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