Texas Toast Pizza is a nostalgic, speedy twist on traditional pizza that uses thick, buttery Texas toast as the crust. It crisps up quickly and makes a great weeknight dinner or party snack — I make it when I want pizza fast without rolling dough. For a bold topping idea, try a BBQ-style version like this BBQ Chicken Pizza inspiration.
Why Make This Recipe
- It’s fast: ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish, ideal for busy nights.
- Crowd-pleasing: thick toast holds lots of cheese and toppings without getting floppy.
- Versatile: swap toppings for vegetarian, meat-lover, or kid-friendly options.
- Minimal equipment: no dough, no mixer — just an oven and a baking sheet.
- Personal note: I love this for weeknights because it hits pizza cravings without the fuss, and it reheats cleanly for lunches.
Recipe Overview
Prep time: 8 minutes.
Cook time: 10–12 minutes.
Total time: 18–20 minutes.
Servings: 4 (using 4 slices of Texas toast).
Difficulty: Easy.
Method: Toasted/baked open-faced pizzas on a rimmed baking sheet under a hot oven (425°F) until cheese melts and edges brown.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this recipe several times to find the sweet spot between crispy edges and melted cheese. The biggest discovery was finishing under the broiler for 1–2 minutes gives a restaurant-style char without drying the bread. I also learned that slightly under-toasting the bread before topping prevents sogginess.
How to Make Texas Toast Pizza
Start by preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Lightly brush both sides of each Texas toast slice with 1 tsp olive oil and season with a pinch of garlic powder and salt; toast slices 4–5 minutes until just golden on one side. Flip the slices, spread about 2 tbsp pizza sauce per slice, top with 1/3–1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, and add toppings like 8–10 pepperoni slices or 1/3 cup sautéed veggies. Bake 8–10 minutes until cheese bubbles; optionally broil 1–2 minutes to brown the cheese. Let rest 1 minute before slicing and serving.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use a rimmed baking sheet and parchment to catch melted cheese and make cleanup effortless.
- Pre-toast briefly (4–5 minutes) so the top doesn’t go soggy when you add sauce and cheese.
- Shred your own mozzarella if possible — pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that reduce melt quality.
- Keep toppings thin and evenly distributed so heat reaches the center; for dense meats, pre-cook or thinly slice.
- Use an oven thermometer and bake at 425°F (220°C) for reliable crisping; broil 1–2 minutes at the end for a browned finish.
How to Serve Texas Toast Pizza
- Serve with a simple green salad and a lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Arrange as finger-food on a platter for game day or parties with dipping sauces like ranch or extra marinara; try a festive presentation inspired by a Christmas pizza wreath.
- For a lighter meal, top with fresh arugula and a drizzle of balsamic after baking.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy combo.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store leftover Texas toast pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, reheat on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, which crisps the bottom. To freeze, flash-freeze individual slices on a tray until firm, then wrap tightly and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months; bake from frozen at 400°F (205°C) for 12–15 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: use store-bought gluten-free Texas toast or thick gf bread; toast a little longer to firm up the base.
- Dairy-free: swap to dairy-free shredded cheese and a brush of olive oil; nutritional yeast can add savory flavor.
- Veggie-loaded: top with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach; squeeze a little lemon over greens after baking.
- Breakfast-style: top with cooked breakfast sausage, scrambled egg, and cheddar — inspired by sweet breakfast bakes like this apple-cinnamon French toast casserole for a morning twist.
Nutritional Highlights
- Key benefits: provides protein from cheese and toppings, and can be boosted with vegetables for added fiber and micronutrients.
- Portion guidance: one slice (about 1/4 recipe) is a reasonable portion for an average adult; pair with salad to round out the meal.
- Allergens: contains wheat (bread) and dairy (cheese). For nut or soy concerns, check packaged bread and cheese labels.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy middle: pre-toast the bread briefly and avoid over-saucing; use less sauce or spread it thinly.
- Burnt edges before cheese melts: lower oven to 400°F and bake a few minutes longer, or move the tray to the middle rack.
- Cheese won’t brown: finish under the broiler 1–2 minutes but watch closely — it can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Texas toast pizza in an air fryer?
A: Yes — preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook 2–3 slices at a time for 5–7 minutes, checking at 4 minutes. Use a perforated paper liner or light spray to prevent sticking; smaller air fryer baskets may require shorter times.
Q: How do I prevent the bottom from getting soggy with wet toppings like tomatoes?
A: Pat fresh tomatoes dry with paper towels and lightly salt to draw out moisture, or roast them briefly before adding. You can also place a thin layer of cheese under the sauce to act as a moisture barrier.
Q: Can I assemble ahead and bake later?
A: Yes — assemble on a parchment-lined tray, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Bring to room temperature 15–20 minutes before baking, then bake at the recipe temperature; add an extra minute or two if cold.
Q: What bread thickness works best?
A: Classic Texas toast (about 3/4–1 inch thick) works best because it crisps on the outside while remaining tender inside. Very thin bread will dry out; very thick artisan loaves may need longer baking or a lower temperature.
Conclusion
If you’d like to compare this version with a classic online iteration, see the original Texas Toast Pizza Recipe – Food.com for another tested approach and extra topping ideas.
Print
Texas Toast Pizza
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A speedy twist on traditional pizza using thick, buttery Texas toast as the crust, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party snack.
Ingredients
- 4 slices Texas toast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- 8 tablespoons pizza sauce (2 tablespoons per slice)
- 1 1/3 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (1/3 to 1/2 cup per slice)
- Toppings of choice (e.g., 8-10 pepperoni slices or 1/3 cup sautéed veggies)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly brush both sides of each Texas toast slice with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt.
- Toast slices in the oven for 4-5 minutes until just golden on one side, then flip them over.
- Spread pizza sauce on each slice, top with mozzarella cheese, and add your chosen toppings.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese bubbles; optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for a browned finish.
- Let rest for 1 minute before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best results, pre-toast the bread and use shredded mozzarella for better melting quality.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg