English Muffin Pizza Recipe | 10-Minute No Dough Pizza

Q: Can I make English muffin pizzas ahead of time and freeze them?

Heck yes, and I highly recommend it. English muffin pizzas are basically meal prep’s cooler cousin —small, simple, and always ready to impress. Here’s how to do it: Assemble your pizzas just like normal: sauce, cheese, toppings—the whole shebang. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them unbaked for about 2 hours, or until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label them if you’re fancy (or just want to avoid mystery freezer blobs). To cook from frozen: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the muffins are heated through. You can also air fry them straight from frozen at 350°F for 5–7 minutes . Boom— snack prep done .

Q: Do I need to toast the English muffins first before baking?

It’s totally optional, but IMO? Yes—at least if you like a crispier crust. Here’s the deal: Not toasting = softer base , which some people love (hello, mini deep dish vibes). Toasting for 2–3 minutes = golden, slightly crisp bottom that holds up better under the sauce and cheese. If you’re loading on the toppings or using a wetter sauce (like pesto or fresh tomatoes), toasting first is your friend. No one likes a soggy-bottomed muffin— even Paul Hollywood would agree.

Q: What’s the best cheese for English muffin pizza?

Ah, the eternal cheese question.Your go-to is low-moisture mozzarella , and here’s why: It melts beautifully It doesn’t turn your muffins into a puddle It delivers that stretchy cheese pull we all secretly live for Want to mix it up? Try adding: Provolone for smooth meltiness Cheddar for a sharp bite Parmesan sprinkled on top for a salty finish Goat cheese or feta if you’re feeling bougie Just avoid fresh mozzarella unless you want to turn your muffin into a cheese swamp. (FYI: been there, regretted it.)

Q: Can I make English muffin pizzas in the air fryer?

Oh, absolutely—and honestly? They come out next level in the air fryer. Here's how to do it: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) Place the assembled pizzas in the basket (don’t overcrowd) Cook for 4–6 minutes , depending on your toppings and cheese The crust turns out crispy on the bottom , and the cheese gets bubbly and golden on top. It’s basically magic in miniature form. Bonus: No need to pre-toast the muffins. The air fryer crispifies everything like a pro.

Q: What are the best English muffins to use for mini pizzas?

Here’s what to look for when choosing your muffin base: Classic white English muffins – neutral flavor, crisp up nicely Whole wheat muffins – for a little health cred (and more fiber) Sourdough muffins – tangy, chewy, and really satisfying Gluten-free muffins – perfect for GF folks (check your local bakery or freezer section) Avoid muffins that are super soft or have big air pockets—they can get mushy or fall apart under toppings. You want a sturdy base with a flat-ish surface.

Q: Can I serve these at a party or kids’ birthday?

You absolutely should. English muffin pizzas are basically made for gatherings. They’re fun, interactive, and almost mess-free (no guarantees if toddlers are involved). Pro party tips: Set up a mini pizza bar with desired toppings and sauces Let guests build their own muffin pizzas Pre-bake a few varieties for easy serving Serve with napkins and a big salad (you know, for balance) They’re also a hit at sleepovers, game nights, or late-night snacks with friends . Zero judgment if you’re serving them with wine and calling it "small plates."

Q: How long do English muffin pizzas take to cook?

In the oven : Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes Broil for 1–2 minutes for crispy tops In the air fryer : Cook at 370°F for 4–6 minutes The exact time depends on your toppings and how golden you like your cheese. Keep an eye on them near the end—browned cheese turns to burnt sadness fast .

The Little Pizza That Could

Confession time: I’ve been obsessed with English muffin pizzas since I was a kid. You know the ones—tiny, cheesy, and toasted to crispy perfection. And let me tell you, they still slap. Hard.

These little guys are the ultimate lazy pizza fix. No dough to roll. No drama. Just split, top, and toast. Whether you’re feeding hangry kids, need a midnight snack, or just want a bite of nostalgia (with melty mozzarella), this recipe is your new BFF.

Oh—and they take like 10 minutes total. That’s less time than it takes to argue over what to order on Uber Eats.

english muffin pizzas — Image credit: theflexibledietinglifestyle

Why English Muffin Pizza Deserves a Spot in Your Life

Not convinced yet? Let me break it down for you:

Ridiculously fast – Perfect for busy weeknights, after-school snacks, or those “I forgot to defrost dinner” moments.
Totally customizable – You want pineapple and hot sauce? Go for it. Pepperoni and pickles? Live your truth.
Kid-friendly AF – Mini pizzas = instant win with little humans.
Freezer-friendly – Yep, you can make these ahead and freeze them like mini meal-prep heroes.

Plus, they’re just fun. Like, grown-up Lunchables fun.

toasted english muffins — Image credit: theflexibledietinglifestyle

What You’ll Need (Spoiler: It’s Not Much)

Here’s your short and sweet shopping list for basic English muffin pizzas. You can get wild later.

Basic Ingredients:

English muffins (classic or whole wheat work) – here’s how to make them from scratch if you’re feeling extra.
Pizza sauce (or marinara, or even pesto—get saucy)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Toppings – think pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, olives, pineapple (yes, really)

Optional but awesome:

Grated Parmesan
Red pepper flakes
Garlic powder or Italian seasoning
Fresh basil or arugula (for when you want to pretend it’s gourmet)

Pro tip: Go with low-moisture mozzarella to avoid a soggy muffin situation.

meat english muffin pizzas — Image credit: plainchicken

How to Make English Muffin Pizzas Like a Pro

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup—because who has time to scrub crusty cheese?

Step 2: Split the Muffins

Slice the English muffins in half. Place them cut-side up on the tray.

Want a crisper base? Toast the muffin halves for 2–3 minutes before adding toppings.

Step 3: Sauce It Up

Spoon on your pizza sauce. Don’t drown it—you’re making pizza, not soup. About a tablespoon per muffin half does the trick.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Pile on the mozzarella like it owes you money. Seriously, there’s no such thing as too much cheese.

Step 5: Load the Toppings

This is your canvas. Whether you’re a purist (pepperoni only) or a wild card (jalapeño and pineapple, anyone?), now’s your moment.

Step 6: Bake

Pop them in the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Want extra crispy tops? Broil them for the last 1–2 minutes. Just don’t walk away—cheese can go from perfect to incinerated in the blink of an eye.

Four English muffin halves on a parchment-lined tray, arranged left to right in a step-by-step progression

English Muffin Pizza Topping Ideas (a.k.a. Go Wild)

Need some inspo? Here’s your go-to list of topping combos that never disappoint.

Classic Combo:

Marinara, mozzarella, pepperoni, red pepper flakes

Veggie Delight:

Pesto, mozzarella, mushrooms, spinach, artichokes

Sweet + Spicy:

BBQ sauce, cheddar, chicken, pineapple, jalapeño

Garlic Lovers:

Garlic oil, provolone, roasted garlic, caramelized onions

Breakfast Pizza:

Scrambled eggs, cheddar, bacon bits, hot sauce drizzle. Here’s how to make the perfect breakfast pizza.

Freezer-Friendly:

Make them, freeze them on a tray, then store in a bag.
Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

You could make a whole pizza bar with these. Honestly, you should. Party idea, anyone?

Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas? Yep, That Works Too

Don’t feel like heating the oven? Use the air fryer.

Set it to 370°F
Cook for 4–6 minutes
Keep an eye on that cheese—it crisps fast

They come out extra crispy and extra melty. Bonus: no need to pre-toast the muffins. If you’re new to the air fryer world, Wirecutter’s air fryer guide is a lifesaver.

veggie english muffin pizza — Image credit: food_and_more_de

English Muffin Pizza vs. Bagel Pizza: The Smackdown

Let’s address the chewy elephant in the room. Is bagel pizza better?

IMO: No. Don’t @ me.

Here’s why:

	English Muffin Pizza	Bagel Pizza
Texture	Light, crisp edges, soft inside	Dense and chewy (sometimes too chewy)
Topping Ratio	Perfect cheese-to-bread balance	Tends to be too bready
Size	More topping coverage per bite	Smaller top surface area
Tooth Risk	Low	Medium–High (bite too soon and your dentist gets rich)

So yeah, English muffins win this one.

mini personal pizzas arranged on a dark wooden cutting board

Let’s Talk Nutrition (But Just for a Second)

Are English muffin pizzas healthy? Let’s not pretend we’re eating kale here. BUT:

Choose whole wheat muffins for extra fiber
Use turkey pepperoni or grilled veggies
Go light on cheese (if you must)
Add fresh greens on top after baking

In short: you can make them lighter without making them sad.

English Muffin Pizza FAQs (Because You Know You’ve Got Questions)

Can I make English muffin pizzas ahead of time and freeze them?

Heck yes, and I highly recommend it. English muffin pizzas are basically meal prep’s cooler cousin—small, simple, and always ready to impress.
Here’s how to do it:

Assemble your pizzas just like normal: sauce, cheese, toppings—the whole shebang.

Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them unbaked for about 2 hours, or until solid.

Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label them if you’re fancy (or just want to avoid mystery freezer blobs).

To cook from frozen:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the muffins are heated through. You can also air fry them straight from frozen at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Boom—snack prep done.

Do I need to toast the English muffins first before baking?

It’s totally optional, but IMO? Yes—at least if you like a crispier crust.
Here’s the deal:

Not toasting = softer base, which some people love (hello, mini deep dish vibes).

Toasting for 2–3 minutes = golden, slightly crisp bottom that holds up better under the sauce and cheese.

If you’re loading on the toppings or using a wetter sauce (like pesto or fresh tomatoes), toasting first is your friend. No one likes a soggy-bottomed muffin—even Paul Hollywood would agree.

What’s the best cheese for English muffin pizza?

Ah, the eternal cheese question.Your go-to is low-moisture mozzarella, and here’s why:

It melts beautifully

It doesn’t turn your muffins into a puddle

It delivers that stretchy cheese pull we all secretly live for

Want to mix it up? Try adding:

Provolone for smooth meltiness

Cheddar for a sharp bite

Parmesan sprinkled on top for a salty finish

Goat cheese or feta if you’re feeling bougie

Just avoid fresh mozzarella unless you want to turn your muffin into a cheese swamp. (FYI: been there, regretted it.)

Can I make English muffin pizzas in the air fryer?

Oh, absolutely—and honestly? They come out next level in the air fryer.
Here’s how to do it:

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C)

Place the assembled pizzas in the basket (don’t overcrowd)

Cook for 4–6 minutes, depending on your toppings and cheese

The crust turns out crispy on the bottom, and the cheese gets bubbly and golden on top. It’s basically magic in miniature form.

Bonus: No need to pre-toast the muffins. The air fryer crispifies everything like a pro.

What kind of sauce works best for English muffin pizza?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The beauty of this recipe is that you can sauce it up however your pizza-loving heart desires.

Top sauce choices:

Classic marinara or pizza sauce – tried-and-true, always a win

Pesto – earthy, herby, and super flavorful (just go light—it’s oily)

BBQ sauce – sweet, smoky, perfect with chicken or bacon

Ranch dressing – yes, it’s controversial. Yes, it’s delicious.

Alfredo sauce – for a creamy, indulgent twist

Pro tip: Don’t go overboard with any sauce—a tablespoon per muffin half is plenty. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a cheese slip-and-slide.

What are the best English muffins to use for mini pizzas?

Here’s what to look for when choosing your muffin base:

Classic white English muffins – neutral flavor, crisp up nicely

Whole wheat muffins – for a little health cred (and more fiber)

Sourdough muffins – tangy, chewy, and really satisfying

Gluten-free muffins – perfect for GF folks (check your local bakery or freezer section)

Avoid muffins that are super soft or have big air pockets—they can get mushy or fall apart under toppings. You want a sturdy base with a flat-ish surface.

Are English muffin pizzas healthy?

Ehhh… define “healthy.” Let’s be honest: these are mini pizzas. But you can make smarter choices depending on your goals.

Healthier swaps:

Use whole wheat muffins for extra fiber

Go lighter on cheese (if you have that kind of self-control)

Add loads of veggies for nutrients and volume

Use lean proteins like chicken breast or turkey pepperoni

Skip processed meats if you’re watching sodium

Honestly? It’s way better than ordering a stuffed crust triple meat supreme. So we’ll call that a win.

How do I store leftover English muffin pizzas?

If you somehow don’t eat all of them (??), here’s what to do:
Let them cool completely

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

To reheat:

Oven: 375°F for 5–7 minutes

Air fryer: 350°F for 4–5 minutes

Microwave: 30–60 seconds, but the crust may get a little chewy

Best results? Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy edge.

Can I serve these at a party or kids’ birthday?

You absolutely should. English muffin pizzas are basically made for gatherings. They’re fun, interactive, and almost mess-free (no guarantees if toddlers are involved).

Pro party tips:
Set up a mini pizza bar with desired toppings and sauces

Let guests build their own muffin pizzas

Pre-bake a few varieties for easy serving

Serve with napkins and a big salad (you know, for balance)

They’re also a hit at sleepovers, game nights, or late-night snacks with friends. Zero judgment if you’re serving them with wine and calling it “small plates.”

How long do English muffin pizzas take to cook?

In the oven:
Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes

Broil for 1–2 minutes for crispy tops

In the air fryer:
Cook at 370°F for 4–6 minutes

The exact time depends on your toppings and how golden you like your cheese. Keep an eye on them near the end—browned cheese turns to burnt sadness fast.

The Final Slice

Let’s be real—English muffin pizzas aren’t fancy, but they are fun, fast, and dangerously satisfying. They’re perfect for weeknight cravings, picky eaters, or just those moments when you want a nostalgic little bite of happiness covered in melted cheese.

So next time you stare into your fridge wondering what to make with that random jar of pizza sauce and lone bell pepper, you know what to do.

Get your muffin on.

And hey, if anyone gives you side-eye for making pizza on an English muffin? Just smile, take a bite, and say,
“Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve had one.”

Author
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Zach Miller

Zach Miller is a homemade cook, certified pizza obsessive, and the kind of guy who thinks a good cup of coffee counts as a personality trait. When he's not perfecting his sourdough crust or experimenting with outrageous toppings (pineapple and hot honey—don’t knock it), he’s sharing fun, no-fuss recipes that actually make you want to cook. Expect plenty of melted cheese, caffeine-fueled kitchen adventures, and the occasional dad joke thrown in for free.