When you need dinner on the table in under 20 minutes, English Muffin Pizzas are about to become your new best friend! These little guys saved me on more Tuesday nights than I can count.
I still remember the first time I made these for Emily when she was going through her "I only eat pizza" phase at age 8. She was being so picky about everything, and I was honestly running out of ideas. Then I spotted those English muffins sitting on the counter and thought, "Why not?"
Best decision ever! Emily loved them so much that she started requesting them for lunch, dinner, and even tried to convince me they counted as breakfast food (nice try, kiddo). Now they're our go-to when we want something quick, tasty, and way better than delivery.
The beauty of these English muffin pizzas is that everyone can make their own exactly how they like it. Emily goes heavy on the cheese (obviously), while I love adding extra pepperoni and sometimes a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when she's not looking.
If you're looking for more homemade pizza inspiration, you might want to check out my no-knead pizza dough recipe for weekend pizza nights, or try my sheet pan pepperoni pizza when you're feeding a crowd.
Why You Will Like This English Muffin Pizza Recipe

Here's what makes these little English muffin pizzas absolutely perfect for busy weeknights:
- Ready in just 17 minutes - Seriously, from start to finish, you're looking at less than 20 minutes total
- Kids can help make them - Emily's been making her own since she was 10, and it's become our little bonding activity
- Uses ingredients you probably already have - English muffins, pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni are pantry staples in our house
- Perfect portion control - Each person gets exactly what they want without fighting over toppings
- Great for meal prep - You can assemble them ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when ready
- Way cheaper than ordering pizza - We're talking about $1.50 per person versus $15+ for delivery
Ingredients For English Muffin Pizzas
Here's everything you'll need to make these mini pizzas:
- 6 whole wheat English muffins, split - I prefer whole wheat because they hold up better and don't get soggy
- ½ cup pizza sauce - Use your favorite brand or make your own (I won't judge if you use the jar stuff!)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - Don't skimp on this - the cheese is what makes these special
- 4 ounces mini pepperoni - The mini ones distribute better than regular pepperoni slices
That's it! Simple ingredients that probably live in your kitchen right now.
How To Make English Muffin Pizzas
Getting Started
- Preheat your oven to 375°F - This temperature gives you perfectly melted cheese without burning the English muffins
- Toast the English muffins in a toaster - This step is crucial! I learned this the hard way when my first batch came out soggy in the middle. Nobody wants soggy pizza, trust me on this one.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil - Future you will thank present you for this easy cleanup trick


Assembly Process
- Arrange the toasted English muffin halves cut-side up - Make sure they're evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet
- Spread pizza sauce evenly on each muffin half - Don't go crazy with the sauce here. I use about 1 tablespoon per half. Too much sauce equals soggy centers, and we've already established that's not happening on my watch.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously - This is where you can be a little heavy-handed. The cheese creates a nice barrier that helps prevent sogginess too.
- Top with mini pepperoni slices - Distribute them evenly so every bite gets some pepperoni goodness


Baking The Perfect Mini Pizzas
- Bake for 10-12 minutes - Watch for the cheese to melt completely and start browning around the edges. That's when you know they're perfect.
- Let them cool for 2-3 minutes - The cheese will be molten hot, and I've definitely burned my tongue more than once being impatient.
Storage And Reheating Your English Muffin Pizzas
These English muffin pizzas are great for making ahead of time. Here's how to store them properly:
Refrigerator Storage: You can assemble them completely and store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time if you're starting from cold.
Freezer Storage: These freeze beautifully! Assemble them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Pop them in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes if they're refrigerated, or 15-18 minutes if frozen. The toaster oven works great for just a few pieces.
Tips For Perfect English Muffin Pizza Success

Here are my tried-and-true tips for making the best English muffin pizzas every single time:
- Always toast the English muffins first - I cannot stress this enough. This one step makes all the difference between soggy disappointment and crispy perfection.
- Use pizza sauce sparingly - Too much sauce will make everything soggy. Start with less than you think you need.
- Don't overload with toppings - I know it's tempting, but less is more here. Heavy toppings make the muffins soggy and hard to eat.
- Try different cheeses - While mozzarella is classic, Emily loves when I use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar. Sometimes I'll add a sprinkle of parmesan too.
- Make them your own - Bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, ham, sausage - whatever you like on regular pizza works here. Just keep the pieces small and don't go overboard.
What's your favorite pizza topping combination? I'm always looking for new ideas to try!
English Muffin Pizza Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Yes, freeze assembled unbaked pizzas for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Try cooked sausage, ham, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or pineapple. Keep toppings light to prevent soggy centers.
Always toast the English muffins first and use pizza sauce sparingly. Avoid watery toppings like fresh tomatoes or excess vegetables.
Recipes You May Like
If you enjoyed these English muffin pizzas, you might also love these other quick and easy recipes:
- Air Fryer Tuna Melts - Another quick meal that's perfect for busy weeknights and ready in minutes
- Philly Cheesesteak Sliders - These bite-sized sandwiches are great for parties or when you want something a little more substantial
- Mini Blueberry Muffins - Perfect for breakfast or snacking, and Emily loves helping me make these too
Conclusion

These English Muffin Pizzas have been a game-changer in our kitchen, and I know they'll be in yours too. They're quick, easy, and so much better than anything you can order. Plus, there's something really satisfying about making your own pizza, even if it's the simplified version.
The best part? Everyone can make their own exactly how they like it. No more arguments about toppings or having to pick them off. Emily gets her extra cheese, I get my pepperoni, and we're both happy.
Next time you're staring at the clock wondering what to make for dinner, remember these little lifesavers. Your family will thank you, and you'll wonder why you ever stressed about quick weeknight meals.
Give these a try and let me know what toppings you come up with! I'm always looking for new combinations to surprise Emily with.
Don't forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for those busy weeknight emergencies!




English Muffin Pizzas
Equipment
- Toaster
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 6 whole wheat English muffins split
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces mini pepperoni
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190°C).
- Toast the English muffins in a toaster to prevent the middle from being soggy when you bake them. You can also bake them for a few minutes in the preheated oven.
- Arrange the toasted English muffin halves cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy clean up.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly on top of each one; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and top with mini pepperoni slices.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and browned on the edges.
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