Old School English Muffin Pizzas...BVC Style

Growing up one of our favorite lunchtime meals were the English Muffin Pizza's our mom used to make.  Simple, easily done for one or many, and most ingredients were always in the kitchen.  For the basic "pizza sauce" she used a can of tomato sauce and mixed in some dried oregano and dried onion.  Now, when we are in a pinch we throw in a bit of dried Italian spices as well or you can use your favorite pizza sauce whether it be homemade or canned.  The great thing about these is anything goes!  Kids and adults alike will love them. "The Classic" is a good starting point.  Add your favorite toppings to this one to create your own favorite, whether that be pepperoni (pictured above top row on right), sausage, mushrooms, other grilled vegetables, etc.

NOTE:  For all the below recipes, use the baking procedure recommended.  Depending on your oven, or toaster oven, if the pizzas are warmed throughout you may want to briefly put them under the broiler to get a nice browned bubbly cheese crust on the pizzas.

Each recipe makes one whole English muffin.

 The Classic

One English muffin cut in half and lightly toasted
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
1/4 cup pizza sauce (see suggestions above)

Place the toasted English muffin on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.  Spread pizza sauce on each toast and top with mozzarella cheese.  Place in oven or toaster oven at 400 degrees and bake until cheese is browned and bubbly.   Serve warm.

   The Hawaiian Cowboy

1 English muffin cut in half and lightly toasted
1/4 cup Canadian bacon, julienned
1/4 cup pineapple, diced
1/4 cup bbq sauce (Sweet Baby Rays preferred, or your favorite)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

In a nonstick pan saute the ham.  As is starts to brown add the pinapple and saute 1-2 minutes longer.  Drain if too many juices released.

Place muffin on baking sheet and spread bbq sauce over each.  Top with mix of pineapple and bacon then top with cheese.  Bake at 400 degrees until cheese is bubbly and browned

The Philly

1 English muffin toasted
1/4 cup pizza sauce (see above suggestions)
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 small onion, sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
6 thin slices of deli Roast Beef

Saute the onion approximately 3 minutes until softened.  Add bell pepper and continue to saute until veggies are caramelized.  Set aside

In a pan over medium heat, spray with oil and quickly fry the slices of beef so they are nicely browned.  Remove immediately.

Place muffins on baking sheet and spread with pizza sauce.  Top each muffin with 3 slices of beef, then the pepper and onion mixture.  Add the cheese on top and bake at 400 degrees until cheese is bubbly and browned.