English Muffin Breakfast Pizza: A Fun and Easy Morning Treat
Looking for a breakfast idea that’s quick, customizable, and a total crowd-pleaser? Meet the English Muffin Breakfast Pizza — a dish that takes all the flavors you love about pizza and transforms them into a portable, kid-friendly breakfast. With a crispy toasted muffin base, melty cheese, savory toppings, and even an optional egg on top, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a busy weekday morning, a weekend brunch, or even prepping ahead for grab-and-go meals, these mini breakfast pizzas will quickly become a family favorite.
Not only is this recipe simple, but it’s also endlessly adaptable. You can go classic with bacon and eggs, pile on the veggies for a lighter version, or even make it dairy-free with plant-based cheese. In short, it’s a breakfast recipe that works for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple: From start to finish, you’ll have hot breakfast pizzas on the table in less than 20 minutes.
- Family-friendly: Kids love making their own — set up a “pizza bar” with toppings, and let everyone customize theirs.
- Perfectly portioned: English muffins naturally create individual servings, making them great for meal prep or portion control.
- Balanced meal: With carbs, protein, and optional veggies, you get a filling and satisfying breakfast.
- Customizable: Whether you want vegetarian, protein-packed, or indulgent, the options are endless.
English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place English muffin halves on the baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil or butter.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on each muffin half.
- Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, scrambled egg, and your choice of toppings like bacon, sausage, or veggies.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and garnish with green onions if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy your mini breakfast pizzas!
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas:
- 4 English muffins, split in half
- 1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large eggs (optional for topping)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage crumbles
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prep the muffins: Slice the English muffins in half and arrange them cut-side up on the baking sheet. For an extra crispy base, lightly brush each half with olive oil.
- Toast first (optional): For ultimate crispiness, pre-toast the muffins for 2–3 minutes before adding toppings.
- Sauce layer: Spread about 1–2 tablespoons of pizza sauce over each muffin half.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then layer on bacon, sausage, peppers, onions, or your favorite toppings.
- Optional egg topping: For a hearty twist, crack a small egg onto each pizza. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’ve added eggs, extend baking time to 14–15 minutes until whites are set.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and enjoy warm.
Tips for Success
- Crispy base hack: Always toast the English muffins lightly before adding toppings. This prevents sogginess from the sauce.
- Use pre-cooked proteins: Bacon, sausage, or ham should be cooked beforehand, since the baking time is too short to fully cook raw meat.
- Cheese matters: Mozzarella gives that classic pizza stretch, but mixing in cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack adds extra flavor.
- Go vegetarian: Skip the meat and load up on mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- For a lighter version: Use whole-grain muffins, low-fat cheese, and plenty of veggies.
- Meal prep trick: Bake a big batch, freeze, and reheat in the toaster oven or air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast spread: Pair with a fruit salad or yogurt parfait for a balanced meal.
- On-the-go meal: Wrap them individually in foil for a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
- Brunch table star: Serve alongside mimosas, coffee, and a big salad for a fun weekend brunch.
- Kid’s favorite: Let children decorate their own with cheese, pepperoni minis, or even pineapple for a playful twist.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
- Freezer-friendly: After assembling (but before baking), freeze pizzas on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to cooking time.
- Meal prep: Prepare toppings in advance so you can assemble and bake in just minutes during the week.
Variations to Try
- Southwestern Breakfast Pizza: Add scrambled eggs, black beans, and salsa.
- Caprese Style: Use pesto instead of sauce, with mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil.
- Meat Lover’s: Add pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham.
- Veggie Delight: Pile on spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and peppers.
- Sweet & Savory: Try cream cheese, smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of chives for a bagel-inspired twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Place the topped English muffins in the air fryer at 370°F for about 6–8 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
What’s the best sauce to use?
Pizza sauce works great, but marinara, pesto, or even a thin layer of cream cheese can switch things up.
Can I use mini bagels instead of English muffins?
Absolutely — mini bagels or even sandwich thins make great alternatives.
How do I make it kid-friendly?
Use mild cheese, minimal sauce, and let kids decorate their own with toppings they love.
Why This Recipe Works
The genius of this recipe lies in the English muffin itself. Its sturdy yet soft texture makes the perfect base for pizza toppings, while its size provides natural portion control. Unlike traditional pizza dough, English muffins don’t require kneading or rising — meaning you can whip up these pizzas in under 20 minutes without extra fuss.
By combining a classic comfort food (pizza) with breakfast-friendly ingredients like eggs, bacon, and veggies, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults. It’s flexible enough to adapt to dietary preferences, making it a staple for busy families, college students, or anyone who loves pizza any time of day.
