Easy English Muffin Breakfast Pizza

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and fun way to upgrade your breakfast game, English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is the perfect recipe for you. Combining the toasty texture of English muffins with all the best breakfast toppings, this dish is a creative, easy-to-make meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a lazy weekend morning, meal prepping for busy weekdays, or whipping up something kid-friendly, these mini breakfast pizzas are a surefire winner.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Start with classic English muffins as the base, add a flavorful sauce (such as marinara or even breakfast gravy), pile on your favorite breakfast ingredients like eggs, bacon, sausage, or veggies, and finish with a generous layer of melted cheese. The result? A crispy, cheesy, customizable breakfast that tastes like a mix between pizza and an open-faced breakfast sandwich.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the best English muffin breakfast pizzas, from the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, customization ideas, and expert tips. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe will become your new breakfast favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings.
2. Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
3. Kid-Friendly: A fun and interactive breakfast that kids will enjoy making and eating.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them in advance for a grab-and-go breakfast during the week.
5. Balanced Meal: Packed with protein, carbs, and veggies for a wholesome start to your day.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 breakfast pizzas
• Serving Size: 1 English muffin half

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

• 3 English muffins, split in half (6 halves total)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for toasting, optional)

Sauce Options:

• 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (for a classic pizza flavor)
• 1/2 cup breakfast gravy (for a hearty twist)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese or ricotta, spread thinly (for a creamy base)

Toppings:

• 4 large eggs, scrambled or fried (optional: sunny-side-up eggs for each pizza)
• 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup cooked sausage crumbles
• 1/2 cup diced ham or Canadian bacon
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)

Optional Veggie Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup chopped spinach or kale
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)

Optional Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for spice lovers)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the English Muffins

Slice the English muffins in half and lightly toast them. Toasting helps the muffins stay crispy under the sauce and toppings. For extra flavor, spread a thin layer of butter or brush olive oil on each half before toasting. Place the toasted muffin halves on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Choose Your Sauce

Spread a thin layer of your chosen sauce (marinara, breakfast gravy, or cream cheese) onto each English muffin half. Be sure to cover the entire surface, leaving a slight border around the edges to prevent the sauce from spilling over.

4. Add the Toppings

Top each muffin with your preferred breakfast ingredients:

• Start with scrambled eggs, sunny-side-up eggs, or no eggs at all.
• Sprinkle on crumbled bacon, sausage, ham, or any other protein you love.
• Add diced veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

5. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the toppings. You can add more cheese if you prefer an extra cheesy breakfast pizza!

6. Season and Bake

Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese for added flavor. Bake the English muffin pizzas in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions, chives, or fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious breakfast pizzas!

Ingredient Background

English Muffins

English muffins make the perfect base for these breakfast pizzas because of their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Choose whole-wheat or gluten-free muffins for a healthier twist, or try flavored varieties like sourdough or multigrain for extra taste.

Sauce Options

The choice of sauce sets the tone for your breakfast pizzas:

• Marinara Sauce: Adds a classic pizza flavor.
• Breakfast Gravy: A Southern-inspired option for those who love hearty, savory breakfasts.
• Cream Cheese or Ricotta: Offers a creamy, indulgent base that pairs well with veggies and eggs.

Protein Toppings

Bacon, sausage, and ham are classic breakfast staples that bring a smoky, savory flavor to the pizzas. You can mix and match or use plant-based alternatives like veggie sausage or tempeh bacon for a vegetarian option.

Veggies

Adding vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach not only boosts the flavor but also makes the dish more nutritious.

Cheese

Mozzarella melts beautifully and provides that classic gooey pizza texture, while cheddar adds sharpness. You can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, feta, or even gouda for a unique twist.

Technique Tips

1. Toast the Muffins: Toasting the English muffins before adding toppings prevents them from becoming soggy and ensures they stay crispy.
2. Spread Sauce Evenly: Use the back of a spoon to spread the sauce evenly across the surface of each muffin for consistent flavor.
3. Cook Proteins Ahead: Make sure bacon, sausage, or any other proteins are fully cooked before adding them to the pizzas, as they won’t cook further in the oven.
4. Don’t Overload: Avoid piling on too many toppings to prevent the pizzas from becoming messy or hard to eat.
5. Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on the cheese—once it’s melted and bubbly, your pizzas are ready!

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Breakfast Pizza Bagels: Substitute English muffins with mini bagels for a slightly denser texture.
2. Flatbread Breakfast Pizza: Use flatbreads or naan as the base for larger, sliceable breakfast pizzas.
3. Breakfast Pizza Casserole: Arrange the muffin halves in a casserole dish, layer with toppings, and bake as a family-style breakfast casserole.
4. Breakfast Pizza Skillet: Cook the pizzas in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic presentation and crispy edges.

Additional Tips for Success

• Make It Ahead: Prep the English muffins with sauce and toppings the night before. In the morning, just add cheese and bake!
• Reheat Leftovers: Reheat leftover breakfast pizzas in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
• Freeze for Later: Assemble the pizzas without baking, freeze them on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen for a quick breakfast.
• Add a Drizzle: Top your pizzas with a drizzle of hot sauce, pesto, or hollandaise for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Breakfast Pizza: Skip the meat and load up on spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other veggies.
2. Spicy Breakfast Pizza: Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or spicy sausage for a kick.
3. Southwest Breakfast Pizza: Use salsa as the base, and top with black beans, avocado, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
4. Sweet Breakfast Pizza: Swap the savory toppings for cream cheese, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey.
5. Keto-Friendly Pizza: Use low-carb English muffins and skip the marinara for a keto-approved version.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing

Assemble the English muffin breakfast pizzas up to the cheese-topping step, then freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Storage

Store leftover breakfast pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Whole-Grain Muffins: Use whole-grain English muffins for added fiber.
2. Light Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat mozzarella or cheddar to cut calories.
3. More Veggies: Load up on spinach, tomatoes, and bell peppers for extra nutrients.
4. Turkey Bacon or Sausage: Swap pork bacon or sausage for turkey-based versions to reduce fat.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Brunch Buffet: Include English muffin breakfast pizzas as part of a brunch spread with fruit, yogurt, and mimosas.
2. Kids’ Breakfast Party: Let kids assemble their own breakfast pizzas with their favorite toppings.
3. Family-Style Breakfast: Serve the pizzas with a side of hash browns or fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Special Equipment

• Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet works perfectly for this recipe.
• Toaster or Toaster Oven: For toasting the muffins before baking.
• Silicone Brush: For brushing butter or olive oil onto the muffins.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes! Use gluten-free English muffins to make the recipe gluten-free.
2. Can I use bagels instead of English muffins?
   Absolutely! Bagels make a great substitute for a slightly heartier base.
3. Can I skip the sauce?
   Yes, the sauce is optional—just use cheese and toppings directly on the toasted muffins.
4. What other cheeses work well?
   Provolone, gouda, feta, or Monterey Jack are all great options.
5. Can I add eggs after baking?
   Yes, you can top each pizza with a fried or poached egg after baking for a rich and runny yolk.
6. How do I prevent the muffins from becoming soggy?
   Lightly toast the muffins before adding sauce and toppings to keep them crispy.
7. Can I meal prep these pizzas?
   Yes, assemble them ahead of time and bake as needed, or freeze them for later use.
8. What sides pair well with these breakfast pizzas?
   Fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or a simple side salad make excellent accompaniments.

Conclusion

Easy English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is the ultimate recipe for a quick, customizable, and crowd-pleasing breakfast. Whether you’re making them for a family brunch, a weekday grab-and-go meal, or a fun weekend cooking project with kids, these mini pizzas deliver on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. With endless topping options and the simplicity of an English muffin base, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Give it a try today, and start your day with a delicious twist on pizza!

Print