Best English Muffin Pizza (Crispy, Cheesy, 20-Minute)
All the joy of pizzeria-style mini pies without dough or a stone. We pre-toast the muffins, brush with garlicky butter, season the sauce, and finish under the broiler for crisp edges, gooey centers, and big aroma—fast.
Equipment
- Sheet Pan
- Parchment Paper or Perforated Pan
- Oven with Broiler
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
Base
- 3 English muffins, split yields 6 halves (mini pizzas)
Seasoning
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
Toppings
- 24 slices pepperoni about 4 slices per half
- 4 oz pizza sauce or marinara about 2–3 tsp per half
- 4 Tbsp mozzarella cheese, shredded about 2 tsp per half
Garlic Butter
- 4 oz salted butter (or preferred) melted; you may not need all of it
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic fresh
Herb Finish
- 1/4 cup Italian herbs (parsley, oregano, thyme) divided, for sprinkling before/after bake
Pantry
- kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat for crisp success: Heat oven to 450°F / 230°C (use convection if available). Line a sheet pan with parchment or use a perforated pan for airflow.
- Make aromatic garlic butter: Combine melted butter and minced garlic (optionally stir in a pinch of Italian herbs).
- Pre-toast the muffins (structure matters): Brush cut sides with a thin layer of garlic butter; place cut-side up and bake 3–4 minutes until just golden at the edges.
- Sauce and season the base: Spread about 2–3 tsp pizza sauce per half. Dust lightly with onion powder and garlic powder; add a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper.
- Cheese and pepperoni placement: Top each with ~2 tsp mozzarella (about 4 Tbsp total across 6 halves). Add pepperoni (4 slices per half). Scatter Italian herbs over the top.
- Bake hot, finish hard: Bake 7–9 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are browned. Switch to broil 1–2 minutes to crisp the pepperoni and blister the cheese. Watch closely—broilers vary.
- Final brush & flake: If desired, lightly brush the crust rims with a kiss of leftover garlic butter. Finish with a pinch of herbs and red pepper flakes.
- Rest & slice: Let pizzas rest 2 minutes so cheese sets slightly. Slice each half into halves or quarters for shareable bites.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- For extra pull, add 1 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan per muffin before the mozzarella.
- Want a saucier bite? Spoon 1/2 tsp more sauce on top right after baking for a fresh-sauce effect.
- Toaster-oven method: 450°F for 8–11 minutes; broil 30–60 seconds.