Try These Quick and Easy Pizza Muffins
Greetings, fellow foodies! Are you tired of making the same old boring pizza crusts for your homemade pizzas? Well, have I got a recipe for you! Introducing Pizza English Muffins – the perfect twist on classic pizza that’ll leave your taste buds begging for more.
Picture this: a perfectly toasted English muffin is smothered in rich tomato sauce, sprinkled with melted mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection. Add in some of your favorite toppings like sausage, ground beef, or onions – and you’ve got yourself a delicious and unique pizza experience.
Not only are these muffin pizzas easy to make, but they’re also a great way to get creative with your toppings. Plus, you can make them ahead of time and store them in the freezer for a quick and easy meal whenever you need it!
So what are you waiting for? Gather up your ingredients and get ready to dive headfirst into a world of pizza heaven. Trust me; these English muffin pizzas will change the way you think about homemade pizza forever.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a pizza lover looking for an easy and tasty recipe that won’t take up too much of your time? Look no further than these delicious Pizza English Muffins! Trust me, as someone who spent years crafting the perfect pizza recipe, you won’t want to miss out on this one.
First of all, who doesn’t love a good English muffin? They provide the perfect base for the toppings and hold up well when reheated. Plus, they’re much lighter than traditional pizza crust, meaning you can indulge in a few extra slices without feeling weighed down.
But what really sets these Pizza English Muffins apart is the combination of cheeses – Swiss, cheddar, and mozzarella. The creaminess of the Swiss cheese pairs perfectly with the sharpness of the cheddar and provides a great contrast to the gooey mozzarella. And don’t forget the touch of cayenne pepper and dried oregano – just enough spice to add a bit of excitement to every bite.
But this recipe isn’t just about the toppings – it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily switch out the bulk sausage and ground beef for other protein options like chicken or turkey, or even go vegetarian with some sautéed onions and mushrooms on top.
And I haven’t even mentioned how easy it is to make! With just a few basic ingredients like tomato paste, onion, and shredded cheese, you’ll have tasty mini pizzas ready in no time. Plus, this recipe is great for making ahead and freezing for those busy weeknights when you don’t have time to cook.
So what are you waiting for? Try out these Pizza English Muffins ASAP and thank me later. Trust me – once you taste these little bites of heaven, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredient List
Before we get into the details of this Pizza English Muffin recipe, let’s first gather all the ingredients that we’ll be needing for it. We’ll mostly be using the basic pizza toppings such as tomato paste, shredded mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. But don’t let that fool you, we’re also adding exciting twists such as bulk sausage, ground beef, and a dash of cayenne pepper and dried oregano!
Without further ado, here’s the list of all the ingredients you will need:
- 6 whole English Muffins, split in half
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/4 lb bulk sausage
- 1/4 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Make sure to secure all these ingredients first before moving on to the next steps!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Pizza English Muffins.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F.
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Brown 1/2 pound of bulk sausage and 1/2 pound of ground beef along with diced onion (1 cup).
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Add 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano and 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to the meat mixture then mix until well combined.
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Cut english muffins in half and lay them on a baking sheet. Spoon pizza sauce (1 cup) evenly over each muffin half.
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Add the meat mixture on top of the pizza sauce, making sure it is spread out evenly.
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Sprinkle a combination of shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup), cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) and Swiss cheese (1/2 cup) over the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before slicing into mini pizzas.
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Enjoy your homemade Pizza English Muffins hot or at room temperature with your favorite toppings!
This muffin pizza recipe is a quick and easy way to satisfy your pizza cravings while also making a fun meal for kids or friends. You can even switch up the toppings to make different variations such as pepperoni pizza, cheese pizza sauce or vegetarian pizza. These mini pizzas are perfect for a snack or party appetizer, and they can be easily made ahead and kept in the fridge for later use!
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I know that every individual has their own taste preferences and dietary restrictions. That’s why I always strive to provide various substitutions and variations for my recipes. Here are some substitution options and variations you can try with the pizza English muffin recipe:
– Cheese Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of one of the cheeses listed in the recipe, feel free to substitute it with another type of cheese that you prefer. For instance, you could use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar cheese or shredded Gouda instead of mozzarella cheese.
– Meat Substitutions: The original recipe called for a combination of bulk sausage and ground beef. However, you can customize the meat used to your liking! Try using just one type of meat such as pepperoni, bacon pieces, or ground turkey instead.
– Vegan Options: If you are looking for vegan options, you can skip the meat and choose plant-based toppings such as bell peppers, olives, onions, or mushrooms. To substitute the cheese, use vegan cheese shreds or make your own vegan cheese.
– Spice Level: If you prefer spicy foods, add more cayenne pepper to the pizza sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of each muffin pizza before baking. On the other hand, if you don’t like spice at all then simply omit the cayenne pepper from the recipe.
– Pizza Crust: If you’re running low on English muffins or just want to change up the texture a bit, try using mini pizza crusts instead! Simply follow the same recipe but swap out the English muffins with mini pizza crusts and adjust baking time according to package directions.
Remember that cooking is all about making things your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things with this pizza English muffin recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Pizza English muffins are a fantastic dish to serve as either an appetizer or as a main course. These tasty little muffin pizzas are perfect for any party or gathering and will keep your guests coming back for more.
When it comes to serving, the possibilities are endless. One suggestion is to serve these mini pizzas with a side garden salad, which can help balance out the richness of the cheese and meat. If you’re looking for something heartier, why not pair them with some homemade garlic bread for an extra dose of comfort food? For drinks, nothing beats a cold beer or a glass of red wine.
Another great idea is to put together a “make your own pizza” bar at your next event. Set out bowls of different toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives and let your guests build their own concoctions before popping them in the oven. The kids will especially love this interactive activity!
No matter how you choose to serve these English muffin pizzas, they are sure to be a hit. Their small size also makes them perfect for grabbing on the go – just pop them in the toaster oven for a quick snack before heading out the door.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about these Pizza English Muffins is that they’re incredibly versatile when it comes to make-ahead options, storing and reheating. Whether you’re planning a party, making lunch for the kids, or just looking for a quick snack on-the-go, these muffin pizzas can be prepared ahead of time, stored in the freezer or fridge, and reheated in no time at all.
Make-Ahead:
To save time and ensure maximum convenience, these Pizza English Muffins can be prepared ahead of time – this is what we call OAMC (once-a-month-cooking) recipe. Once you’ve assembled your muffins pizzas, simply store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag and place them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if you plan to cook them soon. What’s great about this recipe is that it’s very easy to make many muffin pizzas at once.
Storing:
If you’re storing your muffin pizzas in the freezer, they’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw first at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This will help prevent ice crystals from forming on the toppings during reheating later on.
Reheating:
When it comes to reheating your Pizza English Muffins, there are several options available depending on your preference. For a quick and simple option, you can use a toaster oven set at 375°F (if frozen), or 350°F (if refrigerated). Simply heat them up for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
If using a microwave oven, place 1-2 muffins on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for about 30-45 seconds until they’re heated through but not soggy. Be careful not to overheat as you do not want the cheese to turn rubbery. You can also try reheating them in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes.
No matter which option you choose, your Pizza English Muffins will come out hot and crispy every time. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as a quick lunch on a busy day. With these easy storing and reheating tips, you can enjoy these delicious muffin pizzas any time of day, any day of the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the perfect Pizza English Muffins, here are some tips that will help you get it right:
1. Use a Variety of Cheeses
One of the great things about pizza is the different flavours and textures that come from combining various types of cheese. In this recipe, I recommend using a mix of swiss, cheddar, and shredded mozzarella cheese. This combination results in a gooey blend of cheesy goodness that will make your taste buds sing.
2. Toast Your English Muffins
Toasting your English muffins before topping them with sauce and other ingredients is a crucial step in making these mini pizzas. The process not only gives them a nice crunch but also ensures that they won’t become soggy while baking in the oven.
3. Spices are key
Spices are essential to any pizza recipe, including this one. A sprinkle of dried oregano and cayenne pepper can add a kick of flavour to the sauce while making it more interesting.
4. Cook your Meat First
If you’re using bulk sausage or ground beef as a topping, make sure to cook it thoroughly first. It’s important to do this as undercooked meat could cause food-borne illness.
5. Don’t Add Too Many Toppings
While Pizza English Muffins offer an opportunity to be creative with toppings, you don’t want to overdo it either. Overloading your mini pizzas with too many toppings could result in a mess or an unevenly baked muffin pizza.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy restaurant-quality English muffin pizzas right at home!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these pizza English muffins are a versatile and delicious meal for any occasion. You can enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. With the simple recipe and easy-to-find ingredients, you can make these muffins quickly and with very little fuss. Plus, the ability to make them ahead of time and store them in the freezer makes them perfect for busy days or unexpected guests.
The combination of three cheeses, onion, and flavorful spices gives these pizza English muffins an irresistible taste that will certainly satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a cheese lover or a pizza aficionado, you’ll appreciate the deliciousness of this recipe.
So what are you waiting for? Give these pizza English muffins a try and see for yourself why they are loved by so many people. They are guaranteed to become one of your favorite go-to meals for any occasion.
Pizza English Muffins - OAMC Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 1/2 lbs bulk sausage
- 1 medium onion
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 (12 ounce) packages English muffins (or I like to make my own)
- 12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces shredded swiss cheese
Instructions
- Cook beef, sausage and onion until no longer pink. Drain. Stir in paste, garlic salt, oregano and cayenne. Spread over the cut side of the English muffins.
- Mix cheeses and sprinkle over the meat mixture.
- TO FREEZE: Place in bags for up to 3 months. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
- TO COOK IMMEDIATELY: Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.