Garlic Toast Pizzas are an incredibly simple yet delicious twist on traditional pizza that’s sure to satisfy your pizza cravings without all the fuss. By using garlic Texas toast as the base, you get a crispy, garlicky flavor that perfectly complements the rich, melted cheese and savory toppings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a quick meal for yourself, these individual-sized pizzas are perfect for any occasion. With the addition of a few ingredients and a quick bake in the oven, you can enjoy pizza in just about 25 minutes. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings to create a personalized, easy-to-make pizza that’s packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of garlic Texas toast (store-bought or homemade): You can find garlic Texas toast in most grocery stores, and it’s typically pre-buttered and flavored with garlic. If you prefer, you can make your own garlic toast at home using your favorite bread, butter, garlic, and herbs.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Store-bought pizza sauce works great, but you can also use marinara sauce or even homemade pizza sauce for a fresher flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with a simple tomato sauce, seasoned with Italian herbs.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: This is the classic pizza cheese that melts beautifully and provides the perfect gooey texture. If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to use provolone, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- ½ cup pepperoni slices (or other toppings of choice): Pepperoni is a classic pizza topping, but you can easily customize your garlic toast pizzas with a variety of other toppings like sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or onions. You can even go vegetarian with just veggies and cheese!
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella and enhances the overall pizza taste.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A combination of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary brings out that familiar pizza flavor. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use individual herbs like oregano and basil.
- Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh basil: This adds a burst of fresh flavor and color to your pizzas. Basil pairs wonderfully with garlic and tomatoes, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile.
- Red pepper flakes: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the pizzas after baking for a bit of spice.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Toast Base:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the garlic toast crisps up nicely and the cheese melts perfectly without overcooking.
- Arrange the garlic Texas toast slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Make sure to place them flat so that each slice has space to crisp up evenly.
2. Bake the Toast:
- Bake the garlic toast for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are beginning to turn golden and crispy. This gives the bread a nice crunch and allows the garlic flavor to fully infuse the slices. You want the bread to be firm enough to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
3. Assemble the Pizzas:
- Once the garlic toast is baked, remove it from the oven and carefully spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each slice. You don’t need to use too much sauce – just enough to cover the surface and enhance the flavors of the toast without overwhelming it.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the sauce. The mozzarella will melt beautifully and hold the toppings in place.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings. If you’re using pepperoni, scatter a handful over the cheese, ensuring they are spread evenly. If you prefer a vegetarian option, feel free to add sliced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each pizza for added flavor. The Parmesan gives the pizza an extra depth of flavor and a little salty kick.
- Add a pinch of Italian seasoning on top of the cheese for that classic pizza herb blend that will elevate the dish.
4. Bake the Pizzas:
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbly, and the edges of the garlic toast are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the pizzas to prevent burning, but you want the cheese to get nicely browned and the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Once baked, remove the garlic toast pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Optional: Garnish the pizzas with fresh chopped basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor and a burst of color. These garnishes add a refreshing, aromatic finish to the dish and a little kick if you like spice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approx. 300 per slice
Tips:
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can use whole wheat Texas toast or even a low-calorie bread option for the base. You can also try using a reduced-fat mozzarella to cut down on calories without sacrificing much flavor.
- Make it a meal: You can turn these into full-on meals by adding more toppings like cooked chicken, bacon, or even fresh spinach and olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Customize to your tastes: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings. The beauty of garlic toast pizzas is that they are highly customizable to your family’s preferences.
Garlic Toast Pizzas are not only quick and easy to make, but they also pack a lot of flavor in each bite. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun snack, they’re sure to become a hit. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, garlicky goodness that is perfect for any occasion!
