If you’re searching for a quick, delightful snack that tastes like a slice of Italy in every bite, this Pizza Toast Recipe is your new best friend. Combining crispy, golden bread with ooey-gooey melted cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and all your favorite toppings, it’s a perfect way to satisfy those pizza cravings without the wait. Easy to make and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for a casual lunch, an after-school treat, or even a fun appetizer at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry and fridge staples, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible layers of flavor and texture that make this Pizza Toast Recipe shine.
- Texas toast bread: Thick slices provide the perfect sturdy base, offering a crispy exterior and soft center that holds up well to the toppings.
- Prepared pizza sauce: Adds tangy, savory depth, infusing each bite with classic pizza flavor.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving that creamy, stretchy texture that’s essential for any pizza-inspired dish.
- Pepperoni slices: Bring a spicy, smoky note that contrasts deliciously with the creamy cheese.
- Sliced button mushrooms: Offer an earthy, tender bite that balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni.
- Diced green bell pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Diced red onion: Gives a touch of sharpness and colorful contrast.
- Fresh basil leaves: Julienned and sprinkled on top, basil lends a bright, herbaceous finish that elevates the entire dish.
How to Make Pizza Toast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Toast Bread
Start by warming your oven to 425°F and prepping a baking sheet with nonstick spray. Lay out the Texas toast slices in a single layer and bake for about 3 to 4 minutes. At this point, the bread should just start to toast, becoming slightly crisp while still soft inside—perfect for supporting your toppings without getting soggy.
Step 2: Add Toppings
Once your bread is ready, flip each slice and spread on a generous tablespoon of pizza sauce. Follow this with a base layer of mozzarella cheese—about 3 tablespoons per slice—to create a melty cushion for your toppings. Now layer on pepperoni slices, mushrooms, diced green bell peppers, and red onions. Finally, sprinkle an additional 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella over everything; this top layer of cheese will melt and brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide your loaded bread slices back onto the baking sheet and return them to the oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—the cheese should melt completely and bubble with some golden spots appearing, signaling that your Pizza Toast Recipe is nearly ready to enjoy.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Take the toasts out of the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh julienned basil leaves. This final touch adds a refreshing herbal note and a pop of vibrant green, making your pizza toast both beautiful and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Pizza Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic finishing touch for this Pizza Toast Recipe, but you can also experiment with red pepper flakes for some heat or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil to boost the aroma. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add an extra layer of savory complexity as well.
Side Dishes
Pair this tasty pizza toast with a crisp side salad, like a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, to lighten the meal. For a heartier option, roasted garlic potatoes or a bowl of tomato soup complement the flavors beautifully, turning a snack into a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Pizza Toast Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a charming, casual vibe. Cut each slice diagonally to create fun triangles that are perfect for sharing at parties. You can also set out bowls of extra toppings like olives, sliced jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes so guests can customize their own slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days while retaining most of their delicious flavor and texture.
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen, although for best results, freeze before adding fresh basil. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pizza toast in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it tends to make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this Pizza Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! While Texas toast works great for its thickness, you can use any sturdy bread like sourdough or a thick-cut rustic loaf. Just adjust toasting time accordingly to ensure it holds up well with toppings.
What can I substitute for pepperoni?
If you’re not a fan of pepperoni or want a vegetarian option, try sliced olives, roasted red peppers, or even crumbled cooked sausage for a different flavor twist.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top after baking can add a cheesy flavor boost if desired.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free bread as your base and make sure your pizza sauce does not contain gluten additives. This way, everyone can enjoy the Pizza Toast Recipe without worry.
How spicy is the recipe by default?
The original recipe is mild, with the pepperoni providing a subtle zing. If you like it spicier, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicier sausage instead of pepperoni during topping.
Final Thoughts
Making this Pizza Toast Recipe is like welcoming a warm hug in food form—quick, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of treat that can brighten any day or bring smiles around the table in minutes. Give it a try and watch how this simple recipe becomes a newfound favorite in your kitchen! You’ll love how easy it is to customize and enjoy every last cheesy, saucy bite.
Print
Pizza Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy and delicious Pizza Toast recipe transforms simple Texas toast bread into a delightful mini pizza that’s perfect for a quick snack or light meal. Featuring a crispy toasted base topped with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, and fresh basil, it’s a crowd-pleaser ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Bread and Sauce
- 6 slices thick Texas toast square sandwich bread
- 6 tablespoons prepared pizza sauce (1 tablespoon sauce per slice of bread)
Cheese and Toppings
- 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (approximately ⅓ cup cheese per slice of bread)
- 18 slices of pepperoni (3 per slice of bread)
- ⅓ cup sliced button mushrooms
- ⅓ cup diced green bell pepper
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
- 4 fresh basil leaves, julienned
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Bread: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and arrange the Texas toast slices in a single layer. Bake for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the bread just starts to toast and crisp slightly.
- Add Toppings: Remove the toasted bread from the oven and flip each slice over. Spread each slice evenly with 1 tablespoon of prepared pizza sauce. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese on each slice, then top with 3 slices of pepperoni, along with some sliced mushrooms, diced green bell pepper, and diced red onion. Finish by adding another 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese on top to ensure a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Bake: Return the assembled pizza toast slices to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and develops some golden brown spots.
- Serve: Remove the pizza toast from the oven and immediately sprinkle the julienned fresh basil leaves over the top. Serve hot and enjoy this quick and savory treat!
Notes
- Use thick Texas toast bread for the best crispy yet soft texture.
- Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite pizza additions such as olives, sausage, or different cheeses.
- To save time, you can buy pre-shredded mozzarella cheese.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
- This recipe is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven to keep the toast crispy.
