Garlic Texas Toast Pizzas Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Texas Toast Pizzas Recipe: A Speedy Dinner Win

Whipping up delectable garlic Texas toast pizzas can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Crispy bread becomes the perfect canvas for melted cheese and zesty toppings.

Friends and neighbors will beg you to share this simple yet impressive recipe.

Each slice promises a delightful blend of crunchy edges and gooey centers.

The combination of garlic, cheese, and toast creates an irresistible flavor profile that feels like comfort food with a twist.

Quick preparation means you can satisfy those pizza cravings in minutes.

Dig in and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure deliciousness.

Garlic Texas Toast Pizzas Overview

  • Quickly Customize: Swap out sausage for ground beef, chicken, or keep it vegetarian with bell peppers and mushrooms for endless pizza toast variations.
  • Kid-Friendly Dinner Hero: Simple ingredients and fun assembly make this recipe perfect for getting children involved in cooking and enjoying a delicious meal together.
  • No-Fuss Crowd Pleaser: Minimal prep work, basic kitchen tools, and quick cooking time transform everyday Texas toast into a crowd-winning pizza experience that satisfies hunger in minutes.
  • Party-Ready Appetizer: Transform this recipe into bite-sized party snacks by cutting toast into smaller pieces, perfect for game days, movie nights, or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients Needed for Garlic Texas Toast Pizzas

Base Ingredients:
  • Texas Toast: Garlic-flavored bread serving as the pizza base.
  • Italian Sausage: Seasoned meat providing rich flavor and protein.
  • Pizza Sauce: Classic tomato sauce adding moisture and traditional pizza taste.
Cheese and Topping Ingredients:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Soft cheese that melts beautifully and creates a creamy texture.
  • Pepperoni Slices: Spicy meat topping that adds classic pizza appeal.
Garnish and Optional Ingredients:
  • Dried Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and spices that enhance visual appeal and provide optional heat.

How to Make Garlic Texas Toast Pizzas

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Grab a skillet and start sizzling the Italian sausage over medium heat. Break the meat into tiny crumbles as it cooks.

Once fully cooked, drain away any extra grease and set the meat aside.

Step 2: Toast the Bread Base

Fire up your oven according to the Texas Toast package instructions.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the Texas Toast slices and bake until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

This typically takes about 7-9 minutes.

Step 3: Layer the Pizza Toppings

Spread a generous layer of warm pizza sauce across each toasted bread slice.

Then add these delicious toppings:
  • Crumbled sausage
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Pepperoni slices

Step 4: Melt and Crisp

Slide the loaded toast back into the oven. Bake for 3-5 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, melted delight.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Pull out your crispy pizza toasts and sprinkle with:
  • Dried parsley
  • Red pepper flakes (if you want a spicy kick)

Serve immediately with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your quick and tasty meal!

Tips to Elevate Garlic Texas Toast Pizzas

  • Pat the sausage dry before cooking to achieve a crispier, more caramelized texture that enhances overall taste.
  • Let cheese sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before sprinkling to ensure even, smooth melting across the pizza toast.
  • Flip Texas toast midway through initial baking to guarantee a crispy, golden-brown surface that supports pizza toppings effectively.
  • Use the back of a spoon to spread pizza sauce evenly, creating a thin layer that prevents soggy bread and maximizes flavor distribution.
  • Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that still delivers delicious results.

Creative Twists on Garlic Texas Toast Pizzas

  • Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace sausage with sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a plant-based version packed with colorful vegetables and nutrients.
  • Chicken Alfredo Style: Swap Italian sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken and replace pizza sauce with creamy alfredo sauce for a white pizza alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free Texas toast or cauliflower toast as a base, and choose gluten-free pepperoni and mozzarella to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Mediterranean Inspired: Top with crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil instead of traditional pizza toppings for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Pairings to Complement Garlic Texas Toast Pizzas

Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the spicy sausage and rich cheese flavors.

Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the pizza toast and cut through the richness.

Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that matches the garlic and sausage’s bold taste profile, providing a refreshing contrast.

Prepare a garlic aioli or ranch dressing for extra flavor dimension and creamy texture when dipping the pizzas.

Storing Garlic Texas Toast Pizzas Properly

  • Store leftover Garlic Texas Toast Pizzas in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual pizzas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Restore crispy texture by baking frozen or refrigerated pizzas at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, ensuring cheese melts and crust crisps.
  • For a fast option, microwave refrigerated pizzas for 30-45 seconds, but expect a softer texture compared to oven reheating.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with ground beef, ground turkey, or even crumbled bacon for a different flavor profile.

  • Do I need fresh garlic bread, or can I use frozen Texas Toast?

Frozen Texas Toast works perfectly for this recipe and makes preparation quick and easy.

  • What if I don't have pepperoni?

No problem. You can skip pepperoni or replace it with other toppings like sliced olives, bell peppers, or additional cooked meat.

  • Can I make these pizzas ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can partially assemble them and add cheese and toppings just before baking to maintain the crispy texture.

Print
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Garlic Texas Toast Pizzas Recipe

Garlic Texas Toast Pizzas Recipe


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4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Garlic Texas Toast Pizzas deliver a quick culinary twist that merges classic comfort with zesty Italian flair. Crisp bread layers become magical pizza platforms loaded with melted cheese and savory toppings, giving you a simple yet irresistible meal solution.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 0.5 pounds (226 grams) Italian sausage
  • 24 pepperoni slices

Base:

  • 1 box frozen garlic Texas Toast (8 slices)

Toppings and Seasonings:

  • 14 ounces (397 grams) jar pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and thoroughly cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
  2. Drain excess grease from the sausage and transfer to a separate plate, allowing it to cool slightly.
  3. Adjust oven temperature according to Texas Toast package instructions, typically around 425°F.
  4. Arrange Texas Toast slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
  5. Toast bread for 7-9 minutes, flipping midway to achieve even golden-brown coloration on both sides.
  6. Remove toasted bread from oven and let rest for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Spread a thin layer of warmed pizza sauce across each toasted bread slice, leaving a small border around edges.
  8. Distribute cooked sausage crumbles evenly over the sauce layer.
  9. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sausage, covering the entire surface.
  10. Place 3 pepperoni slices on top of each cheese-covered toast.
  11. Return baking sheet to oven and bake for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become slightly crispy.
  12. Carefully remove from oven and garnish with dried parsley and optional red pepper flakes.
  13. Serve immediately with additional warmed pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Versatile Base: Texas toast offers a sturdy, crispy foundation that transforms into a quick pizza alternative for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
  • Customization Friendly: Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey, vegetarian crumbles, or mushrooms to accommodate different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
  • Cheese Selection: Use low-moisture mozzarella for optimal melting and golden-brown color, or experiment with provolone or blend of Italian cheeses for deeper flavor profiles.
  • Cooking Efficiency: Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier, while ensuring even toasting and minimal kitchen mess.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 364 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 870 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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