Masters of kitchen
Warm Introduction to English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas
Imagine taking all the best parts of a hearty breakfast — melty cheese, savory toppings, a crisp base — and turning it into a hand-held little pizza that’s ready in minutes. That’s the magic of English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas!
These cozy, flavorful bites are a perfect twist on classic breakfast favorites. Whether you’re rushing through a busy weekday morning, lounging on a lazy Sunday, or setting up a fun brunch spread for friends and family, these mini breakfast pizzas deliver comfort, flavor, and serious smiles.
The best part? They’re endlessly customizable. From gooey cheese to crispy bacon to colorful veggies, you can build each pizza exactly the way you love it. In this post, you’ll discover why English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas will quickly become your new go-to — easy enough for hectic mornings, yet special enough for relaxed weekend brunches.
Why You’ll Love These Breakfast Pizzas
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas:
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Quick and easy: From start to finish, you’ll have a hot, delicious breakfast in under 20 minutes.
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Customizable: The topping options are endless, so everyone in the family can make their own masterpiece.
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Family-friendly: Kids especially love building their own pizzas — it’s a fun and tasty way to get them involved in the kitchen!
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Portable: Need breakfast on the run? These little pizzas are perfect for grabbing and going.
Pro Tip: Set up a mini “pizza bar” with different toppings for an easy, interactive breakfast or brunch!
Key Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to whip up a batch of English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas, but each one plays an important role:
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English Muffins: Their airy interior and sturdy base make them the perfect “crust” for breakfast pizzas. Lightly toasting them first helps prevent sogginess and adds extra texture.
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Pizza Sauce or Alternatives: Classic pizza sauce works beautifully, but you can also get creative with pesto, spicy salsa, or even a layer of whipped cream cheese for a richer base.
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Cheese Choices: Mozzarella is a classic for melty goodness, cheddar brings a sharp bite, and gouda adds a delicious smokiness. Mixing cheeses can take your pizzas to the next level!
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Proteins: Crispy bacon, crumbled sausage, diced ham, or even plant-based sausage crumbles make hearty, satisfying toppings. Make sure any meat is fully cooked before adding it to the pizza.
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Veggie Toppings: Fresh spinach, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms — the more color and texture, the better. Just chop toppings small so they cook quickly.
Pro Tip: Pat juicy veggies dry with a paper towel before adding them to prevent a watery pizza!
How to Make English Muffin Breakfast Pizza (Step-by-Step Guide)
Making these breakfast pizzas is as easy as it gets. Here’s a simple step-by-step:
Step 1: Split and lightly toast the English muffins.
Use a fork to split them apart (this preserves those lovely nooks and crannies!) and toast them lightly. This keeps the base crispy even after baking.
Step 2: Spread the sauce.
Add a spoonful of your chosen sauce — pizza sauce, pesto, or cream cheese — across each toasted muffin half.
Step 3: Layer with cheese and toppings.
Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese first, then add your favorite proteins and veggies. Remember not to overload — a little goes a long way for even baking.
Step 4: Bake until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Place your pizzas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and slightly browned.
Step 5: Optional: sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.
Fresh basil, parsley, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can make these little pizzas even more flavorful and eye-catching.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking — English muffins can crisp up quickly!
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas are endlessly adaptable! Here are a few fun variations:
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Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of sriracha, or sprinkle on crushed red pepper flakes.
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Healthier swaps: Use low-fat mozzarella, turkey sausage, or add lots of fresh spinach for a lighter version.
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Dairy-free options: Swap regular cheese for vegan shreds or make a creamy cashew-based sauce instead of traditional pizza sauce.
Bonus Idea: Try a sweet twist with peanut butter, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey for a dessert-style breakfast pizza!
Creative Flavor Combinations to Try
One of the best things about English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas is how easy it is to mix and match flavors. Here are a few delicious combos to inspire you:
Southwest Style: Top your muffin with black beans, sharp cheddar cheese, and a spoonful of fresh salsa. Add a sprinkle of cilantro for a bold, zesty finish.
AdvertisementItalian Inspired: Swap the pizza sauce for basil pesto, layer on mozzarella, and toss on some sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, savory treat.
Veggie Lover’s Dream: Load up with thin slices of zucchini, fresh spinach, and a crumble of feta cheese. A colorful, nutrient-packed way to start your day!
Breakfast Supreme: Make it hearty with scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and a sprinkle of hash browns — a full breakfast in every bite.
Pro Tip: Keep flavors balanced — don’t overdo the toppings, or the muffins can get weighed down.
How to Store and Reheat Breakfast Pizzas
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), storing them properly keeps them tasting fresh:
Storing: Place cooled breakfast pizzas in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheating: The best way to reheat is in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This method brings back that lovely crispy texture.
Important: While microwaving is quick, it will soften the muffins and make them a bit chewy instead of crispy.
Can You Make These Ahead of Time?
Want to get a jump on breakfast prep? You definitely can!
Make-ahead option: Pre-assemble the English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas — sauce, cheese, toppings and all — then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing tips: Flash freeze the topped (but unbaked) muffins by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer for about 1–2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven without thawing — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Pro Tip: Label your freezer bags with the topping combinations so you can pick your favorite in the morning without guessing!
Best Sides to Serve With English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
Pair your breakfast pizzas with something fresh and fun! Here are some easy side ideas:
Fresh fruit salad: Bright, juicy fruit balances the savory pizza flavors.
Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
Hash browns or roasted breakfast potatoes: You can never have too many carbs at brunch, right?
Fresh squeezed juice or smoothies: A refreshing drink ties everything together for a complete, energizing meal.
Expert Tips for the Best Breakfast Pizzas
Want to make sure your breakfast pizzas turn out perfect every time? Keep these expert tips in mind:
Toast the English muffins first to prevent soggy bottoms.
Use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easy cleanup (and no sticking!).
Don’t overload the toppings — a balanced pizza bakes more evenly and stays crisp.
Cook bacon or sausage beforehand — raw meats won’t fully cook during the short baking time.
Bonus Tip: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs after baking for a burst of flavor and color!
FAQs
Can I use bagels instead of English muffins?
Absolutely! Bagels can work, but keep in mind they’re denser and chewier. If you love a thicker crust, bagels might be your new favorite twist.
How do you prevent English muffins from getting soggy?
The trick is to toast the muffins lightly before adding sauce and toppings. This simple step builds a protective layer and keeps everything nice and crisp after baking.
Can I make English muffin breakfast pizzas gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply swap in gluten-free English muffins — they’re widely available in grocery stores. All the same delicious toppings still apply!
What’s the best cheese to use for breakfast pizzas?
Mozzarella is always a safe, melty option, but cheddar adds a sharper, deeper flavor. Don’t be afraid to mix cheeses for an extra boost of taste.
Can you cook English muffin pizzas in an air fryer?
Definitely! Air fry the assembled pizzas at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. They come out beautifully crisp and bubbly, perfect for a quick breakfast fix.
English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas
These English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas are quick, customizable, and perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or fun brunch spreads. With endless topping possibilities and ready in under 20 minutes, they’ll quickly become your go-to breakfast favorite!Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 English muffins split and lightly toasted
- ½ cup pizza sauce or pesto, salsa, or cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar, gouda
- ½ cup cooked bacon sausage, or ham (optional)
- ½ cup chopped veggies spinach, peppers, onions, mushrooms
- Optional: fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Notes
- Toast muffins first to avoid sogginess once baked.
- Don’t overload toppings — too much can make them soggy and uneven.
- Make it spicy with jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper.
- Dairy-free version: Use vegan cheese or a cashew-based cream.
- Meal prep tip: Assemble ahead and refrigerate overnight, or freeze unbaked pizzas for later.
Bonus Tip: Try an air fryer version for extra-crispy results — 350°F for 3–5 minutes!
