Name: English Muffin Breakfast Pizza: The Quick & Easy Recipe You'll Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings (8 pizza halves)
Ingredients: 4 English muffins, split and toasted; 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage; 1/4 cup sliced black olives; 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon milk; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional toppings: sliced mushrooms, pepperoni, red pepper flakes

English Muffin Breakfast Pizza: the ultimate quick and customizable breakfast that will revolutionize your mornings! Forget those complicated brunch recipes that take hours to prepare. This simple yet satisfying dish is ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekend mornings.

While the exact origins of breakfast pizza are debated, the concept of topping bread with savory ingredients has been around for centuries. Think of it as a delicious evolution of the classic breakfast sandwich, offering endless possibilities for flavor combinations. It's a celebration of comfort food, reimagined for the most important meal of the day.

What makes English Muffin Breakfast Pizza so irresistible? It's the delightful combination of textures – the crispy, toasted muffin base, the gooey melted cheese, and the savory toppings of your choice. People love it because it's incredibly versatile. You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand, from leftover veggies and cooked meats to your favorite cheeses and sauces. Plus, it's a fun and interactive meal that the whole family can enjoy making together. Get ready to ditch the boring cereal and embrace the deliciousness of this easy breakfast pizza!

Ingredients:

4 English muffins, split and toasted
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: sliced mushrooms, pepperoni, red pepper flakes

Preparing the Toppings:

Before we start assembling our breakfast pizzas, let's get our toppings ready. This will make the whole process much smoother and faster. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way!

Cook the Sausage: If you haven't already, cook your breakfast sausage. I like to use a skillet over medium heat. Crumble the sausage as it cooks, and make sure it's cooked through completely. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy pizza! Set the cooked sausage aside.
Chop the Vegetables: Now, let's chop our veggies. Dice the green bell pepper into small pieces. Slice the black olives. If you're using mushrooms, slice them thinly. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the assembly process a breeze.
Prepare the Egg Wash (Optional): While not strictly necessary, I like to add a little egg wash to the English muffins before topping them. It helps the toppings adhere better and gives the crust a nice golden-brown color. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assembling the Breakfast Pizzas:

Now for the fun part! We're going to assemble our English muffin breakfast pizzas. This is where you can really get creative and customize them to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings!

Toast the English Muffins: If you haven't already, toast the English muffins until they're lightly golden brown. This will give them a nice crispy base. You can use a toaster or a toaster oven. Just keep an eye on them so they don't burn.
Apply the Egg Wash (Optional): If you're using the egg wash, brush a thin layer over the cut side of each toasted English muffin half. This step is optional, but I find it helps the toppings stick better.
Spread the Marinara Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over each English muffin half. Don't use too much sauce, or the pizzas will be soggy. A tablespoon or two per half should be plenty.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce. I like to use a lot of cheese, but you can adjust the amount to your liking.
Add the Toppings: Now, add your toppings! Sprinkle the cooked sausage, chopped green bell pepper, and sliced black olives over the cheese. If you're using any other toppings, like mushrooms or pepperoni, add them now as well.
Season (Optional): If you like, you can sprinkle a little red pepper flakes over the pizzas for a bit of heat. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking the Breakfast Pizzas:

We're almost there! Now it's time to cook our breakfast pizzas. There are a few different ways you can do this. I'll walk you through my preferred method, which is using the oven.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the Pizzas: Place the assembled English muffin pizzas on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Broil for Extra Crispness (Optional): If you want the cheese to be extra bubbly and browned, you can broil the pizzas for a minute or two at the end of the baking time. Just be sure to watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly under the broiler.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

While I prefer baking the pizzas in the oven, there are a couple of other methods you can use if you're short on time or don't want to heat up your oven.

Toaster Oven:

You can cook the English muffin pizzas in a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled pizzas on the toaster oven tray and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Skillet:

You can also cook the pizzas in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled pizzas in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. Be sure to check the bottom of the pizzas occasionally to prevent burning.

Serving and Enjoying:

Once the pizzas are cooked, carefully remove them from the oven (or toaster oven or skillet). Let them cool for a minute or two before serving. These English muffin breakfast pizzas are best enjoyed warm. They're perfect for a quick and easy breakfast, brunch, or even a light lunch. You can serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a simple salad.

Enjoy your delicious homemade English muffin breakfast pizzas! I hope you love them as much as I do. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature breakfast pizza. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This isn't just another breakfast recipe; it's a game-changer! The English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is a must-try because it's quick, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Forget those complicated brunch recipes that take hours – this one comes together in minutes, perfect for busy weekday mornings or lazy weekend brunches. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You get that delightful crunch from the toasted English muffin, the savory goodness of your favorite toppings, and the gooey, melted cheese that ties it all together. What's not to love? But the real reason you absolutely have to try this recipe is the sheer joy it brings. It's a fun and interactive way to get everyone involved in breakfast preparation. Let the kids choose their own toppings, and watch their faces light up as they create their own mini masterpieces. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and trust me, you'll be making these again and again.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to customizing your English Muffin Breakfast Pizza. Here are a few ideas to get you started: * Meat Lovers: Load it up with cooked sausage, crispy bacon, and diced ham. * Veggie Delight: Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, and tomatoes. * Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to your eggs. * Mediterranean Twist: Top with feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil. * Sweet and Savory: Add a touch of sweetness with caramelized onions or a drizzle of maple syrup. * For a healthier option: Use whole wheat English muffins, lean turkey sausage, and plenty of vegetables. You can also use egg whites instead of whole eggs to reduce the cholesterol. Don't be afraid to experiment and get creative! Use whatever you have on hand in your refrigerator and pantry. This recipe is all about using what you love and making it your own. For serving, these breakfast pizzas are fantastic on their own, but you can also pair them with a side of fresh fruit, a yogurt parfait, or a simple green salad. They're also great for meal prepping! Simply assemble the pizzas, wrap them individually, and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just pop them in the oven or toaster oven until heated through and the cheese is melted. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you're going to love it as much as I do. It's a simple, delicious, and versatile way to start your day. Once you've made your own version of the English Muffin Breakfast Pizza, I'd love to hear about it! Share your photos and variations in the comments below. Let me know what toppings you used and how you made it your own. I can't wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!