepare the pizzas ahead of time and reheat them quickly in the microwave or oven for a speedy weekday breakfast.
  • Pack them in lunchboxes for a fun and portable breakfast option for kids (ensure they cool down properly before packing).
• Party Appetizer or Snack:
  • Cut each pizza into quarters or smaller pieces for easy-to-handle appetizers at parties or gatherings.
  • Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for guests to grab and enjoy.
  • Offer a variety of toppings to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes.
• Kid-Friendly Meal:
  • These mini pizzas are perfectly sized for kids and are a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen.
  • Let kids choose their own toppings and create their personalized pizzas.
  • Serve them with a side of carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or other kid-friendly vegetables.
• Make-Ahead Breakfast for a Crowd:
  • Assemble the pizzas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
  • Bake them in batches as needed to serve a large group of people for brunch or breakfast gatherings.
• Serve with Complementary Dishes:
  • Consider serving alongside scrambled eggs, hash browns, or a side of avocado for a more substantial breakfast spread.
  • For a lighter meal, pair them with a simple green salad or a cup of soup.

Additional Tips for Perfect English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas

1. Toast the Muffins Properly: Don’t skip the toasting step! Toasting the English muffins before adding toppings is crucial. It prevents them from becoming soggy and ensures a crispy base that can hold up to the sauce and toppings. Aim for a light golden color.
2. Don’t Overload the Toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, resist the urge to overload your breakfast pizzas. Too many toppings can make the muffins soggy, prevent the cheese from melting properly, and make them difficult to eat. A moderate amount of well-distributed toppings is key.
3. Pre-Cook Meats and Hearty Vegetables: Ensure that any meats like sausage, bacon, or ham are fully cooked before adding them to the pizzas. Harder vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers benefit from a quick sauté or roasting before topping the pizzas, as they may not fully cook through during the baking time. This also enhances their flavor.
4. Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the flavor of your breakfast pizzas. Use good quality pizza sauce, fresh cheese, and flavorful toppings for the best results. Consider using artisan English muffins for an even more elevated taste.
5. Customize Your Sauce: While pizza sauce is classic, feel free to experiment with other sauces. Pesto, white garlic sauce, or even a simple cream cheese spread can create delicious and unique flavor profiles. For a spicier kick, try adding a drizzle of hot sauce to your sauce base.
6. Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t limit yourself to the classic toppings! Get creative and experiment with different combinations. Consider adding spinach, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, different types of cheeses (cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack), or even sweet breakfast toppings like fruit and a drizzle of honey for a dessert-style breakfast pizza.
7. Make Them Ahead of Time: These breakfast pizzas are great for meal prepping. You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
8. Reheat for Leftovers: Leftover breakfast pizzas can be easily reheated. The best way to reheat them and maintain their crispiness is in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave for speed, but they may lose some crispness. Air frying is another excellent option for reheating and restoring crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use different types of bread instead of English muffins?

A: Yes, while English muffins are the classic choice and provide a great texture, you can definitely experiment with other types of bread. Consider using bagels (halved and toasted), sliced bread (toasted), pita bread, or even mini naan bread as alternative bases. Adjust the baking time as needed depending on the thickness and type of bread you use.

Q2: Can I make these breakfast pizzas vegetarian or vegan?

A: Absolutely! It’s very easy to make vegetarian breakfast pizzas. Simply omit the meat toppings like sausage, bacon, and ham. Load up on vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, tomatoes, and olives. For a vegan version, use vegan cheese alternatives and ensure your sauce is also vegan-friendly (most pizza sauces are). You can also add plant-based protein options like crumbled tofu or tempeh bacon.

Q3: How do I prevent the English muffins from getting soggy?

A: Toasting the English muffins before adding toppings is the key to preventing sogginess. The toasting process creates a barrier that prevents the sauce from soaking into the bread. Also, avoid over-saucing and over-topping the pizzas, as excess moisture can contribute to sogginess.

Q4: Can I freeze English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas?

A: Yes, you can freeze these breakfast pizzas, although the texture might slightly change upon thawing and reheating. To freeze, bake the pizzas as directed, let them cool completely, and then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

Q5: What are some good topping combinations for breakfast pizzas?

A: The topping possibilities are endless! Here are a few delicious combinations to inspire you:

• Classic Meat Lover’s: Sausage, bacon, ham, pepperoni (if you like a bit of spice).
• Veggie Delight: Mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, black olives, tomatoes.
• Mediterranean: Feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts.
• Ham and Pineapple: Diced ham, pineapple chunks, red onion (a sweet and savory twist).
• Egg and Cheese: Scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, green onions (simple and classic breakfast flavors).
• Spicy Southwest: Chorizo sausage, black beans, corn, jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, salsa.

Q6: Can I use pre-cooked scrambled eggs as a topping?

A: Yes, pre-cooked scrambled eggs are a great topping option for breakfast pizzas. You can scramble eggs in advance and then crumble them over the pizzas before baking. This is a convenient way to add protein. Alternatively, you can crack a whole egg on top of each pizza for a fried egg topping, baking until the egg is set to your liking.

Q7: How long do these breakfast pizzas last in the refrigerator?

A: Cooked English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Reheat them in the oven, toaster oven, microwave, or air fryer until heated through.

Q8: Can I involve kids in making these breakfast pizzas?

A: Absolutely! Making English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas is a fantastic activity to do with kids. It’s easy, fun, and allows them to be creative and customize their own pizzas. Kids can help with spreading the sauce, sprinkling the cheese, and adding their favorite toppings. It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen and excited about breakfast!

Print