mini pizzas

I feel like I'm cheating here -- these are so easy. But they're good.

I'm a deep-dish pizza lover.

I love the golden-brown crust on the bottom of a deep-pan pizza -- the gooey cheese, the peppers and olives...all of it pales in comparison to the deep-dish crust.

I could just eat that crust.

That said, these little minis -- which use English muffins as a base -- are a satisfying, crispy-crunchy, inexpensive and super easy alternative to ordering out.

Plus, everyone gets to choose exactly what they want on their pizza.

So, we picked some basil from out on the deck... 

Browned some beef...

Put out the peppers, mushrooms, onions, pepperoni, cheese and sauce...

Then Jack and Julia got to make their own.

Jack ate.

Julia pleaded with Jack to stop eating and made all four pizzas. 

About 15 minutes later... 

The kids' favorite dinner.

Mini Pizzas

makes 8 mini pizzas

• 4 English muffins

• pizza sauce

• mozzarella cheese

Suggested Toppings:

• Italian sausage (see note), cooked

• ground beef, cooked

• pepperoni

• bell peppers -- any color

• onions

• mushrooms, fresh or canned

• black olives

• fresh basil

• grated parmesan cheese

• red pepper flake

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil or spray with vegetable spray.

Split the four muffins into eight halves -- these are the pizza "crusts."

Spoon sauce onto each crust. Layer meat first, if using, then layer with vegetable toppings. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

We mounded our toppings and pressed the whole thing into a compact little mountain -- it all cooks down nicely in the oven.

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Top with a sprinkle of parmesan and red pepper flake, if desired. Enjoy.

Note: We buy Johnsonville Italian sausages, remove the casings and cook it all up like ground beef.