Picture this: golden, buttery garlic toast bubbling with gooey mozzarella, kissed by the flavor of your favorite pizza sauce and finished with a sprinkle of herbs. That’s the magic of Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas—the ultimate fix for those moments when you crave something cheesy, crispy, and full of comfort! Perfect for last-minute weeknight dinners or a spontaneous snack with friends, these little pizzas deliver big on flavor with just a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas is how effortlessly they come together with simple, readily available ingredients. Each one brings a special role—delivering crunch, zest, creaminess, or a bright finish.
- Frozen garlic Texas toast: This is the sturdy, already-seasoned base that crisps up beautifully in the oven for big flavor without extra effort.
- Pizza sauce: Adds that unmistakable pizza tang; feel free to use jarred, homemade, or even marinara for a personalized touch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of gooeyness—it melts into dreamy pockets of deliciousness atop each slice.
- Optional: Italian seasoning or garlic powder: A pinch amps up that classic pizzeria aroma and lets you customize every bite.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): For a flourish of freshness and a pop of green that makes these little toasts look as good as they taste.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Getting your oven nice and hot is the secret to perfectly crispy Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas, ensuring the toast gets golden without drying out.
Step 2: Arrange the Garlic Toast
Lay your frozen garlic Texas toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. No need to thaw the bread—keeping it frozen helps maintain that great texture as it bakes.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Spoon about two tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each slice and spread evenly. Don’t be shy—a generous layer gives each pizza a tangy, saucy bite in every mouthful.
Step 4: Pile on the Cheese
Grab your mozzarella and sprinkle it over the sauced toast slices. Let some cheese fall over the edges—those golden, crispy bits are absolutely the best part!
Step 5: Season for Extra Flavor
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, now’s the moment to dust each slice with a pinch of Italian seasoning or a hint of garlic powder. This tiny dash takes the aroma over the top and gives authentic pizzeria vibes to your homemade Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling, melt-y cheese and perfectly crisped golden edges—the magic combo that makes these irresistible.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Take the pizza toasts out of the oven and, if you’re feeling fancy, scatter torn basil or chopped parsley over the top. Let them cool for a minute or two, then dive in while everything is at its melty, toasty best.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Fresh basil ribbons or chopped parsley not only add color, but also brighten up each bite with a pop of freshness. If you love a bit of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of chili oil never hurts. These finishing touches make your Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas look party-ready and extra appetizing.
Side Dishes
Pair these mini pizzas with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, a handful of roasted veggies, or a simple bowl of tomato soup for old-school comfort. They also disappear fast as a sidekick to pasta dishes or as part of a larger snack spread when guests drop by unexpectedly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, cut your Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas into strips and serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Stack them high on a platter for a family-style, pull-apart snack or plate each toast with a flourish of microgreens and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a fancier appetizer feel. There are endless ways to make them your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (a rare but happy situation), let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the toast from getting soggy and the cheese perfectly delicious.
Freezing
To stash a few for busy weeks ahead, cool your Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas completely, wrap each one in plastic wrap, and pop them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month; just remember to thaw before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
For the crunchiest results, reheat your pizzas in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 °F until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again—usually just 5-7 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the toast is at its best with a little oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast?
You can substitute thick slices of hearty bread or bakery sourdough, but Texas toast gives the best sturdy, garlic-kissed base and crisps up beautifully under the cheese. If you go thinner, keep an eye on bake time so it doesn’t get too crunchy.
What other toppings work on these Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas?
Mini pepperoni, sliced olives, diced bell peppers, or a sprinkle of feta are all fantastic. Just be sure not to overload—too many toppings can make the toast soggy. A little goes a long way on these petite pizzas!
Can I make Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas gluten-free?
Absolutely—use your favorite gluten-free garlic bread or toast as the base. Most larger groceries carry gluten-free options that toast up crisp and golden, just like regular Texas toast.
Is it possible to do these in an air fryer?
Yes! Arrange the pizzas in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 375 °F for about 5-7 minutes. They’ll get extra crisp and melty in no time—just check often to make sure nothing burns.
Can I make these ahead for parties?
You can assemble the garlic toast pizzas up to an hour ahead and refrigerate them on the baking sheet until you’re ready to pop them in the oven. This makes party prep a breeze, and they always emerge hot, cheesy, and perfect.
Final Thoughts
There’s something just so fun and comforting about Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas—no fuss, all reward, and guaranteed to bring happy, cheese-loving smiles to any table. Give them a whirl and see just how quickly they disappear. Enjoy every toasty, melty bite!
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Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (2 slices per serving)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas are the ultimate quick and satisfying snack or easy meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, these mini pizzas use frozen garlic Texas toast as the base, slathered with zesty pizza sauce and melty mozzarella. Ideal for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re crispy, cheesy, and customizable with your favorite herbs or toppings.
Ingredients
Base
- 6 slices frozen garlic Texas toast
Sauce & Cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Toppings
- Italian seasoning or garlic powder, for extra flavor
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) to ensure your garlic toast gets crispy and perfectly golden.
- Arrange the Toast: Lay the frozen garlic Texas toast slices evenly on a baking sheet, making sure there is space between them for even cooking.
- Add the Sauce: Spread a generous spoonful of pizza sauce over each slice of garlic toast, covering all the edges for extra flavor in every bite.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on each slice. Add an extra handful if you love extra-cheesy pizzas!
- Season: Optional: Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning or garlic powder over the top for an extra punch of flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown around the edges.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, top with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy while hot and crisp!
Notes
- You can add your favorite mini pizza toppings like sliced pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives before baking.
- For crispier toast, bake directly on the oven rack instead of a baking sheet—but watch closely to avoid spills.
- Use marinara or tomato sauce if you prefer a different pizza base flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven or toaster oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American