Looking for a meal that’s both lightning-fast and universally loved? These Quick, Cheesy Texas Toast Pizzas are your answer! Perfect for those hectic weeknights or when you simply want to add a dash of fun to family dinner, these pizzas are a delightful blend of cheesy, meaty, garlicky, and buttery goodness, offering endless customization for every palate.
20-Minute Garlic Bread Pizzas: The Ultimate Weeknight Hero
Are you constantly searching for dinner ideas that are quick to prepare, kid-approved, and equally satisfying for adults? Look no further! Our Texas Toast Pizzas are the ultimate solution, delivering a delicious and interactive meal experience. With their irresistibly crispy, garlic-buttery base and a canvas of limitless topping possibilities, these personal pizzas transform any evening into a memorable pizza night with minimal effort.
The secret to their incredible speed and flavor lies in using frozen garlic bread Texas Toast – a brilliant shortcut that doesn’t compromise on taste. This humble pantry staple is a versatile star in our kitchen, inspiring a variety of creative meals. If you love the convenience and flavor of Texas Toast, you’ll also enjoy exploring other recipes that leverage its amazing versatility, such as Texas Toast French Dips, Texas Toast Sloppy Joes, and even more pizza variations like Texas Toast Chicken Parmesan Pizzas.
“We absolutely adore these pizzas, especially when made on Cole’s Texas Toast. They turned out fantastic and have become a regular favorite in our household – we’ll definitely be making them again and again!”
– Jenny
Why You’ll Love These Texas Toast Pizzas
Beyond their speedy preparation, Texas Toast Pizzas offer a multitude of reasons to become a staple in your recipe rotation:
- Effortless Preparation: Forget making pizza dough from scratch! Frozen Texas Toast provides an instant, flavorful crust that bakes up perfectly crispy every time. This significantly cuts down on prep time, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Customization for Everyone: Each family member can craft their own personalized pizza, choosing their favorite sauces, cheeses, and toppings. This makes dinner interactive and ensures everyone gets exactly what they want, minimizing dinner-time negotiations.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing readily available and often inexpensive ingredients, these pizzas are a cost-effective alternative to takeout, allowing you to enjoy delicious pizza without breaking the bank.
- Perfect Texture: The thick slices of Texas Toast offer a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside, a perfect contrast to the gooey melted cheese and savory toppings.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While fantastic for dinner, these mini pizzas are also excellent as appetizers for parties, a fun snack for game nights, or even a quick lunch option.
Frequently Asked Questions: Get All Your Texas Toast Pizza Queries Answered!
The sky’s the limit when it comes to toppings for these versatile pizzas! You can literally use any topping you enjoy on traditional pizzas. Think beyond the basic pepperoni and sausage. Consider adding sautéed grilled onions, savory ham pieces, seasoned ground beef, vibrant diced bell peppers, briny olives, earthy mushrooms, or zesty banana peppers for an extra kick. For those who prefer a meatless option, simply omit the Italian sausage. This recipe truly is more of an inspirational guide than a strict formula, encouraging you to experiment and create your perfect personal pizza!
Absolutely! If garlic Texas Toast isn’t available, regular Texas Toast works just fine. However, to achieve that signature garlicky flavor, I highly recommend adding a light layer of homemade garlic butter to each slice before baking. You can easily whip up your own by combining softened butter with a generous amount of garlic powder, or for a more gourmet touch, try making some Garlic Herb Butter using fresh herbs. After applying the garlic butter, bake the toast for a few minutes until slightly golden before proceeding with the rest of the recipe steps. This trick ensures your pizza still has that delicious garlic bread foundation. You can even repurpose leftover hamburger or hot dog buns the same way – a childhood favorite of mine for minimizing waste!
Just like with classic pizzas, a variety of sides can elevate your Texas Toast Pizza experience! A fresh, crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette is always a fantastic choice, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich pizza. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus offer a healthy and colorful accompaniment. For something a little heartier, consider a light pasta salad or even some baked potato wedges. Don’t forget a bowl of warm marinara for extra dipping!
Definitely! Swapping out the pizza sauce is a fantastic way to introduce new flavor profiles and exciting twists to your Texas Toast Pizzas. For a vibrant and herbaceous option, try a rich Pesto Sauce, which pairs beautifully with chicken or sun-dried tomatoes. For a creamy and indulgent experience, Alfredo sauce can transform your pizza into a decadent white pie, especially good with spinach and mushrooms. BBQ sauce is another fun alternative, perfect with grilled chicken and red onion. Feel free to get creative and explore combinations that excite your taste buds!
Cooked Texas Toast Pizzas are excellent for meal prepping and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy them again with optimal crispiness, I highly recommend reheating them in an oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is perfectly heated through and crisp once more. Microwaving is an option for speed, but it may result in a softer crust.
Essential Ingredients for Your Texas Toast Pizzas
Crafting these quick and delicious pizzas requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and substitution ideas:
- Italian Sausage: This adds a rich, savory depth to your pizzas. You can easily substitute it with lean ground beef for a milder flavor, or for a vegetarian option, simply leave the meat off entirely. You could also use sliced ham, cooked chicken, or even plant-based sausage.
- Frozen Garlic Texas Toast: The hero of our recipe! Any brand will work beautifully. My personal go-to is often the Wal-mart Great Value brand for its consistent quality and value. It’s crucial to refer to the specific cooking temperatures and times on the back of your chosen brand’s box, as they can vary. This ensures a perfectly crispy base.
- Warmed Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought pizza sauce for ultimate convenience. Warming it slightly beforehand helps it spread more easily and ensures the toppings cook evenly. If you’re feeling ambitious, try our Homemade Pizza Sauce for an extra layer of fresh flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The quintessential pizza cheese! I personally love using Kraft Shredded Mozzarella Cheese that contains Philadelphia Cream Cheese, as I find it melts exceptionally well, creating that perfect gooey pull. However, any brand of shredded mozzarella will yield delicious results. For the best melt and flavor, you can also shred a block of whole-milk mozzarella cheese yourself.
- Pepperoni Slices: A classic pizza topping that adds a delightful saltiness and mild spice. You can adjust the quantity to your preference or swap it for other cured meats like salami or prosciutto.
- Dried Parsley (Optional Garnish): This adds a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note. Feel free to skip it if you prefer, or substitute with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or dried oregano for a different aromatic touch.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional Topping): For those who love a little heat! Add a sprinkle over your finished pizza to introduce a pleasant spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your desired level of warmth.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Texas Toast Pizzas
Follow these simple steps to create delicious, crispy Texas Toast Pizzas in just minutes:
- Prepare the Sausage: Begin by cooking your Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling it as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease thoroughly to prevent soggy pizzas. Set aside.
- Preheat and Prepare Toast: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the frozen garlic Texas Toast box. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray) for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Arrange the Texas Toast slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Toast the Bread: Bake the Texas Toast according to the package directions, typically for about 7-9 minutes. For an extra crispy base, remember to flip the slices halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are beautifully golden and toasted. Remove the perfectly toasted bread from the oven.
- Add the Sauce: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of your slightly warmed pizza sauce onto each slice of Texas Toast, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
- Layer with Sausage and Cheese: Generously sprinkle the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage over the pizza sauce on each slice. Follow this with an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring every piece of toast is well-covered for maximum cheesiness.
- Add Pepperoni: Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese layer. For an 8-slice box of Texas Toast, using about 3 pepperoni slices per pizza creates a nice balance.
- Final Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is perfectly melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the pizzas from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with dried parsley for fresh color and a dash of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Serve immediately!
- Dipping Delight: For an extra layer of flavor and fun, pour the remainder of your warmed pizza sauce into a small bowl for dipping. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy every last bite!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Texas Toast Pizzas
- Pre-Toast for Crispiness: Don’t skip the initial toasting step! This is crucial for achieving a firm, crispy base that can stand up to the toppings without becoming soggy. Flipping halfway through ensures even browning.
- Don’t Overload: While customization is fun, too many toppings can make your pizzas heavy and prevent even cooking. Stick to a moderate amount for each slice to ensure a balanced flavor and texture.
- Warm Your Sauce: A slightly warmed pizza sauce spreads more easily and reduces the overall baking time needed to heat the toppings through, contributing to a faster, more evenly cooked pizza.
- Shred Your Own Cheese (Optional but Recommended): Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect their melt. For the best gooey, stretchy cheese, consider buying a block of whole-milk mozzarella and shredding it yourself.
- Creative Topping Combinations:
- Veggie Lover’s: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes.
- Hawaiian Style: Ham and pineapple (ensure pineapple is well-drained!).
- BBQ Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken, BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, red onion, and cilantro.
- Breakfast Pizza: Scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and cheddar cheese.
- Monitor Baking Closely: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on your pizzas during the final bake to prevent burning and ensure the cheese melts perfectly without over-browning the crust.
Craving More Easy & Delicious Recipes?
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of these Texas Toast Pizzas, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our favorite family-friendly meals and quick shortcuts:
- Texas Toast French Dips
- Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
- Cheeseburger Texas Toast
- Buffalo Chicken Garlic Texas Toast
- Texas Toast Meatball Subs
- Texas Toast Chicken Parmesan Pizzas
- Homemade Pizza Sauce
- Garlic Cheese Bread
- Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pizza
- Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread
- Pizza Sliders
- Taco Pizza
- Bubble Up Pizza
- Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
- Meatball Pizza
Texas Toast Pizzas
A delicious combination of crispy garlic toast, melty cheese, and savory toppings, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and crumble Italian sausage in a skillet. Drain any excess grease thoroughly.
- Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the frozen garlic Texas Toast box. On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, arrange the Texas Toast.
- Cook the toast according to the package directions, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides are toasted. This typically takes 7-9 minutes. Remove the toast from the oven.
To each slice of toasted Texas Toast, add about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce, spreading it evenly.
Saucing the crispy Texas Toast. Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the sauce on each slice.
Adding the savory Italian sausage. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided evenly, on top of all the slices.
A blanket of mozzarella cheese. Top each pizza with 3 pepperoni slices.
Pepperoni for that classic pizza flavor. Place the baking sheet back in the oven. Bake for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Golden, bubbly, and perfectly melted pizzas. - Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with dried parsley and red pepper flakes on top.
Add the remainder of the warmed pizza sauce to a bowl for dipping, and serve immediately.
The perfect dip for a flavorful bite.
Video Tutorial
Notes
- For more ingredient substitutions, topping ideas, and frequently asked questions, please refer to the comprehensive FAQ section and ingredient list provided earlier in this article.
Nutrition Information
| Carbohydrates: 20g
| Protein: 11g
| Fat: 21g
| Sodium: 818mg
| Fiber: 2g
| Sugar: 4g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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