Pizza toast is a quick, cheesy, and satisfying snack that brings all the flavors of pizza into a crispy, golden slice of bread. It’s my go-to when I’m craving pizza but don’t want to deal with dough or delivery—ready in minutes and endlessly customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and versatile pizza toast is. It’s the perfect solution for busy days, late-night cravings, or when I want a fun cooking project with minimal cleanup. I can keep it classic with tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, or get creative with different toppings and sauces. Plus, it’s just as good for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Sliced bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
-
Olive oil or butter (optional, for brushing)
-
Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
-
Shredded mozzarella cheese
-
Toppings of choice (pepperoni, cooked sausage, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
-
Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Directions
-
I preheat the oven or toaster oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
I lightly brush each slice of bread with olive oil or butter for extra flavor and crispness.
-
I spread pizza sauce evenly over each slice, leaving a small border at the edges.
-
I sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella over the sauce, then add my chosen toppings.
-
I finish with a pinch of oregano or Italian seasoning for that classic pizza flavor.
-
I place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, I broil for the last 1–2 minutes.
-
I serve hot, sometimes with a side of extra sauce for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2–4 pizza toasts, depending on bread size and toppings. Prep time is about 5 minutes, baking takes 8–10 minutes, so it’s ready in under 15 minutes.
Variations
-
I sometimes use pesto instead of tomato sauce for a fresh, herby twist.
-
For a breakfast version, I add a fried or scrambled egg on top.
-
I’ve also made a dessert version with Nutella, sliced strawberries, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Storage/Reheating
Pizza toast is best eaten fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to keep the bread crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but it softens the toast.
FAQs
Can I use a toaster instead of the oven?
I toast the bread first in a toaster if I want extra crunch, then add toppings and finish in the oven or under the broiler.
What’s the best bread for pizza toast?
I love using sourdough for its chew and flavor, but thick slices of sandwich bread or ciabatta also work perfectly.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, I air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes, checking halfway through for even melting.
Do I need to toast the bread first?
Not necessarily, but pre-toasting helps prevent sogginess when using juicy toppings.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, I use dairy-free cheese alternatives and olive oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version.
Conclusion
Pizza toast is the ultimate quick comfort food—crispy, cheesy, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m making it for a solo snack, a family lunch, or a fun party appetizer, it’s always a hit and never takes more than a few minutes to prepare.
PrintPizza Toast
This Pizza Toast recipe delivers all the cheesy, saucy flavor of pizza in a quick, easy-to-make snack. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or late-night cravings, it’s customizable with your favorite toppings and ready in under 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 13–15 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 slices
- Category: Snack, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Broiling, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2–4 slices bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
- Olive oil or butter (optional, for brushing)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of choice (pepperoni, cooked sausage, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven or toaster oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly brush bread slices with olive oil or butter for extra crispness.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over bread, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese and add desired toppings.
- Sprinkle with oregano or Italian seasoning.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a golden top.
- Serve hot, optionally with extra sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Swap tomato sauce for pesto for a herby variation.
- Add a fried or scrambled egg for a breakfast version.
- Try a dessert version with Nutella, strawberries, and powdered sugar.
- Pre-toast bread before topping for extra crunch.
- Cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg