Texas Toast Pizza

Texas toast pizza transforms thick, buttery bread into a crispy base for all your favorite pizza toppings in just 15 minutes. I discovered this recipe during a late-night craving when I had no pizza dough on hand. The garlic butter in the Texas toast adds an extra layer of flavor that regular pizza crust just can’t match.

My kids request these at least once a week now, and I love how customizable they are for picky eaters. Each person can build their own mini pizza exactly how they want it.

Ingredients

• 8 slices Texas toast
• 4 ounces pizza sauce
• 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 24 slices pepperoni

How To Make Texas Toast Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the Texas toast slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over each slice, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle approximately ½ ounce of mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each slice.
5. Top each pizza with 3 pepperoni slices, arranging them however you like.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Why Texas Toast Makes the Best Pizza Base

Regular bread gets soggy under pizza toppings, but Texas toast holds up beautifully. The thickness and pre-buttered surface create a sturdy foundation that crisps up in the oven. You get that satisfying crunch on the outside while the inside stays soft.

The garlic butter already baked into most Texas toast brands means you don’t need to add extra seasonings. It brings a restaurant-quality flavor without any extra work. If you love quick bread-based recipes, you’ll also enjoy air fryer garlic bread pizza toast for an even faster version.

Topping Ideas and Variations

Start with the classic pepperoni version, then branch out once you’ve got the method down. Sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions all work great. For a breakfast twist, swap the pepperoni for cooked bacon and crack an egg on top before baking.

Vegetarian options are just as tasty with spinach, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. My personal favorite is a white pizza version using alfredo sauce instead of marinara, topped with grilled chicken and fresh basil. The possibilities really are endless with this base recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These make a fantastic quick lunch or easy weeknight dinner when paired with a simple side. A crisp green salad with Italian dressing balances the richness of the cheese and butter. Garbanzo bean salad adds protein and fiber for a more filling meal.

For kids, serve them with carrot sticks and ranch dressing for dipping. They’re also perfect for game day spreads alongside buffalo chicken quesadillas and other finger foods. Cut each slice into smaller squares for party appetizers.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prep these ahead by assembling the pizzas on the baking sheet and covering tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. Just add a minute or two to the baking time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.

Leftovers reheat surprisingly well. Store cooled pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispiness, or use your air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Expert Tips

• Use frozen Texas toast for the best results – it has the right thickness and butter content.
• Don’t overload with toppings or the bread won’t crisp properly underneath.
• For extra crispy edges, brush the exposed bread borders with a little olive oil before baking.
• If cheese starts browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
• Make a double batch and freeze the extras – they reheat beautifully for quick lunches.
• Pat pepperoni dry with paper towels to prevent excess grease pooling on top.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast?

Regular bread works but won’t give you the same sturdy, crispy result. If you must substitute, use thick-sliced bread and toast it lightly first to help it hold up better under the toppings.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Don’t use too much sauce – about 2 tablespoons per slice is plenty. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking so the bread crisps quickly.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook at 375°F for 6-8 minutes. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size. Check out air fryer hash browns for more air fryer tips.

What other sauces can I use?

Any pizza or pasta sauce works great. Try BBQ sauce for a barbecue chicken pizza, pesto for something different, or even enchilada sauce for a Mexican-inspired version.

Can I freeze these after baking?

Absolutely. Let them cool completely, wrap individually in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.

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More Quick Pizza Ideas

• BBQ Chicken Pizza
• Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza
• Gluten-Free Pesto Pizza
• Easy Calzones