When I think back to after-school snacks at Nonna’s house, there was always one treat that made me race home faster than usual — her homemade “mini pizzas.” But they weren’t made on traditional dough. Nope. She used English muffins as the base, creating the fluffiest, crispiest little pizza bites that somehow felt even more indulgent than a full slice.
That classic comfort inspired this modern take on Muffin Pizza — a kid-friendly, adult-approved, totally customizable dish that works for busy weeknights, game days, or even breakfast. Yes, breakfast pizza. You heard me.
Let’s make this cozy American favorite together, shall we?
💡 Why You’ll Love Muffin Pizza
- Kid-approved & customizable: Everyone can build their own pizza!
- Quick & easy: Less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for any time: Lunch, snack, party platter, or even a cheeky breakfast.
- Great for leftovers: Use whatever toppings you’ve got in the fridge!
Table of Contents
🧾 Ingredients
- 4 English muffins, split in half
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra gooeyness)
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage or pepperoni, chopped
- 1/4 cup cooked ham or turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Muffin Base
Split your English muffins and place them cut side up on the baking sheet. Lightly brush each half with olive oil — this helps them get golden and crispy.
3. Add the Sauce
Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce over each muffin half. Don’t overload it or you’ll get soggy bottoms.
4. Top It Up
Sprinkle mozzarella (and cheddar if using) over the sauce. Add your choice of cooked sausage, pepperoni, or ham.
5. Season & Bake
Sprinkle a pinch of oregano or Italian seasoning on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh herbs or chili flakes if desired, and let cool slightly before serving.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Pop in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5–6 minutes for best results. Microwave works too, but the texture may be softer.
🥓 Variations & Creative Twists
- Veggie Lover’s: Add bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Breakfast Style: Crack an egg on top before baking and add crumbled bacon.
- BBQ Muffin Pizza: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara and top with shredded chicken and red onion.
- Mini Margherita: Keep it classic with mozzarella, tomato slices, and fresh basil.
- Low Carb Hack: Use portobello mushrooms or zucchini rounds instead of muffins!
👶 Muffin Pizza for Kids
This recipe is a favorite with little ones because:
- It’s handheld and mess-free.
- They can customize their own!
- It’s a great way to sneak in veggies with a smile.
Let your kids join in the fun by creating their own mini masterpieces before baking.
Muffin Pizza
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 (8 mini pizzas)
- Category: Snack, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Description
Craving a quick snack? Try this fun and tasty Muffin Pizza recipe – cheesy, customizable, and perfect for kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 4 English muffins, split in half
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra gooeyness)
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage or pepperoni, chopped
- 1/4 cup cooked ham or turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Muffin Base
- Split your English muffins and place them cut side up on the baking sheet. Lightly brush each half with olive oil — this helps them get golden and crispy.
3. Add the Sauce
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce over each muffin half. Don’t overload it or you’ll get soggy bottoms.
4. Top It Up
- Sprinkle mozzarella (and cheddar if using) over the sauce. Add your choice of cooked sausage, pepperoni, or ham.
5. Season & Bake
- Sprinkle a pinch of oregano or Italian seasoning on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh herbs or chili flakes if desired, and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Veggie Lover’s: Add bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Breakfast Style: Crack an egg on top before baking and add crumbled bacon.
- BBQ Muffin Pizza: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara and top with shredded chicken and red onion.
- Mini Margherita: Keep it classic with mozzarella, tomato slices, and fresh basil.
- Low Carb Hack: Use portobello mushrooms or zucchini rounds instead of muffins!
Keywords: muffin pizza, English muffin pizza, mini pizza recipe, easy pizza snacks, kid-friendly lunch, pizza bites, homemade snack, 15-minute recipe, quick family meals, freezer-friendly snack
❓ Muffin Pizza FAQ
Can I use something other than English muffins?
Yes! Mini bagels, flatbreads, pita bread, or even sliced baguette rounds work beautifully.
Can I freeze muffin pizzas?
Definitely! Assemble and freeze unbaked pizzas on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a zip bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely — just use gluten-free English muffins or a suitable bread substitute.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella is classic, but cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend add great flavor and stretch.
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