Description
Pizza Toast is a quick and delicious twist on classic pizza using slices of sourdough or artisan bread as the base, topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and basil. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a simple lunch or snack that brings all the iconic flavors of pizza in a convenient open-faced sandwich.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 4 large slices of sourdough or artisan bread
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 8 slices whole fat mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of each slice of bread with the olive oil, ensuring they’re evenly coated for a crispy, flavorful base.
- Add the garlic: Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the oiled bread slices, enhancing the base with aromatic garlic flavor.
- Layer the toppings: Place the thinly sliced Roma tomatoes evenly on each bread slice, followed by layering the mozzarella cheese slices on top.
- Season and cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Bake the pizza toasts: Place the prepared slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread edges are golden and crisp.
- Add fresh basil: Remove the toasts from the oven and immediately garnish with chiffonade of fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finishing touch.
- Serve: Let the pizza toast cool slightly before serving warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the sourdough bread with gluten-free bread slices.
- You can add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the basil for extra tangy sweetness.
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best melting and flavor.
- To add protein, consider topping with pepperoni, cooked sausage, or grilled chicken slices before baking.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven, watching carefully to avoid burning the bread.
