When life gets busy and dinner needs to happen fast, these Garlic Toast Pizzas are here to rescue your hungry crew. Crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, they’re the perfect shortcut to homemade pizza goodness without the fuss. Bonus? They’re so easy, even your kids can help!
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Toast Mini Pizzas
If you’re on the hunt for a quick dinner fix, these garlic toast mini pizzas are about to become your new weeknight MVP. Made with store-bought or homemade garlic Texas toast, they crisp up beautifully and give you that classic pizza flavor with a buttery, garlicky twist. Plus, they’re ready in less time than it takes to order takeout!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below!)
- Garlic Texas toast: Thick, buttery, and the perfect “crust.”
- Pizza sauce: Go for your favorite jarred sauce or homemade.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, stretchy goodness.
- Pepperoni slices: Or any toppings you love!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory boost.
- Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of herby magic.
- Optional: Fresh basil and red pepper flakes for a little extra flair.
How to Make Garlic Toast Pizzas
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the garlic toast slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes until slightly crisp but not browned.
Step 2: Build Your Pizzas
Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce onto each slice of toasted bread. Sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Top with pepperoni slices or your favorite toppings.
Step 3: Add a Flavor Boost
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the top for maximum pizza vibes.
Step 4: Bake Until Melty
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and watch them disappear!
Estimated Nutrition and Prep Time
Nutrition Facts (per slice)
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Note: Depending on toppings, values may vary.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Tips for Perfect Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizzas
- Don’t over-toast initially: Just enough to crisp up slightly so your pizzas stay firm and not soggy.
- Use thick-sliced garlic toast: It holds all the cheesy goodness better!
- Customize toppings: Try veggies, sausage, olives, or whatever’s lingering in the fridge.
- Go air fryer style: Make air fryer garlic toast pizzas by cooking at 400°F for about 5 minutes no preheating needed!
How to Serve Garlic Toast Pizzas
Serve these beauties hot and fresh with a simple green salad, some ranch dressing for dipping, or a bowl of marinara on the side. They’re great for a casual family dinner, a fun kids’ lunch, or a game-day snack tray.
Preparing Ahead and Storing
Want to make life even easier? You can pre-toast the garlic bread and prep all the toppings ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat!
Leftovers store surprisingly well. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture the microwave works too, but you’ll lose a little crunch.
A Little Storytime
I made these garlic toast pizzas on a night when I totally forgot to plan dinner (again oops). I found a box of frozen Texas toast, a jar of sauce, and a handful of cheese in the fridge. Fifteen minutes later, my family was raving about “the best mini pizzas ever.” Now, they’re a regular “emergency dinner” in our house!
FAQs About Garlic Toast Pizzas
Can I use homemade garlic bread instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Just spread butter and garlic on thick bread slices and toast them first.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fryer garlic toast pizzas cook perfectly at 400°F for about 5 minutes. Super fast and super crispy!
Can I freeze garlic toast mini pizzas?
You can! Assemble them without baking, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What are the best toppings besides pepperoni?
Mushrooms, bell peppers, sausage crumbles, olives, or even pineapple for a sweet-savory twist.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Sure! Use gluten-free garlic bread or gluten-free Texas toast.
How can I make it healthier?
Use low-fat cheese, turkey pepperoni, and load up on veggies.
Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely! Try provolone, gouda, or a pizza blend.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Pre-toasting the garlic bread before adding toppings keeps everything perfectly crisp.
Conclusion
Garlic Toast Pizzas are your go-to when you need a fun, fast, and seriously delicious meal. Whether you’re making garlic toast mini pizzas for a crowd, whipping up texas toast garlic bread pizzas for a quick dinner, or tossing a few air fryer garlic toast pizzas in for snack time, you’re guaranteed cheesy, crispy, pizza perfection in minutes!
Garlic Toast Pizzas
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Oven or Air Fryer
Ingredients
Base
- 6 slices garlic Texas toast store-bought or homemade
Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices or other toppings of choice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Optional Garnish
- chopped fresh basil optional
- red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange garlic toast slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes until slightly crisp.
- Spread pizza sauce on each slice of garlic toast.
- Top with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 6-8 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped basil and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot!