There’s something magical about combining two comfort food favorites into one irresistible dish. Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza does exactly that, transforming thick, buttery Texas toast into a pizza base that’s both crispy and soft in all the right places. This quick weeknight dinner hack has become a staple in my household, offering all the satisfaction of homemade pizza with a fraction of the effort.
Perfect for busy evenings or when you’re craving something indulgent without the fuss, this recipe takes advantage of frozen Texas toast’s garlicky goodness and transforms it into a vehicle for your favorite pizza toppings. The result is a deliciously satisfying meal that comes together in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for family dinners, game day snacks, or anytime you need comfort food fast.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick prep time with minimal ingredients – perfect for busy weeknights
- Crispy, buttery garlic bread base that’s more substantial than regular pizza crust
- Customizable with your favorite toppings to please everyone at the table
- No pizza dough skills required – perfect for beginners and kids to help make
- Ready in about 30 minutes from freezer to table
Ingredients
- 8 slices of Texas Toast Garlic Bread
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the Texas toast package instructions, typically around 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange Texas toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake according to package directions until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy later.
- Remove toast from oven and spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each slice, leaving a small border around the edges to create a crust-like appearance.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over each slice. Add pepperoni or other desired toppings. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Add fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips & Variations
- For a meatier version, try adding cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or bacon bits
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the pepperoni and loading up with mushrooms, olives, and extra bell peppers
- Try using different cheese combinations like provolone, cheddar, or an Italian blend
- For a Hawaiian twist, top with ham and pineapple chunks
- If you prefer a less garlicky base, use plain Texas toast and add your own garlic powder to taste
- For extra crispy toast, pre-bake the Texas toast for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings
Serving Suggestions
These Texas Toast Pizzas pair perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a cup of tomato soup or minestrone for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their own pizza toast for a fun family dinner night. Don’t forget to have some ranch dressing or extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping those crispy edges!
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispness (avoid microwave reheating if possible).
- The Texas toast is done when the edges are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble.
- If your Texas toast is browning too quickly before the toppings are heated through, lower your oven temperature by 25 degrees.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the toppings ahead of time. For best results, assemble and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze these after making them?
It’s not recommended as the texture will suffer. These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
What if I can’t find Texas toast?
Thick-cut garlic bread or even regular thick-sliced bread brushed with garlic butter can work as substitutes, though cooking times may vary.
Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza sauce works wonderfully and can be customized to your taste preferences.
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