Easy Pizza Toast

A Little Toast, A Lot Of Comfort

Easy Pizza Toast turns simple white bread into a crispy, cheesy meal with butter, garlic salt, pizza sauce, and bubbly mozzarella. It is an affordable lunch, quick dinner, or after school snack, and a great recipe for anyone learning how to cook.

Everyone Starts Somewhere

I have been wanting to share more simple recipes for people who are not familiar with cooking. I hope my more experienced cooks will understand that something that feels obvious to one person can feel overwhelming to someone else.

Sometimes people just need to see the steps on paper. Knowing when to toast the bread, how much sauce to add, and what to look for when it comes out of the oven can make all the difference. There is room here for the people making elaborate dinners and the people making their very first pizza toast.

This is one of the recipes I used to make when I was broke and living in a tiny attic apartment at 52nd and Latrobe on Chicago’s Southwest Side, near Midway Airport. It was inexpensive, easy, and hit the spot. It still does.

Why I Shred My Own Cheese

I like to shred my mozzarella from a block because it gives me that lovely, even layer of melted cheese. Many bagged shredded cheeses have added starch or cellulose to keep the shreds from sticking together, which can affect how smoothly they melt together.

For this recipe, low moisture whole milk mozzarella is a great choice. Whole milk mozzarella has more fat than part skim, which contributes to a richer flavor and softer melted texture. Shredding it yourself does not change the fat content; that comes from the type of cheese you buy.

Part skim mozzarella will still work, and so will bagged shredded cheese. Please do not let the cheese become the thing that keeps you from making yourself dinner.

How to Make Easy Pizza Toast

Preheat your oven to 450°F. I sometimes use 475°F, but 450°F is a good starting point, especially if you are new to cooking.

Toast six slices of white bread in your toaster until lightly golden. Spread each piece with a thin layer of butter, then add a light sprinkle of Lawry’s Garlic Salt.

Place the toast on a metal baking sheet. Spread about one tablespoon of pizza sauce over each slice, then divide the two cups of mozzarella between them. Add any toppings you like, keeping them light so the toast can crisp up.

Bake on the middle rack for about 5 to 7 minutes, watching closely. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the bread edges should be golden. Every oven is a little different, and the toast may finish sooner at 475°F.

Let the pizza toast rest for 1 to 2 minutes, then cut into triangles. Serve with extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dunking.

Other Breads and Toppings to Try

Simple white bread is my favorite for this recipe, but wheat bread, sourdough, Italian bread, or split English muffins also work. Thicker bread will give you a sturdier base, and you may need a little more sauce or a slightly longer baking time.

For toppings, try drained pickled jalapeños, capers, finely diced bell peppers, or a little thinly sliced onion. Cook mushrooms first and drain any excess moisture. Use cooked meat toppings, such as cooked sausage or leftover cooked chicken, because the brief bake is only meant to heat the toppings and melt the cheese.

A Good Recipe for Kids and Teenagers

Pizza toast is a nice way to practice a few basic kitchen skills without tackling a big recipe. Kids can spread the butter, measure the sauce, and choose their toppings. Teenagers who can safely use a toaster and oven can make a simple lunch or snack for themselves.

An adult should handle or supervise the hot appliances, baking sheet, grater, and cutting as needed. Let younger children help assemble the toast while you take care of the oven. Having something they helped make come out all bubbly and delicious is a pretty good confidence boost.

Toaster Oven and Air Fryer Options

Toaster Oven

Toast the bread first, then add the butter, garlic salt, sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake on the appliance’s baking tray at 425°F, checking after 4 minutes. About 4 to 7 minutes is a starting range, but remove it when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Work in batches if needed, and follow your appliance’s temperature and tray instructions.

Air Fryer

Start with toasted bread and assemble as directed. Place the slices in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between them. Air fry at 350°F, checking after 3 minutes. About 3 to 5 minutes is a starting range.

Air fryers vary, so watch the first batch closely. Press the cheese and lightweight toppings gently into the sauce to help keep them in place. These appliance variations are suggested starting points rather than tested timings for every model.

Easy Pizza Toast FAQs

Do I have to toast the bread first?

I recommend it. Toasting creates a sturdier base and helps keep the bread from getting soggy under the sauce.

Can I use shredded cheese from a bag?

Yes. I prefer freshly shredded mozzarella, but bagged cheese makes this even easier.

Can I make just one or two slices?

Absolutely. For each slice, use a thin layer of butter, a light sprinkle of garlic salt, about one tablespoon of sauce, and roughly one third cup of mozzarella.

What should I serve with pizza toast?

Extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping is delicious. Add a simple salad, fruit, or a cup of soup if you want to make it a meal.

More Toasty Sandwiches To Try

If you love a warm, toasty sandwich with crispy bread and something delicious tucked inside, I have more easy recipes for you to try. These are the kinds of meals I turn to when I want something satisfying without making a big production out of dinner. I rounded up a few favorites below that are perfect for a quick lunch, a simple supper, or building your confidence in the kitchen. Click any photo to see the full recipe.