Craving pizza but running out of time? Mini pizzas on English muffins are the answer! They are very easy to make, extremely versatile, and both kids and adults love them. They make a great quick lunch, afternoon snack, or appetizer for a party. They also offer limitless creativity with the toppings.
We will be looking at how to make the ultimate English muffin mini pizzas. This will run from the bare basics of making it to fun ideas for tailoring and some healthy twists on it.
Table of Contents
Why Mini Pizzas Are a Great Choice
Essential Ingredients for English Muffin Mini Pizzas
Choosing the Right English Muffins
The Best Pizza Sauce Options
Cheese Choices
Popular Toppings
Tools You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Recipe for Mini Pizzas
Fun Topping Ideas to Try
Healthier Variations
Tips for Making the Perfect Mini Pizzas
Suggested Usage
How to Store and Reheat Mini Pizzas
Conclusion and FAQs
Why Mini Pizzas Are Awesome
Mini pizzas on English muffins are: a game-changer for the following reasons:
Ready in under 15 minutes
Every pizza can be made to your taste preference
Ideal for picky eaters. Kids can help with this activity.
Budget-friendly. It uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Can be taken on-the-go, packed in lunchboxes or served at picnics.
Essential Ingredients for English Muffin Mini Pizzas
Selecting the Right Type of English Muffins
Your base is the most important part of your mini pizzas. Select from the following choices:
Regular English Muffins: Light and airy, but very sturdy.
Whole-Wheat or Multigrain Muffins: A good option for those looking for a healthier choice.
Gluten-Free English Muffins: For those with dietary limitations.
Best Pizza Sauce Types
For a fine pizza, the right sauce is all that matters. Consider using
Store-Bought Marinara: Easy to procure and amazingly convenient.
Homemade Pizza Sauce: Fresh herbs, garlic, and tomato paste give the extra oomph!
Pesto: for that twist!
Cheese Options
Cheese is the showstopper! Popular ones include
Mozzarella-the classic pizza cheese
Cheddar gives that sharpness to it
Parmesan for the salty nutty kick
Dairy-Free Cheese: for those vegan options
Popular Toppings
And this is where you can let your hair down.
Classic Options
Pepperoni
Sausage
Mushrooms
Bell peppers
Onions
Gourmet Options
Goat cheese
Arugula
Sun-dried tomatoes
Prosciutto.
Vegan Options: Sliced zucchini, olives, cherry tomatoes, and nutritional yeast.
Tools You’ll Need
Baking Sheet: To assemble and bake the mini pizzas.
Parchment Paper or Foil: To prevent sticking.
Spoon or Spatula: For spreading sauce evenly.
Knife: To slice toppings as needed.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Mini Pizzas on English Muffins
Ingredients
4 English muffins, split in half (makes 8 mini pizzas)
1 cup pizza sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, veggies, etc.)
Optional: Dried oregano, chili flakes
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the English Muffins:
Cut the muffins in half and place them cut-side up on the baking sheet.
Spread the Sauce:
Use a spoon to spread pizza sauce evenly over each muffin half.
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella liberally over the sauce.
Top It Off:
Add your desired toppings. Get creative!
Bake:
Put the tray in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Bring it out of the oven, sprinkle with oregano or chili flakes if desired and boom!
Fun Topping Ideas to Try
Hawaiian: pineapple chunks, ham, and mozzarella.
Veggie Delight: spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
Meat Lover’s: sausage, pepperoni, and bacon.
BBQ Chicken: shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, red onions, and cheddar cheese.
Caprese: Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Healthier Alternatives
Low Carbs: Substitute the English muffins with cauliflower thins or zucchini slices.
Lower-Calorie Sauce: Use tomato slices instead of the typical pizza sauce or even a thin layer of marinara.
Dairy-free cheese: Replace with vegan cheese, or avoid cheese altogether for a lighter bite.
Add more veggies, less cheese: Add loads of fresh veggies to displace the calories and add nutrients.
How to Make Ideal Mini Pizzas
Toast the Muffins Beforehand: Do not let the muffins become soggy with the sauce.
Overload of Toppings is a Big No: Excess topping will weigh down the top of your pizza and will not cook evenly at the same time.
Fresh Stuff: Enhance flavor and texture in mini pizzas.
Taste the Spices: Add a dash of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or paprika.
How to Serve It
Side Salad: Combine this with a fresh green salad.
Soup: Tomato or minestrone soup pairs well with mini pizzas.
Dipping Sauces: Serve marinara, ranch, or garlic butter to dip into.
How to Store and Reheat Mini Pizzas
Storage:
Allow mini pizzas to cool completely. Then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for crunch.
Microwave: Use short bursts of 15-20 seconds. They may be softer.