Mouth-Watering English Muffin Pizza Recipe
Hello my fellow culinary enthusiasts! Are you in the mood for a quick, easy, and scrumptious dish to satisfy your craving for savory pizza? Look no further than the Tomato, Olive & Mozzarella English Muffin Pizza Recipe! As a Chef specializing in British cuisine, I can attest that this recipe is not only delicious, but also simple and adaptable to fit your dietary needs.
This mouthwatering recipe calls for the perfect combination of tomato paste, fresh basil, shredded mozzarella cheese, and juicy roma tomatoes and pitted black olives to ensure every bite leaves you feeling satisfied. The melted cheese creates a delightful texture atop a crispy English muffin base. Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also perfect for those on-the-go days or busy weekday nights. This meal is perfect for an individual or as an appetizer for a group gathering.
Come along with me as we explore all of the steps required to make sure your Tomato, Olive & Mozzarella English Muffin Pizza will be a hit with family and friends. With just fifteen minutes to prep and ten minutes to cook, this recipe is sure to be your go-to for quick and easy lunches or dinners. So let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is not just another pizza recipe. It’s a mouth-watering pizza recipe that will change the way you think about English muffins. If you’re looking to satisfy your pizza craving while still sticking to a healthy diet, this is the recipe for you.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses whole grain English muffins, making it a healthier option than a traditional pizza crust. The combination of fresh, juicy tomatoes, and savory olives complimented with the rich flavor of mozzarella cheese creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also saves you time and money. You don’t need to order take-out or spend hours in the kitchen preparing homemade dough for making your own pizza crust. With this recipe, all you have to do is split open some English muffins and top them with flavorful ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store.
Plus, if you’re someone who craves variety, this recipe offers lots of possibilities when it comes to customization. You can add pepperoni slices, green olives or even experiment with different cheeses such as feta or gorgonzola cheese.
Lastly, these muffin pizzas can be enjoyed as a quick lunch or dinner, but they’re also perfect party food! Impress your friends and family by serving these mini pizzas as appetizers at your next gathering. Trust me; everyone will thank you for bringing these delicious treats to the table.
Trust me; this recipe checks off all the boxes – deliciousness, convenience, affordability, and versatility. You’ll love how easy it is to make these yummy muffin pizzas without compromising on taste.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious and easy Tomato, Olive & Mozzarella English Muffin Pizza Recipe:
Ingredients 1:
- 6 English muffins, split in half
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Ingredients 2:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 whole wheat English muffin, split in half
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
You can find these ingredients at your local grocery store or they may already be in your kitchen pantry. Make sure to gather everything together before starting the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
This is where the fun really begins! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, halve six English muffins – (use whole wheat or whole-grain English muffins for a healthier option) and arrange them cut-side up on a large baking sheet.
Next, we’ll make our homemade pizza sauce. In a medium bowl, stir together 1 can of tomato paste, 1 tbsp of clear honey, 1 tbsp of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tsp of dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp of garlic powder. Then, gradually stir in about 3/4 cup of warm water until the sauce has reached your preferred consistency.
Take a spoonful of pizza sauce and spread it on top of each English muffin half, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges. If you are a fan of pepperoni pizza, now’s the time to add some pepperoni slices on top of the sauce! You can also add any other desired toppings at this point.
For tomato and olive pizza lovers, spread some halved cherry tomatoes on top followed by sliced pitted black olives before adding shredded mozzarella cheese! For a fresh taste, use fresh basil in place of olives.
Once they’re topped with all your desired ingredients and toppings, bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When done, let cool for several minutes before serving.
Enjoy these mini pizzas with friends or store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge or freezer for later munchies!
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life, and as a chef, I believe that experimenting with different flavors and ingredients is essential. In this recipe, you can replace several ingredients to provide a new taste or cater to specific dietary needs.
First, let’s talk about the base – English Muffins. I love using whole wheat English muffins for their added nutrition value; however, you can replace them with regular English muffins or even pita bread.
If olives aren’t your jam, swap them out for some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers. Similarly, if you’re not a fan of tomatoes, substitute them with sun-dried tomatoes or spinach.
The beauty with this recipe is that it works well with both homemade and store-bought pizza sauce. So depending on your preference, use whichever option suits you best.
For a healthier option, opt for low-fat mozzarella cheese. If vegan-friendly meals are what you’re after; there is now plenty of plant-based cheese products that also melt smoothly like regular cheese.
If you want to add some extra spice to your pizza, swap out the mozzarella for some pepper jack cheese and throw in some jalapeño slices or pepperoni. And here’s a sweet idea: adding some clear honey mixed with lemon juice for a honey-lemon flavor.
Finally, herbs can pack an excellent flavor into any meal. In this recipe, try replacing basil with oregano or rosemary to add depth to your pizzas.
Remember that these are just some suggestions for substitutions and variations to the recipe. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavors! Just keep in mind that some substitutions may affect cooking times or measurements.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve prepared this mouthwatering Tomato, Olive & Mozzarella English Muffin Pizza, let’s talk about how it can be served and paired. This pizza is very versatile and can be enjoyed as a quick lunch, a light dinner or even as a party snack.
I suggest serving the pizza hot straight from the toaster oven, when the cheese is melted and bubbly, providing a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the bread of the English muffin. It is important to enjoy this dish immediately after preparation to take full advantage of the flavors and textures.
This pizza pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the rich flavors of the tomato and cheese. You could also serve it with some grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. When it comes to drinks, I recommend pairing this pizza with a cold beer or even a crisp rosé wine – both will work to cut through the saltiness of the olives and mozzarella cheese.
This Tomato, Olive & Mozzarella English Muffin Pizza is perfect for serving at parties or making mini pizzas for children’s lunchboxes. Be creative and experiment by adding different toppings such as pepperoni slices or even fresh pesto sauce in place of tomato sauce! No matter how you choose to serve it, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead meals, this Tomato, Olive & Mozzarella English Muffin Pizza recipe certainly doesn’t disappoint. In fact, it’s the perfect meal-prep option for those busy weekdays or those days when you simply don’t feel like cooking.
If you want to prepare the pizzas beforehand, assemble them as instructed in ‘The Recipe How-To’ section, but instead of baking, refrigerate or freeze them until ready to use. If refrigerated, these pizzas can last up to 2 days while if frozen, they can last up to 3 months.
To cook the refrigerated pizzas, simply preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. On the other hand, if reheating frozen pizzas, bake them at 375ºF (190ºC) for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and heated through.
Otherwise, you can opt for a quicker and simpler way of reheating using a toaster oven. This is perfect for those mornings when you’re on-the-go but still desire a homemade breakfast pizza. Just pop the pizzas in a toaster oven for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re warmed and slightly crispy around the edges.
But what if you have some leftover pizzas? No need to fret! You can store them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 2 days or opt for freezing leftovers as well. When reheating leftover pizza slices, use your toaster oven and heat them for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re warmed through.
Regardless of whether you’re meal prepping, storing leftovers or just want an easier option of reheating these delicious muffin pizzas, both options work flawlessly so that you never have to compromise taste and quality over convenience again.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let’s talk about some tips to help you achieve the perfect results while making this delicious English Muffin Pizza.
Firstly, make sure you take the time to toast the English muffins before adding the toppings. This step is essential as it helps to prevent the base from becoming soggy and provides a crispy texture.
Secondly, when spreading the tomato paste or sauce over the English muffins, remember to apply an even layer. A thick layer of sauce can make the pizza too heavy, while too little may result in a dry and flavorless pizza.
Thirdly, use fresh and good quality ingredients for this recipe. It makes a considerable difference in taste when using fresh ingredients like basil and ripe cherry tomatoes instead of canned or frozen ingredients.
Fourthly, experiment with other toppings like pepperoni slices or pesto sauce for variations. The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings for this easy-to-whip-up pizza snack.
Fifthly, don’t skimp on cheese! Use a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced fresh mozzarella cheese for that gooey and cheesy finish that we all love in a pizza.
Lastly, try reheating leftover pizza slices in a toaster oven instead of the microwave to preserve their crispy texture.
By following these tips, I am confident that you will achieve the perfect results when making this tomato, olive & mozzarella English Muffin Pizza recipe.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Tomato, Olive & Mozzarella English Muffin Pizza recipe is a fantastic addition to any British cuisine menu. Not only is it easy to make and loaded with flavor, but it’s also versatile and customizable to suit your taste buds. By using the right ingredients and following the instructions provided, you can have delicious muffin pizzas ready in no time.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack for a fun weekend of watching football or a creative way to serve up dinner on a busy weeknight, these muffin pizzas are sure to satisfy. With its perfect combination of tomato sauce, olives, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil, this muffin pizza recipe is undoubtedly going to become one of your favorites.
So what are you waiting for? Try out this Tomato, Olive & Mozzarella English Muffin Pizza recipe and enjoy the taste of homemade British cuisine right in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below. Happy cooking!
Tomato, Olive & Mozzarella English Muffin Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 English muffins, split
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or more if you are like me)
- 4 large tomatoes, very ripe
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 pitted black olives, halved
- 1 3/4 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
- salt and pepper
For the dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon clear honey
Instructions
- Toast muffin halves uner broiler until golden, about 2-3 minutes
- Mix garlic, butte and basil together and spread on each muffin half.
- Cut cross shape in the base of each tomato and plunge into bowl of boiling water. After a few minutes, pick up tomato with a fork and peel away skin.
- Chop tomato flesh and mix with tomato paste and olives.
- Divide mixture between muffins.
- Mix dressing ingredients and drizzle over each muffin. Arrange mozarella slices on top and season with salt and pepper.
- Return muffins to broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until cheese melts.
- Garnish with basil and serve at once.
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.