Garlic Toast Pizzas: A Crispy, Cheesy Shortcut to Pizza Night

When I want the flavor of pizza without making dough from scratch, I make garlic toast pizzas. They’re quick, crispy, cheesy, and completely customizable. Using frozen garlic toast as the base gives each mini pizza a buttery, garlicky crunch that pairs perfectly with melted cheese and all my favorite toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these garlic toast pizzas because they take minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, after-school snacks, or a fun dinner when I want to skip the delivery. They also make a great DIY meal—I lay out toppings and let everyone build their own. The garlic toast adds bold flavor and crisp texture with zero prep work.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Frozen garlic toast (thick Texas toast-style works best)

  • Pizza sauce or marinara sauce

  • Shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Toppings of choice (pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, etc.)

  • Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

  1. I preheat the oven according to the garlic toast package instructions—usually around 425°F (220°C).

  2. I place the frozen garlic toast slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.

  3. I bake the garlic toast for 4–5 minutes just until it starts to crisp but isn’t fully done.

  4. I remove the tray from the oven and spoon a layer of pizza sauce onto each slice.

  5. I sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce and add my favorite toppings.

  6. I return the tray to the oven and bake for another 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden.

  7. I let the pizzas cool for a couple of minutes, then top with herbs or seasoning if I want a fresh finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 individual pizzas, depending on how many garlic toast slices I use.
Prep time is just 5 minutes, and bake time is around 10–13 minutes, so I have dinner ready in under 20 minutes.

Variations

  • I use pesto or Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a fun flavor twist.

  • For a veggie version, I load up on mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and onions.

  • I make a Hawaiian-style version with pineapple chunks and red pepper flakes.

  • To make it extra cheesy, I add a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.

Storage/reheating

These garlic toast pizzas are best fresh, but I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes. I avoid microwaving—it makes the toast soggy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade garlic bread?

Yes, I’ve made it with my own garlic butter on sliced French bread and it works great—just bake a little longer if the bread is thicker.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but I love adding a bit of cheddar or Parmesan for extra flavor.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Definitely. I cook them at 370°F for 6–8 minutes, watching closely so the toast doesn’t burn.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Kids love helping choose and add their own toppings—makes dinner fun and interactive.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free garlic bread if needed. Many stores carry frozen gluten-free options now.

Conclusion

Garlic toast pizzas are my go-to when I want something easy, cheesy, and totally satisfying without the hassle of traditional pizza. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m feeding kids, friends, or just myself, they always hit the spot—and they’re ready in less time than it takes to order delivery.

Print
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Garlic Toast Pizzas: A Crispy, Cheesy Shortcut to Pizza Night

Garlic Toast Pizzas: A Crispy, Cheesy Shortcut to Pizza Night

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  • Author: Linda
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 6 mini pizzas
  • Category: Main Dish, Snack
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Garlic Toast Pizzas are the ultimate shortcut to pizza night—crispy, cheesy, and ready in under 20 minutes. Using frozen garlic toast as the base, these mini pizzas deliver bold flavor and buttery crunch with endless topping possibilities.


Ingredients

  • 6 slices frozen garlic toast (Texas toast-style)
  • ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, etc.)
  • Optional: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (or according to garlic toast package instructions).

  2. Arrange frozen garlic toast on a baking sheet in a single layer.

  3. Bake for 4–5 minutes to lightly crisp the surface without fully cooking.

  4. Remove from the oven and spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each slice.

  5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over each toast and add desired toppings.

  6. Return to the oven and bake for 6–8 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are golden.

  7. Let cool slightly, garnish with herbs or red pepper flakes, and serve warm.


Notes

  • Use homemade garlic bread if preferred—adjust baking time for thicker bread.
  • Great for kids: let them choose their toppings and build their own pizzas.
  • Try pesto, BBQ sauce, or Alfredo for a creative twist.
  • Air fryer option: cook at 370°F for 6–8 minutes, checking often.

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