If you’re craving a delicious breakfast that’s both quick and satisfying, look no further than English Muffin Breakfast Pizza. This easy-to-make dish offers a perfect combination of savory breakfast ingredients piled atop an English muffin. Whether you’re in the mood for eggs, cheese, or sausage, the options are endless. This breakfast pizza not only delivers great flavor, but it also allows you to customize your toppings based on your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover ingredients you may have in the fridge. Perfect for a busy morning or even a weekend brunch, this breakfast pizza is a fun and simple way to start your day off right.
Ingredients:
To make English Muffin Breakfast Pizza, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 English muffins, split in half
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1/2 cup of cooked breakfast sausage or bacon (optional)
- 1/4 cup of diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1/4 cup of diced onions (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)
- Hot sauce or salsa (optional, for topping)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the English muffins from sticking.
Step 2: Split the English muffins in half and place them on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle or brush the top of each muffin half with olive oil or melted butter to ensure they get a nice, crispy texture when baked.
Step 3: In a small skillet, cook the breakfast sausage or bacon until crispy, then drain excess fat. If using sausage, crumble it into small pieces. You can also add diced bell peppers and onions to the skillet and sauté them for a few minutes until tender. This step is optional but adds extra flavor and texture to the pizza.
Step 4: Crack the eggs into a small bowl, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can either scramble the eggs or cook them sunny-side-up or over-easy, depending on your preference. If scrambling, cook the eggs in a non-stick skillet until just set.
Step 5: Place a spoonful of cooked sausage or bacon on top of each English muffin half. Then, add a spoonful of scrambled eggs (or your desired egg style). Top with shredded cheddar cheese, and place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Step 6: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the English muffins are golden and crispy. If you’re using sunny-side-up eggs, you can bake the pizzas until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
Step 7: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Add a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa if desired, and serve immediately.
Variation Ideas:
English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is a versatile recipe that can be customized in many ways. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Veggie Delight: Add spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes for a lighter, vegetarian breakfast pizza. You can sauté the vegetables before adding them to the muffins for extra flavor.
- Ham and Pineapple: For a sweet and savory twist, top the muffins with diced ham and pineapple before adding the egg and cheese.
- Mushroom and Swiss: Use Swiss cheese and sautéed mushrooms as your topping for a gourmet twist on the classic breakfast pizza.
- Bacon and Avocado: Add crispy bacon and slices of ripe avocado on top of the egg for a rich and creamy flavor combination.
- Spicy Kick: Spice things up by adding jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the eggs before baking.
COOKING NOTE:
If you prefer a runny yolk, you can cook your eggs sunny-side-up or over-easy, as mentioned earlier. For a more uniform texture, scrambled eggs work great, and they’re easy to incorporate into the pizza. Adjust the baking time depending on how runny or firm you like your eggs. You can also pre-cook the muffins by toasting them slightly before assembling the pizzas to ensure an extra crispy base.
Serving Suggestions:
English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is a meal in itself, but it can be paired with other breakfast favorites. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices for a refreshing balance to the savory pizza. If you’re looking to add some crunch, pair it with a light green salad dressed with a vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes. This dish is also great for brunches and can be paired with your favorite morning drink, like freshly brewed coffee, orange juice, or even a mimosa.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: If you’re short on time in the morning, you can prep the English muffins the night before. Split the muffins, add your toppings (except the eggs and cheese), and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, just crack the eggs, top the muffins with cheese, and bake them for a quick breakfast.
- Customize to Your Taste: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. You can add different types of cheese, meats, vegetables, or even sauces to customize each pizza to your liking.
- Use English Muffin Variations: If you prefer a different type of bread, you can use whole wheat English muffins, gluten-free options, or even bagels for a twist on the traditional recipe.
- Eggs to Preference: If you want the yolk to stay runny, be sure to bake the pizzas for just a few minutes until the cheese melts and the whites are set. For firmer eggs, bake for a little longer.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
10-15 minutes
Total Time:
20-25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 300
Protein: 16g
Sodium: 500mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugars: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 245mg
Fiber: 2g
FAQs:
- Can I make this recipe with egg whites instead of whole eggs? Yes, you can substitute egg whites for whole eggs if you want a lower-fat option. Scrambled egg whites work particularly well in this recipe.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! You can swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Swiss, or even a cheese blend for added flavor.
- Can I prepare this in advance? You can prepare the toppings ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just assemble the pizzas in the morning, crack the eggs, and bake for a quick breakfast.
- Can I freeze English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas? Yes, you can freeze the assembled muffins before baking. Just wrap each pizza tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Conclusion:
English Muffin Breakfast Pizza is a fun, customizable, and easy-to-make breakfast option that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With a crispy, golden English muffin base and a combination of savory and cheesy toppings, it’s a perfect start to your day. Whether you keep it simple with eggs and cheese or go all out with bacon, veggies, and hot sauce, this breakfast pizza will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. It’s quick, versatile, and delicious—what more could you ask for in a morning meal?