Pizza Toast

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Pizza toast is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that satisfies both your craving for pizza and your love for crispy, golden toast. It comes together in minutes and delivers everything you want in a quick snack or light meal: melty cheese, juicy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and that irresistible crunch of toasted bread.

Whether you’re making lunch for yourself, feeding hungry kids after school, or throwing together a last-minute appetizer, pizza toast is a winning choice. It’s endlessly customizable, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious. Plus, it tastes like a fancy version of a childhood favorite, which makes it even better.

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What Kind of Bread Works Best for Pizza Toast?

The best bread to use for pizza toast is thick-cut slices that can hold up to the weight of the toppings and the heat of the oven. Think sourdough, Texas toast, or multigrain with a sturdy crust. You want a slice that gets golden and crispy on the outside while remaining slightly chewy inside. Avoid very thin or flimsy bread—it will likely get soggy under the toppings.

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Ingredients for the Pizza Toast

• Thick-cut bread slices – Acts as the base and holds up to the toppings and toasting.
• Fresh tomatoes – Add juicy brightness and natural acidity.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that classic pizza texture.
• Olive oil – Helps crisp the bread and adds a rich flavor.
• Garlic powder & Italian seasoning – Provide that signature pizza aroma.
• Salt & black pepper – Enhance and balance all the other flavors.
• Fresh basil – Brings freshness and a pop of color to finish.

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How To Make the Pizza Toast

Step 1: Prep the Bread Base

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your thick-cut bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil to help them crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 2: Layer on the Flavor

Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the oiled bread. Then, place thin slices of fresh tomato on top, overlapping them slightly if needed. Add a pinch of salt and pepper over the tomatoes to bring out their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Top the tomatoes with generous slices or shreds of mozzarella cheese. You want enough to get that satisfying melt and pull, but not so much that it spills off the bread.

Step 4: Toast to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown, and the bread edges are golden and crisp. You can also broil for an additional 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil ribbons. Let the toast cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving. Enjoy while warm and melty!

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How to Serve and Store Pizza Toast

Pizza toast is best served fresh from the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the bread is at peak crispiness. It pairs beautifully with a side salad, a bowl of soup, or even just a cold glass of lemonade on a hot day. Serve it as an appetizer, lunch, or a light dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to regain the crispy texture – microwaving will make the bread soft and soggy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?

You can use provolone, fontina, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for extra flavor. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free bread. Choose one that has a thick, sturdy slice so it doesn’t fall apart.

Do I need to use fresh tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes bring the best flavor, but you can substitute with sun-dried tomatoes, tomato slices from a jar, or even a thin spread of pizza sauce.

How can I add protein to this recipe?

Add pepperoni slices, cooked sausage crumbles, or even grilled chicken before topping with cheese.

Can I make pizza toast in an air fryer?

Yes! Toast at 375°F for about 5-6 minutes. Check often to avoid burning the bread.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! Kids love customizing their own slice with toppings like olives, mini pepperonis, or even pineapple.

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Want More Toasted or Cheesy Snack Ideas?

If pizza toast is your kind of easy comfort food, you’ll probably enjoy these other creative favorites:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a hearty, cheesy pasta fix.
• Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels if you’re craving soft dough and melty cheese.
• Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich for a bold twist on a classic.
• Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread when you want something savory and filling.
• Cinnamon Sugar Pizza for a sweet take on the pizza theme.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for snacks or quick meals so it’s ready when hunger strikes.

And don’t forget to let me know how your pizza toast turned out! Did you add your own twist—like a spicy drizzle or different cheese? Share your tips in the comments!

Looking for more everyday deliciousness? Browse all my daily recipes over on Pinterest @hallarecipes and find something new to try today!

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