Crispy Arugula BLT Mini Pizzas
Indulge in these delightful Crispy Arugula BLT Mini Pizzas, where crunchy whole grain English muffins meet a rich marinara base, topped with fresh arugula, juicy tomatoes, and savory turkey bacon. These easy-to-make pizzas are perfect for a quick lunch or a fun snack, appealing to your taste buds while offering a healthy twist on the classic BLT. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these mini pizzas are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the ultimate combination of texture and taste!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Marinara sauce
1/4 cup (none)
Whole grain English muffins
2 (split and toasted)
Arugula leaves
1/2 cup (washed and dried)
Seeded tomatoes
1/4 cup (chopped)
Turkey bacon
1 slice (cooked and chopped)
Part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your broiler to high, ensuring it's hot and ready to melt the cheese to perfection.
2
Spread a generous 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce evenly across each toasted half of the whole grain English muffins.
3
Layer the fresh arugula leaves evenly over the marinara sauce, adding a fresh and peppery flavor to your pizzas.
4
Sprinkle the chopped seeded tomatoes and the cooked turkey bacon evenly atop the arugula.
5
Finish by distributing the shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese over each muffin half to achieve that golden, bubbly top.
6
Place the assembled pizzas under the broiler, 3 to 4 inches away from the heat source, and broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
7
Carefully remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve while warm. Enjoy your delightful Crispy Arugula BLT Mini Pizzas!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base for these mini pizzas?
The base is made from whole grain English muffins that are split and toasted.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: marinara sauce, English muffins, arugula, tomatoes, turkey bacon, and mozzarella cheese.
What temperature should the broiler be set to?
The broiler should be set to high.
How much marinara sauce should I use on each muffin half?
Spread 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce evenly across each toasted half.
Why is arugula used in this recipe?
Arugula adds a fresh, peppery flavor and serves as the 'lettuce' component of the BLT theme.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be seeded and then chopped.
Does the turkey bacon need to be cooked before putting it on the pizza?
Yes, the turkey bacon should be cooked and chopped before assembling the pizzas.
What type of cheese is recommended?
Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese is recommended for a golden and bubbly top.
How long do the pizzas need to broil?
They should be broiled for 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
How far away from the heat source should the pizzas be?
Place the assembled pizzas 3 to 4 inches away from the broiler heat source.
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, regular bacon can be used as a substitute for turkey bacon.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy twist on the classic BLT using whole grains and lean protein.
Should the English muffins be toasted first?
Yes, the recipe calls for the muffins to be split and toasted before adding toppings.
Can I use a different type of sauce besides marinara?
While marinara is the base, you could experiment with other tomato-based sauces.
How do I know when the cheese is done?
The cheese is ready when it is completely melted and shows slight browning.
Are these pizzas good for snacks?
Yes, they are perfect as a quick lunch or a fun snack for both adults and children.
Can I substitute the arugula with other greens?
Yes, although arugula provides a specific peppery flavor, you could use spinach or other leaves.
What makes these pizzas crispy?
The combination of the toasted muffin base and the high heat of the broiler creates a crispy texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 2 muffins, which yields 4 mini pizza halves.
Can I add other vegetables to the toppings?
Yes, you can customize the pizzas with additional toppings like onions or peppers if desired.
How quick is this recipe to prepare?
It is very quick, requiring minimal prep and only a couple of minutes of broiling.
Should the arugula be washed?
Yes, the arugula leaves should be washed and dried before use.
Can these be made in a toaster oven?
Yes, a toaster oven with a broiler function will work for this recipe.
When should I slice the mini pizzas?
Remove them from the oven, let them cool slightly, and then slice for serving.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
No, it contains turkey bacon, but it can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory and fresh combination of rich marinara, peppery arugula, and salty bacon.
Can I use white English muffins instead of whole grain?
Yes, though whole grain muffins offer more fiber and nutrition.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, mini pizzas are generally very appealing to children and easy for them to eat.
What does 'BLT' stand for in this recipe?
It stands for the combination of Bacon (turkey), Lettuce (arugula), and Tomato.
Should I eat these pizzas warm or cold?
They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while still warm.