English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas: A Quick & Delicious Start to Your Day

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast that the whole family will love? Look no further than English muffin breakfast pizzas! These customizable mini-pizzas are perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunch, or even a light lunch. They’re incredibly versatile, allowing you to use whatever toppings you have on hand, making them a great way to use up leftovers. This recipe is not only simple but also fun to make with kids, turning breakfast preparation into a family activity.

## Why English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas?

* **Speed and Convenience:** Ready in under 20 minutes, these pizzas are a lifesaver on hectic mornings.
* **Customizable:** The possibilities are endless! Use your favorite cheeses, meats, and veggies.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love assembling their own mini-pizzas, making breakfast more engaging.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses pantry staples and can be adapted to use up leftovers.
* **Versatile:** Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a quick snack.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the basic ingredients you’ll need to get started. Remember, this is just a starting point – feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch!

* **English Muffins:** The base of our pizza. Choose your favorite variety – plain, whole wheat, or even sourdough.
* **Pizza Sauce (or alternative):** Marinara sauce is the classic choice, but you can also use pesto, alfredo sauce, or even a simple tomato paste base. For a breakfast twist, consider using a cream cheese spread or a hollandaise sauce.
* **Cheese:** Shredded mozzarella is a great all-around option. Other good choices include cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
* **Protein:** Cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or pepperoni are all excellent choices. For a vegetarian option, consider using cooked mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
* **Eggs (optional):** Adding a cooked egg on top elevates these pizzas to a truly decadent breakfast. You can scramble the eggs and add them as a topping, or carefully crack an egg on top of each pizza before baking for a runny yolk. Ensure the egg is cooked through for food safety.
* **Vegetables:** Sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, olives, and jalapenos are all great additions. Saute them slightly before adding them to the pizza for a more intense flavor.
* **Seasonings:** Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (optional).

## Detailed Recipe: English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas

This recipe provides step-by-step instructions for making delicious English muffin breakfast pizzas. Feel free to adjust the ingredient amounts to your liking and experiment with different toppings.

**Yields:** 6 English muffin pizzas
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 10 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 3 English muffins, split in half
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce (or preferred sauce alternative)
* 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese blend)
* 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage (or other protein)
* 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
* 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
* 3 large eggs (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Italian seasoning to taste
* Optional toppings: sliced tomatoes, onions, olives, jalapenos

### Equipment

* Baking sheet
* Pizza cutter or knife
* Small bowl (for mixing toppings)

### Instructions

**1. Prepare the English Muffins:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the cheese to melt beautifully and the English muffins to become slightly crispy without burning.
* Split the English muffins in half horizontally. If desired, lightly toast the English muffins in a toaster or under the broiler for a minute or two. This will help them stay crispier during baking, especially if you’re using wetter toppings.
* Arrange the English muffin halves on a baking sheet. Ensure they are evenly spaced to allow for proper heat circulation.

**2. Add the Sauce:**

* Spread approximately 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce (or your chosen sauce alternative) evenly over each English muffin half. Don’t overdo it with the sauce, as too much moisture can make the pizzas soggy. Aim for a thin, even layer.
* If you’re using a cream cheese spread, apply a thin, even layer to each muffin half. This provides a tangy and creamy base that complements many toppings.

**3. Layer the Cheese:**

* Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese blend) over the sauce on each English muffin half. Use about 1/4 cup of cheese per pizza, adjusting to your preference. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it’s what makes these pizzas so delicious!
* Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface of the sauce, as this will help hold the toppings in place.

**4. Add the Protein and Vegetables:**

* Evenly distribute the cooked breakfast sausage (or your chosen protein) over the cheese on each English muffin half. Crumble the sausage into small pieces for even coverage. If using bacon, crumble it into small, crispy pieces.
* Sprinkle the diced bell peppers and sliced mushrooms over the cheese. Feel free to add other vegetables at this stage, such as sliced tomatoes, onions, or olives. If using vegetables with high water content, consider sautéing them briefly before adding them to the pizza to prevent them from making the pizza soggy.
* If you’re using other optional toppings like sliced tomatoes, onions, olives, or jalapenos, add them now. Get creative and customize your pizzas with your favorite flavors!

**5. Add Eggs (Optional):**

* If you want to add an egg to your breakfast pizza, you have two options:
* **Scrambled Eggs:** Scramble the eggs in a separate pan and cook until set. Add the scrambled eggs as a topping on top of the cheese and other ingredients.
* **Raw Egg:** Carefully crack an egg on top of the cheese and other toppings on each English muffin half. Be careful not to break the yolk. If you choose this method, you’ll need to bake the pizzas a little longer to ensure the egg is cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature of the egg reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
* If you’re adding a raw egg, consider creating a small well in the cheese to help keep the egg from running off the sides.

**6. Season and Bake:**

* Sprinkle the pizzas with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, if desired. Seasoning enhances the flavors of the toppings and adds a delicious finishing touch.
* Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the English muffins are lightly golden brown. If you added a raw egg, bake for a few minutes longer, until the egg is cooked to your liking. The egg white should be set and the yolk should be slightly runny or firm, depending on your preference.
* Keep a close eye on the pizzas while they’re baking to prevent the English muffins from burning. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.

**7. Cool and Serve:**

* Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pizzas cool for a minute or two before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth.
* Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice each English muffin pizza in half, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy! These breakfast pizzas are best enjoyed warm, with the cheese melted and bubbly.

## Tips and Variations

* **Sauce Swaps:** Get creative with your sauce choices! Try pesto, alfredo sauce, barbecue sauce, or even a simple cream cheese spread. For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce to your sauce.
* **Cheese Combinations:** Experiment with different cheese blends. Try cheddar and Monterey Jack, provolone and mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
* **Protein Power:** Use leftover cooked chicken, steak, or pork for a heartier pizza. Vegetarian options include black beans, chickpeas, or tofu.
* **Veggie Variety:** Add any vegetables you like! Roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, are a great addition. Fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, add a burst of flavor.
* **Sweet and Savory:** For a sweet and savory twist, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey to your pizza after baking. You can also add fruits like pineapple or apples.
* **Make-Ahead Option:** Assemble the pizzas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. This is a great option for busy mornings.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** These pizzas can also be frozen for a quick and easy breakfast. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Add some greens:** Top with fresh spinach, arugula, or chopped herbs after baking for a boost of nutrients and flavor.
* **Use different breads:** While English muffins are the classic choice, you can also use bagels, croissants, or even pita bread as the base for your breakfast pizzas.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: 250-350 per pizza
* Protein: 15-25 grams
* Fat: 10-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a complete and balanced breakfast.
* Pair with a glass of orange juice or a cup of coffee.
* Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
* Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.

## Perfect for Any Occasion

English muffin breakfast pizzas are not just for breakfast! They’re perfect for:

* **Brunch:** A crowd-pleasing option for weekend brunch gatherings.
* **Lunch:** A quick and easy lunch option that’s more exciting than a sandwich.
* **Snacks:** A satisfying and customizable snack for kids and adults alike.
* **Potlucks:** A fun and portable dish to bring to potlucks and parties.
* **Game Day:** A delicious and easy-to-eat snack for watching your favorite sports teams.

## Get Creative and Have Fun!

The best part about English muffin breakfast pizzas is that they are incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your own unique combinations. Use this recipe as a starting point and let your creativity run wild! The possibilities are endless.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!