Introduction
English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is the perfect way to combine the comforting taste of an English muffin with the classic flavors of a hearty breakfast pizza. With the convenience of English muffins as a base, you can create personal-sized pizzas topped with all your breakfast favorites, like eggs, cheese, crispy bacon, and a variety of vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or an easy-to-make dinner, this recipe is a winner.
This breakfast pizza can be customized in so many ways to suit your tastes. You can experiment with different toppings, cheeses, meats, or vegetables to create your ideal flavor profile. What’s more, this dish is not only delicious but also a great way to use up leftover ingredients from the fridge, making it a versatile meal for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe, complete with tips for perfecting your pizza and a few delicious variations to try!
Ingredients
For the base of these savory breakfast pizzas, you will need:
- 4 English muffins (split in half)
- 4 large eggs (one per muffin half)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (or sausage, or ham for variations)
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for brushing the muffin halves)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives, for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
These ingredients can be easily adjusted depending on your preferences and dietary needs. For example, if you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and add extra vegetables or a plant-based protein. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to pile on the cheese!
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking the pizzas, ensuring that the muffins crisp up perfectly while the cheese melts and the eggs cook just right. If you’re using a toaster oven, you can set it to the same temperature for a more energy-efficient option.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffins
Take your English muffins and slice them in half horizontally. You want to use the soft, open crumb side as the base for your toppings. If you like a bit of extra crispiness, you can lightly toast the muffin halves in a toaster or on a griddle for 2-3 minutes before proceeding to the next step. This will help the muffins hold up better against the toppings and give them a more satisfying crunch.
Brush each muffin half with olive oil or melted butter. This step will help the muffins become golden and crispy as they bake, adding flavor and texture to the crust. If you prefer, you can use a non-stick cooking spray instead, but the oil or butter gives a more flavorful result.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Once the muffin halves are brushed with oil or butter, it’s time to add the cheese. Start by sprinkling about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella onto each muffin half. The mozzarella will melt into a gooey, stretchy layer, helping to hold the toppings together. After the mozzarella, add about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
You can experiment with different cheeses depending on your taste. For example, provolone, goat cheese, or parmesan can add unique flavors to the pizza. If you like a creamy texture, a dollop of cream cheese or ricotta after baking can also be a great addition.
Step 4: Add the Protein and Veggies
Next, sprinkle your choice of protein over the cheese. Crispy bacon is a classic choice, but you could also use sausage (either pork or turkey), ham, or even chicken or turkey bacon for a lighter option. For a fully vegetarian breakfast pizza, skip the meat and go for extra vegetables instead.
You can also add any vegetables you like to personalize your breakfast pizza. Diced bell peppers, onions, and sliced mushrooms are fantastic additions that bring both color and flavor. If you want more greens, consider adding spinach, kale, or arugula for a burst of freshness.
Step 5: Crack the Eggs
The key to these breakfast pizzas is the egg. Crack 1 egg onto each muffin half, being careful not to break the yolk. This is the centerpiece of the pizza, and the egg will cook to perfection while the muffin base and toppings become crispy. You can create a small indentation in the cheese and toppings with the back of a spoon to help the egg stay in place.
Season the eggs with salt and pepper to taste. You can also sprinkle a little garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for added depth of flavor. If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the egg, or drizzle the pizza with a bit of hot sauce after baking.
Step 6: Bake the Breakfast Pizzas
Place the prepared muffin halves on a baking sheet and put them in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are fully set but the yolk is still slightly runny. If you prefer your eggs cooked through, you can bake the pizzas for an additional 3-4 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the muffins should be golden brown.
If you want the muffins to be extra crispy, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just make sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the pizzas are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. The egg yolks may still be a little delicate, so handle the pizzas carefully. Garnish your breakfast pizzas with fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, or basil. A sprinkle of cheese on top, or a drizzle of hollandaise sauce, can elevate the dish further.
Serve these English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas hot, paired with a side of fresh fruit, a light salad, or a cup of coffee for the perfect breakfast or brunch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 individual breakfast pizzas (one for each English muffin half).
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15-18 minutes (depending on egg preference)
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
The beauty of this breakfast pizza is in its versatility. Here are a few variations you can try to keep things exciting:
1. Vegetarian Breakfast Pizza
For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and load up on veggies instead. Sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, and avocado are great toppings. You can also add crumbled feta or goat cheese for added creaminess.
2. Meat Lover’s Breakfast Pizza
If you’re a fan of protein-packed meals, load your pizza with multiple meats like bacon, sausage, ham, and even chorizo for a spicy kick. These meaty options will create a filling and savory breakfast pizza.
3. Gluten-Free English Muffins
For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, gluten-free English muffins can be easily substituted in this recipe. You can find gluten-free muffins at most grocery stores, or you can make your own if you prefer. Alternatively, if you’re cutting carbs, swap the muffin for a large portobello mushroom cap as the base.
4. Cheese Lover’s Dream
If you can’t get enough cheese, try using a variety of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. Provolone, gouda, and parmesan are all great options. For a gooey, indulgent pizza, add extra cheese after baking and let it melt over the top.
5. Sweet and Savory Breakfast Pizza
Add a touch of sweetness by drizzling maple syrup or honey over the top after baking. Pair this with bacon or sausage to balance the flavors and create an intriguing combination of sweet and savory.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: If you have leftover breakfast pizzas (which is rare), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pizza under a broiler or in a toaster oven for 4-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the cheese melts and the egg warms through. If you’re using a microwave, heat for 20-30 seconds, though the texture may not be as crispy.
10 FAQs About English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
1. Can I use different types of English muffins?
Yes! Whole wheat, sourdough, or gluten-free English muffins work just as well. Choose a variety based on your personal preference.
2. Can I prepare these pizzas in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the pizzas the night before and refrigerate them. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
3. How can I avoid the egg spilling over?
To prevent the egg from spilling, create a small well in the cheese and toppings with a spoon before cracking the egg. This will help the egg stay in place.
4. Can I freeze these breakfast pizzas?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled pizzas (before baking) and bake them straight from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
5. What if I don’t like runny eggs?
If you prefer your egg cooked through, simply bake the pizzas for a little longer until the yolk is fully set.
6. Can I use a toaster oven for this recipe?
Yes, a toaster oven is perfect for making these breakfast pizzas, especially if you’re only cooking for one or two people.
7. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the meat and load up with extra vegetables and cheese for a delicious vegetarian breakfast pizza.
8. Can I add extra toppings?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with different toppings such as avocado, roasted potatoes, spinach, or even sautéed garlic mushrooms.
9. Can I use scrambled eggs instead of fried eggs?
While the fried egg creates a nice visual impact, you can definitely use scrambled eggs instead. Just cook the eggs lightly and add them to the muffin before baking.
10. How do I make the pizza crust crispier?
For a crispier base, pre-toast the muffin halves before adding the toppings, and broil the pizzas for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Conclusion
English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is a delightful, customizable meal that is as fun to make as it is to eat. Its versatility means you can cater it to any taste—whether you’re craving a classic breakfast with bacon and eggs or something more adventurous like a vegetarian or sweet and savory combination. With a base that’s crunchy and buttery, topped with gooey cheese and fresh ingredients, these mini pizzas are the perfect way to start your day.
So go ahead, get creative, and make these breakfast pizzas your own! Whether you’re enjoying them on a lazy weekend morning or serving them for a crowd, these pizzas are sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy!