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This hearty English Muffin Breakfast Pizza recipe transforms ordinary morning meals into something extraordinary. The combination of savory scrambled eggs, smoky bacon, and melted cheese atop crisp English muffins creates a delicious handheld breakfast that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a chaotic morning when cereal wouldn't cut it but pancakes seemed too ambitious. Now these breakfast pizzas make regular appearances on our weekend brunch menu, with everyone choosing their favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- Eggs: Large eggs provide the protein base for our breakfast pizzas. Look for free range if possible for better flavor.
- Heavy cream: Adding this creates silkier scrambled eggs with a rich mouthfeel. Use full fat for best results.
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Freshly ground pepper makes a noticeable difference.
- Onion powder: Adds savory depth without the texture of fresh onions. Make sure yours is fresh not clumpy.
- Real bacon bits: Time saver that provides smoky flavor throughout. You can substitute freshly cooked bacon if preferred.
- English muffins: The perfect base with nooks and crannies to catch all the toppings. Choose whole grain for extra fiber or sourdough for tang.
- Heinz chili sauce: The secret weapon that adds sweet tanginess. This sauce gives more complexity than plain tomato sauce.
- Shredded cheese blend: Using both mozzarella and cheddar creates the perfect balance of meltability and flavor. Freshly shredded melts better than pre packaged.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F ensuring it reaches full temperature before baking. Position rack in the middle for even heat distribution throughout the cooking process.
- Create The Egg Mixture:
- Crack eight large eggs into a medium mixing bowl being careful not to include any shell fragments. Add the heavy cream and whisk vigorously until fully combined and slightly frothy which will ensure fluffy eggs. Incorporate salt pepper and onion powder whisking again to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
- Cook The Scrambled Eggs:
- Pour the egg mixture into a lightly greased nonstick pan over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to gently push the eggs from the edges toward the center creating soft curds. When eggs are just set but still slightly glossy stir in half cup of bacon bits. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Assemble Your Pizzas:
- Slice English muffins in half and arrange cut side up on a baking sheet. Spread each muffin half with a thin layer of Heinz chili sauce going all the way to the edges. Spoon the bacon egg mixture evenly across all muffin halves creating a substantial layer. Top generously with shredded cheese blend and sprinkle remaining bacon bits over the cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes watching carefully toward the end. You want the cheese fully melted and just beginning to bubble with the edges of the English muffins turning golden and crisp.
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The Heinz chili sauce is truly the ingredient that transforms these from good to great. I discovered this accidentally when out of pizza sauce and now would never substitute anything else. The slight sweetness balances the savory eggs and bacon perfectly.
Make Ahead Magic
These breakfast pizzas shine as a meal prep option. You can completely prepare and bake them then wrap individually in parchment paper followed by aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen place directly in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. The texture remains surprisingly good unlike many reheated egg dishes.
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Easy Customization Options
While this recipe creates a perfect classic version consider it your starting point. Try adding sautéed mushrooms bell peppers or spinach to the egg mixture. Swap bacon for breakfast sausage or ham. For vegetarian options use plant based bacon bits or add extra vegetables. Different cheese combinations work wonderfully too gouda brings smokiness while pepper jack adds pleasant heat. The base recipe remains the same simply adjust the toppings to suit your preferences.
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
These breakfast pizzas stand alone beautifully but for a complete brunch spread consider serving alongside fresh fruit a simple green salad or roasted breakfast potatoes. For beverages coffee is the natural companion but a light mimosa or fresh orange juice works wonderfully too. When serving a crowd set up a topping bar allowing guests to customize their own breakfast pizzas.
The Secret To Perfect Eggs
The key to exceptional breakfast pizzas lies in properly cooking the eggs. Many people overcook scrambled eggs resulting in dry rubbery results. Instead remove the eggs from heat when they still look slightly underdone and glossy. They will continue cooking from residual heat and again in the oven. This technique ensures your eggs remain moist and tender in the finished dish every single time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cheese works best for these breakfast pizzas?
A blend of mozzarella and cheddar is ideal for its melty and flavorful qualities. However, you can substitute with your favorite cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack.
- → Can I make these in advance?
While these are best served fresh, you can prepare the components, like scrambled eggs and bacon, in advance. Assemble and bake them just before serving.
- → What can I use instead of Heinz chili sauce?
If you don’t have Heinz chili sauce, you can use pizza sauce, marinara, or even a light layer of ketchup as an alternative.
- → Can I use other meats besides bacon?
Of course! Sausage crumbles, diced ham, or even cooked ground turkey work well for this recipe.
- → How can I make these vegetarian?
Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms as toppings.