Pizza English Muffins

The History of English Muffins (from ChatGPT):

Origins:

• 18th Century England: English muffins originated in the 18th century in the United Kingdom. They were known as “toaster crumpets” and were originally baked on a griddle rather than in an oven.
• They were popular among the working class because they were cheap and easy to make. Street vendors, called “muffin men,” sold them door-to-door, often ringing bells to announce their arrival (inspired the nursery rhyme “Do You Know the Muffin Man?”).

Introduction to the U.S.:

• Late 19th Century America: English muffins were introduced to the U.S. by Samuel Bath Thomas, a British immigrant, in 1880. He opened a bakery in New York City and developed a version of the muffin that was firmer and had a more open crumb—perfect for toasting.
• He called them “toaster crumpets” initially, but they became popularly known as “English muffins.”

Rise in Popularity:

• The muffins grew in popularity in America, especially after being marketed as a more sophisticated alternative to toast.
• The brand Thomas’ English Muffins became synonymous with the product and is still a major name today.

Modern Use:

• Today, English muffins are a breakfast staple, often split, toasted, and topped with butter, jam, or used in breakfast sandwiches.

Ingredients Needed to Make English Muffin Pizzas:

• English Muffins: Use any brand of English muffin that you’d like. Try light whole wheat, whole grain, plain or sourdough English muffins. Most English muffins are sold in the bread aisle, but there are some nicer, more substantial English muffins sold in the refrigerated section.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is the cheese that is classic for making traditional pizza, but you can get creative with your cheese toppings, if you’d like. I suggest trying shredded colby jack, cheddar cheese or Italian blend.
• Pizza Sauce: I like to use regular, jarred pizza sauce. Making homemade pizza sauce is an option too.
• Mini Pepperoni Slices: This is my choice when I’m making mini pepperoni pizzas. The options are endless for pizza topping, or you can just go with cheese for picky eaters.

Tips and Substitutions:

• It’s important not to skip the step of toasting the English muffins. The toasting will add a layer of toasty protection to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy from the pizza sauce.
• Brush the English muffins with a seasoned olive oil before broiling for some extra flavor.
• Try using pesto sauce or alfredo sauce in place of pizza sauce (don’t use marinara).
• Meat lovers can add a little cooked sausage or hamburger to the top of the mini pizzas.
• Veggie lovers might want to try adding mushroom and bell pepper… maybe even a few olives!
• Ham and pineapple is another yummy combination to consider for pizza topping.
• I don’t recommend making these mini pizzas in the microwave. They just won’t turn out that great.

Fun Facts about English Muffins:

1. English muffins are famously split with a fork instead of sliced. This preserves their signature nooks and crannies, which hold onto butter and jam beautifully.
2. English muffins were popular before electric toasters existed, which is why they were made to be reheated or crisped on a stovetop.
3. The Egg McMuffin, introduced by McDonald’s in 1971, helped skyrocket the popularity of English muffins in America.
4. In the UK, they’re just called muffins. The term “English muffin” is primarily used in the United States to differentiate from sweet American-style muffins.
5. The exact recipe used by the founder of Thomas’ English Muffins is a closely guarded secret, locked in a vault at the company’s headquarters.