Crispy Cheesy Texas Toast

This Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza recipe has become my weeknight dinner hero whenever I need something delicious on the table in minutes. Taking store-bought garlic Texas toast and transforming it into crispy, cheesy personal pizzas is practically foolproof and always a crowd-pleaser.

I first created these mini pizzas during a particularly hectic week when my regular meal plan fell apart. My family loved them so much they now request them regularly even when we have plenty of time to make traditional pizza.

Ingredients

• Texas Toast Garlic Bread the buttery garlicky base adds incredible flavor that regular pizza crust cannot match
• Pizza sauce choose a high quality jar or make your own with crushed tomatoes and Italian seasonings
• Shredded mozzarella cheese a whole milk low moisture variety melts best for that perfect cheese pull
• Pepperoni classic topping that crisps up beautifully around the edges
• Italian seasoning adds authentic pizza flavor to each bite
• Red pepper flakes brings optional gentle heat that balances the rich cheese
• Fresh basil adds bright color and fresh flavor contrast to the rich pizza

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven

Set your oven to the temperature indicated on the Texas toast package usually around 425°F. Proper preheating ensures your garlic bread gets crispy rather than soggy. Allow at least 10 minutes for your oven to reach full temperature even if it beeps earlier.

Pre Toast the Bread

Arrange the frozen Texas toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet without overcrowding. Bake for approximately 5 minutes until just lightly golden but not fully toasted. This crucial step creates a protective barrier that prevents the sauce from making the bread soggy.

Add Pizza Sauce

Remove the partially toasted bread from the oven and carefully spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each slice. Keep a small border around the edges to create a crust like appearance and provide a dry edge to hold. The hot bread will slightly warm the sauce which helps the next ingredients adhere better.

Add Cheese and Toppings

Sprinkle each slice generously with shredded mozzarella making sure to cover all the sauce. Add pepperoni or your preferred toppings in a single layer without overloading. Dust with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. The seasoning should be applied now rather than after baking so the flavors meld with the cheese.

Final Baking

Return the topped bread to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes watching carefully. The pizzas are done when the cheese is completely melted with slight browning bubbles and the edges of the bread turn deep golden. Different ovens vary so visual cues are more important than strict timing.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and add fresh basil leaves if desired. Let cool for just one minute before serving to avoid mouth burns but serve promptly while the bread is still crispy and the cheese is at its most stretchy.

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My favorite part of this recipe is how the garlicky buttery base of Texas toast elevates these simple pizzas above what you might expect from such a quick meal. The first time I served these at a casual gathering friends were shocked at how something so simple could taste so much like pizzeria pizza.

Make Ahead Options

While these pizzas are best enjoyed fresh you can prepare components ahead of time to make assembly even faster. Pre toast the garlic bread let it cool completely then store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve continue with adding toppings and final baking. This method is perfect when entertaining or feeding a crowd in shifts.

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftovers store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat place on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwave reheating as it makes the bread soggy. For best results consume within 24 hours as the quality diminishes quickly.

Toppings Variations

Transform this basic recipe into themed pizza nights with different topping combinations. Try Hawaiian style with diced ham and pineapple or vegetarian with bell peppers mushrooms and olives. For meat lovers add cooked sausage bacon and extra pepperoni. Create a white pizza by replacing tomato sauce with alfredo sauce and topping with spinach and chicken. The possibilities are endless and a great way to use up small amounts of leftovers in your refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal by pairing these mini pizzas with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a fun pizza party setup create a toppings bar and let everyone customize their own garlic bread pizza. Serve with small cups of additional warm pizza sauce for dipping the crusts. These also make excellent after school snacks or game day appetizers when cut into quarters.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade garlic bread instead of frozen Texas toast?

Yes! Homemade garlic bread works wonderfully. Simply prepare your garlic bread as usual, but don't toast it completely. Leave it slightly underdone, add your toppings, then finish baking until the cheese melts and edges are crispy.

→ What toppings work best with Texas toast pizzas?

Classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, and onions work great. The sturdy Texas toast can support most toppings, but avoid anything too watery that might make the bread soggy. Pre-cook raw meat toppings before adding them.

→ How do I prevent the Texas toast from getting soggy?

Pre-toasting the Texas toast for about 5 minutes before adding toppings is key. Also, don't overload with sauce - a thin layer is sufficient. Using room temperature sauce rather than cold can help minimize sogginess too.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

These are best made fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead of time. For a make-ahead option, pre-toast the bread, add toppings, then refrigerate for up to 4 hours before the final bake. Add 1-2 minutes to the final baking time if cooking from refrigerated.

→ What can I serve with Texas toast pizzas?

A simple green salad makes a perfect complement to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve with vegetable crudités, a light soup, or even chicken wings for a fun appetizer spread.

→ Can I freeze Texas toast pizzas?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. For unbaked, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. For pre-baked, cool completely, wrap individually, and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot.