I absolutely love making Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza at home! It’s super easy and incredibly delicious. I start by preheating the oven and placing slices of Texas toast garlic bread on a baking sheet. Then, I top each slice with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and any other toppings I’m in the mood for.

I pop them in the oven until the cheese is gooey and bubbly. The smell of the garlic bread mixing with the pizza toppings is just heavenly. The best part is biting into a slice and tasting the perfect combination of crispy bread, savory sauce, melted cheese, and flavorful toppings. It’s the ultimate comfort food that never fails to satisfy my pizza cravings. Trust me, once you try Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

8 slices of Texas Toast Garlic Bread
1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional, or substitute with your preferred toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, etc.)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions for Making Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza

Preheat your oven according to the garlic Texas toast package instructions. Typically, this will be around 425°F (220°C). Arrange the Texas toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake the Texas Toast according to the package instructions until lightly toasted, usually about 5 minutes. This pre-toasting helps to ensure the bread doesn’t become too soggy once topped with sauce and cheese.

Remove the toast from the oven and carefully spread a tablespoon or two of pizza sauce on each slice, leaving a small border around the edges to mimic a pizza crust.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce on each slice of toast. Then, add your chosen toppings like pepperoni, vegetables, or any other preferred pizza toppings.
Season the pizzas with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using) for an extra flavor boost.

Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the toast are crispy and golden brown.
Garnish the pizzas with fresh basil leaves if desired, for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your quick, crispy, and utterly delicious Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizzas!

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choosing the Right Bread: The foundation of this dish is the garlic Texas toast. Look for brands with a good balance of garlic and butter flavor. The bread should be thick enough to hold toppings without getting soggy.

Pre-toast for Crispiness: Pre-toasting the bread before adding toppings is crucial. It ensures that the bread maintains its structure and crispiness once it’s loaded with sauce and cheese.

Sauce Selection: Opt for a high-quality pizza sauce. The sauce can make or break your pizza toast. If you want to add a personal touch, consider making a quick homemade sauce using canned tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.

Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts. For an extra flavor boost, consider blending the mozzarella with a bit of cheddar or Parmesan.

Toppings Galore: While pepperoni is a popular choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings. Just remember to pre-cook any meats or vegetables that won’t cook thoroughly in the short baking time.

Herbs for Freshness: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning adds depth, but finishing the cooked pizzas with fresh basil or even a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the final dish.

Watch the Oven: Since all ovens vary, keep an eye on your pizzas to prevent burning. The goal is melty cheese and a crisp edge.

Broil for Finish: For an extra golden top, consider broiling the pizzas for a minute or two at the end of cooking. Just watch them closely to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad: Serve your Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. A simple arugula salad with lemon and olive oil dressing complements the richness of the pizza.

Dipping Sauces: Offer additional pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or even a garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping. It adds a fun and interactive element to your meal.

Pair with Soup: A hearty tomato basil soup or a creamy vegetable soup pairs wonderfully with the crispy, cheesy toast for a comforting meal.

Beverage Pairings: For adults, a light red wine like Chianti or a crisp beer like a pilsner can pair nicely with the flavors of the pizza. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is refreshing.

Storage Tips

Cool Before Storing: Allow any leftover pizza toast to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Refrigerate Properly: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked pizza toast. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month.

Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) until hot and crispy again. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the bread soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free Texas toast or a similar thick, gluten-free bread as a base. Ensure that all other ingredients, like pizza sauce and toppings, are also gluten-free.

What if I don’t like garlic?

If garlic isn’t your preference, you can use plain Texas toast or another type of thick-sliced bread and brush it with a mix of melted butter and a pinch of salt.

Can I add more than one type of cheese?

Absolutely. Mixing cheeses can add depth to your pizza. Try combinations like mozzarella with provolone or gouda for a creamy, rich flavor.

How do I prevent the bread from getting too crispy or burnt?

Keep an eye on the toast during both the pre-toasting and final baking steps. If your oven runs hot, consider lowering the temperature slightly or reducing the cooking time.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

For the best results, it’s recommended to prepare and bake the pizzas just before serving. However, you can pre-assemble the pizzas on the toast and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Add an extra minute or two to the baking time if you’re baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use homemade garlic bread instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade garlic bread can be an excellent base for this recipe. Just ensure it’s sliced thickly and has a robust garlic butter flavor.

Are there any vegan options for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by using vegan garlic Texas toast, vegan cheese, and plant-based toppings. Check labels to ensure all ingredients meet vegan standards.

What are some kid-friendly toppings?

Kids might enjoy simpler toppings like diced ham, pineapple, or just extra cheese. You can also set up a “topping bar” and let them customize their pizzas.

Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza

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Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza marries the crunchy, butter-laden joy of garlic-infused Texas toast with the rich, savory layers of traditional pizza toppings, crafting an effortless yet fulfilling dish.

Ingredients

8 slices of Texas Toast Garlic Bread
1 cup pizza sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni optional, or substitute with your preferred toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, etc.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for added heat
Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional

Instructions

Preheat your oven according to the garlic Texas toast package instructions. Typically, this will be around 425°F (220°C). Arrange the Texas toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Bake the Texas Toast according to the package instructions until lightly toasted, usually about 5 minutes. This pre-toasting helps to ensure the bread doesn’t become too soggy once topped with sauce and cheese.
Remove the toast from the oven and carefully spread a tablespoon or two of pizza sauce on each slice, leaving a small border around the edges to mimic a pizza crust.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce on each slice of toast. Then, add your chosen toppings like pepperoni, vegetables, or any other preferred pizza toppings.

Season the pizzas with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using) for an extra flavor boost.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the toast are crispy and golden brown.
Garnish the pizzas with fresh basil leaves if desired, for a fresh, aromatic finish.