Description
Homemade pizza toasts combine crispy bread with classic Italian flavors for a quick and satisfying meal. Melted cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings create a delightful snack you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 slices bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Cheese Variations:
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup provolone cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (optional)
Toppings and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup pepperoni
- 1/4 cup sausage
- 1/4 cup mushrooms
- 1/4 cup bell peppers
- 1/4 cup onions
- 1/4 cup olives
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and position the rack in the middle for even heat distribution.
- Arrange bread slices on a clean baking sheet, creating a single layer without overlapping.
- Using a pastry brush, coat each slice with olive oil to ensure a crispy texture and golden finish.
- Generously spread marinara or pizza sauce across the entire surface of each bread slice, covering edge to edge.
- Distribute shredded or sliced cheese uniformly over the sauced bread, allowing even melting.
- Customize the toasts with preferred pizza toppings like pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Enhance flavor profile by sprinkling a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese becomes completely melted and bread edges turn golden brown.
- For an extra crispy exterior, activate the broiler and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven, let cool for a brief moment, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crunchy.
Notes
- Customize toppings by using gluten-free bread for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals, ensuring everyone can enjoy this quick meal.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella, cheddar, or vegan alternatives to match dietary preferences or flavor profiles.
- Control crispiness by watching closely during broiling stage, as ovens vary and bread can quickly burn from high heat.
- Elevate nutrition by adding protein-rich toppings like grilled chicken, turkey, or plant-based options to transform simple pizza toast into a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg