I love quick weeknight wins, and Crispy Cheesy Texas Toast Pizza is one of my go-to shortcuts when I want big flavor with minimal fuss. It combines golden, garlicky Texas toast with melty cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, delivering crisp edges and gooey centers in under 15 minutes. I’ve made this dozens of times, tweaking butter-to-garlic ratios and bake/broil timing to get a reliably crisp base and perfectly browned cheese — and it never disappoints. For similar easy, crowd-pleasing comfort dishes, try this toasted ravioli recipe that uses the same crunchy-then-cheesy logic.
Why Make This Recipe
- Speed: Ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
- Texture contrast: Crunchy, buttery edges meet a gooey, cheesy center — a satisfying mouthfeel every time.
- Flexible: Use pantry staples and any leftover toppings to customize flavor and reduce waste. I especially love it because it turns plain bread into a full meal without extra effort.
- Kid-friendly and party-ready: Great for lunch, game day, or as an easy appetizer everyone reaches for. See a related spin on pizza bread in this pepperoni sourdough pizza bread post for more inspiration.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 5–8 minutes
- Cook time: 6–10 minutes (bake + optional broil)
- Total time: 12–18 minutes
- Servings: 4 slices (serves 2–4 depending on appetite)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Assemble on Texas toast, bake at 425°F (218°C) until cheese melts, then broil briefly for golden brown.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this using store-bought Texas toast and homemade garlic butter to compare results. The biggest discovery was that brushing a thin layer of oil under the toast prevents sogginess from sauce and helps the bottom crisp evenly. Adjusting broil time by 30–60 seconds made the difference between bubbly and perfectly browned cheese.
How to Make Crispy Cheesy Texas Toast Pizza
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C) and lining a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. Spread a thin garlic-butter on 4 slices of Texas toast, top with 1/2 cup pizza sauce (about 2 tbsp per slice), 1½ cups shredded mozzarella (about 6 oz/170 g), and desired toppings like 12–16 pepperoni slices or veggies. Bake on the middle rack for 6–8 minutes until the cheese melts and edges brown, then broil 1–2 minutes on high to get that golden top — watch carefully to avoid burning.
Expert Tips for Success
- Brush, don’t soak: Use about 1–2 tsp of garlic butter per slice; too much makes the toast soggy. For a lighter finish, mix 1 tbsp olive oil with 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Also check out cauliflower alternatives like cauliflower pizza bites for low-carb takes.
- Hot oven, quick finish: Preheat to 425°F to crisp the bread quickly, then use the broiler for 30–90 seconds to finish the top. Keep the rack 6–8 inches from the broiler element.
- Even melting: Grate your own mozzarella from a block (6–8 oz) for better melt and less oily separation than pre-shredded blends.
- Equipment: Use a heavy baking sheet or pizza stone for a crisper bottom; a rimmed sheet helps catch drips.
- Toppings timing: Precook high-moisture toppings (mushrooms, fresh tomatoes) in a skillet to remove excess water and prevent soggy pizzas.
How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Texas Toast Pizza
- Casual weeknight meal: Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut richness.
- Party platter: Slice into smaller squares, arrange on a platter, and offer dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or a spicy honey. For a dip-forward approach, see this cheesy pizza dip with pepperoni.
- Brunch boost: Add a fried egg on top and a sprinkle of chopped chives for a brunch-ready slice.
- Presentation tip: Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil right before serving to brighten flavors.
Storage and Reheating Guide
- Refrigerate: Store cooled slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.
- Freeze: Individually wrap cooled slices in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat (best): Re-crisp in a 375°F (190°C) oven or toaster oven for 6–8 minutes until heated through and edges re-crisped. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp; microwave for 30–45 seconds only if convenience is key, then finish in a hot skillet for a minute.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free Texas-style bread or thick gluten-free bread slices; watch bake time as these may brown faster. For a low-carb alternative, consider cauliflower-based bites like the linked recipe above.
- Dairy-free: Swap dairy cheese for a high-quality plant-based mozzarella and use vegan butter for the garlic spread. Expect slightly different melt and browning behavior.
- Meat-free: Load with sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach; finish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for umami.
- Stuffed-crust idea: Fold extra cheese into the edge of a thicker artisanal slice or sandwich two slices together with cheese for a quick “pizza pocket” — inspiration available in this cheesy pizza pockets guide.
Nutritional Highlights
- Protein: Cheese and any added meats provide a good source of protein per serving.
- Portion control: One slice is calorie-dense — 1–2 slices per person is a reasonable serving for a balanced meal.
- Allergens: Contains dairy and wheat (gluten). Offer alternatives (dairy-free cheese, gluten-free bread) for guests with allergies or intolerance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy bottom: Solution — preheat the baking sheet or use a pizza stone and brush a thin layer of oil under the toast to repel moisture.
- Burnt cheese before the base is crisp: Solution — move the rack lower in the oven or reduce broil time; bake at 425°F until nearly done, then broil just 30–60 seconds.
- Toppings sliding off: Solution — press toppings lightly into the cheese before baking and avoid overloading with heavy wet ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of Texas toast?
A: Yes, but Texas toast’s thickness and buttered surface give the best texture. If using thinner bread, reduce bake time to prevent drying and consider toasting the bread first for structure.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from becoming greasy?
A: Use whole-milk mozzarella and avoid pre-shredded blends that contain anti-caking agents which can encourage oil separation. Grating fresh cheese and baking at a slightly higher temp (425°F) for a shorter time helps control grease.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Partially assemble up to an hour ahead (butter + sauce), then keep chilled. Bake and broil minutes before guests arrive for best texture. For longer prep, fully bake, cool, and reheat in the oven to refresh the crust.
Q: What’s the best way to crisp the bottom without over-browning the top?
A: Use a preheated heavy baking sheet or pizza stone and bake on the middle-to-lower rack. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil and finish with a brief broil if needed.
Conclusion
If you enjoy bold, easy garlic-bread–meets–pizza flavors, try a related twist like this Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza for another quick, cheesy crowd-pleaser.
Crispy Cheesy Texas Toast Pizza
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 slices (serves 2–4 depending on appetite)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and delicious Texas toast pizza topped with gooey cheese and your favorite toppings, ready in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 slices Texas toast
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6 oz / 170 g)
- 12–16 pepperoni slices or desired toppings
- Garlic butter (about 1–2 tsp per slice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
- Spread a thin layer of garlic butter on each slice of Texas toast.
- Top each slice with pizza sauce (about 2 tbsp) and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add desired toppings like pepperoni slices or veggies.
- Bake on the middle rack for 6–8 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are browned.
- Broil on high for 1–2 minutes for a golden top — watch carefully.
Notes
For extra crispiness, brush a thin layer of oil under the toast and consider using a pizza stone for a crisper bottom.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American