Tuesday nights in my small apartment kitchen often call for something quick after work. Sometimes I just need a meal that comes together without much thought, but still feels like I actually cooked. These easy garlic toast pizzas fit that perfectly. They use ingredients I usually have on hand, or can grab quickly at the Ralphs on Sunset Boulevard.
It’s a simple concept: take frozen garlic bread, add sauce and cheese, and bake. The result is a satisfying, warm little pizza that’s great for those evenings when time is short. It’s also a good way to use up small bits of leftover toppings from other meals.
Foundation
The base for these pizzas is frozen garlic toast. I usually grab the Pepperidge Farm brand. It provides that ready-made garlic butter flavor and a sturdy, pre-sliced foundation. No need to worry about dough.
Essential Toppings
For the sauce, any basic pizza sauce works. A small can or jar is plenty. Shredded mozzarella cheese is standard. Low-moisture, part-skim usually melts the best without making things watery.
Optional Additions
This is where you can tailor each pizza. Pepperoni is a classic choice, and I find the pre-sliced kind saves time. Cooked, crumbled Italian sweet sausage adds more substance. For vegetables, finely diced bell peppers or thinly sliced mushrooms cook through quickly in the oven. Just remember not to overload each piece of toast, or it might get soggy.
Instructions
Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the frozen garlic toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. I usually use my older, darker baking sheet for this since it tends to crisp things up nicely. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, just until they’re lightly golden. You want them toasted but not fully cooked yet.
Assemble the Pizzas
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each piece of garlic toast, leaving a small border. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Now’s the time to add any optional toppings you like. Don’t overdo it, or the center might not cook through properly.
Final Bake and Serve
Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 8-10 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the edges of the garlic toast a deep golden brown. Sometimes the cheese on the edges browns faster than in the middle; that’s usually fine. Serve these easy garlic toast pizzas immediately, as they’re best when hot and fresh.
Notes From My Kitchen
Nonna Rosa always said that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. These little pizzas embody that idea. I’ve found that using a silicone mat on the baking sheet helps with cleanup and prevents sticking, especially if some cheese melts off the edges. One time, I tried to add too many fresh vegetables, and the water content made the toast soggy in the middle. Less is definitely more when it comes to toppings here.
For a quick side, I usually just toss a simple green salad with a vinaigrette. Sometimes I’ll make a dipping sauce with a little ranch dressing mixed with a pinch of garlic powder and dried oregano. It’s not traditional, but it works well with the garlic toast base. This recipe is also quite flexible for using up small amounts of leftover cooked chicken or even some finely chopped leftover bell peppers from another meal.
Variations
You can change the cheese blend; try a mix of mozzarella and provolone, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan for a sharper flavor. If you want a different base, Texas toast works well, though it might need a minute or two longer in the oven. For a vegetarian option beyond just cheese, consider adding thinly sliced tomatoes or some chopped fresh basil after baking.
Another idea is to experiment with different sauces. A pesto base could be interesting, or even a barbecue sauce for a sweet and savory twist with cooked chicken. Just be mindful of how much liquid you add to keep the toast from getting soft.
Storage
Leftover easy garlic toast pizzas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Microwaving tends to make the toast soft, so I usually avoid it. Freezing isn’t ideal; the texture of the garlic toast changes quite a bit after thawing and reheating.
FAQ
Can I use fresh garlic bread instead of frozen? Yes, you can. Just be sure to bake it for a shorter time initially, as fresh bread will toast faster. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
What if I don’t have pizza sauce? A can of crushed tomatoes seasoned with a little salt, pepper, and dried oregano can work in a pinch. You could also use marinara sauce.
Can these be made in an air fryer? I haven’t tried it myself, but an air fryer could work. I’d suggest preheating to 350°F (175°C) and checking them frequently, as air fryers cook much faster.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional values provided are estimates based on the ingredients listed and a serving size of two mini pizzas. These figures can vary depending on the specific brands of garlic toast, cheese, and sauce used. For instance, the sodium content will differ significantly between various pizza sauces. When I make these on a typical summer evening here in Los Angeles, I often opt for lower-sodium sauce to balance things out. For more recipe ideas, check out our Pinterest page.
Print
Garlic Toast Pizzas (30 Minutes)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini pizzas (2-3 servings)
Description
These easy garlic toast pizzas are made with frozen garlic bread, pizza sauce, mozzarella, and optional toppings.
Ingredients
- 6 slices frozen garlic toast
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: pepperoni, cooked crumbled sausage, sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange garlic toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and toasted.
- Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over each slice of garlic toast.
- Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each slice.
- Add desired optional toppings.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust baking times as needed based on your oven and the specific brand of garlic toast.
- For crispier crusts, you can bake the garlic toast a little longer before adding toppings.
- These pizzas are best served hot.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
