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Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe – Easy 20-Minute Dinner

With just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes from start to finish, you can create a meal that’s crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • For the Base
  • 8 slices frozen Texas toast garlic bread
  • 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • For the Toppings
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices or your protein of choice
  • ½ cup diced bell peppers
  • ¼ cup sliced red onion
  • ½ cup sliced mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves
  • For Finishing
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Red pepper flakes optional
  • Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small bowls for toppings
  • Spoon for spreading sauce
  • Knife and cutting board (for prepping veggies)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and Prep.
    Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Remove the Texas toast from its packaging but keep it frozen — this helps the bread stay firm and crispy during baking.
  2. Arrange the Toast.
    Lay the frozen slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Make sure the garlic-buttered side is facing up — this layer will create the most flavorful pizza base.
  3. Spread the Sauce.
    Add about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce to each slice. Spread evenly with the back of a spoon, leaving a small border around the edges. Avoid adding too much sauce to prevent sogginess.
  4. Add the Cheese Layer.
    Sprinkle mozzarella generously over each slice, followed by a light dusting of Parmesan. This duo creates that perfect golden, bubbly cheese pull.
  5. Pile on the Toppings.
    Distribute your chosen toppings evenly, starting with heavier items like pepperoni, then layering vegetables on top. This prevents toppings from sliding off while baking.
  6. Season and Bake.
    Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the pizzas. Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the toast edges are crispy.
  7. Finish and Serve.
    Remove from the oven and let the pizzas rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and red pepper flakes if desired. This resting time keeps you from burning your mouth and allows the cheese to set slightly.

Notes

Healthier Alternatives
Lower Calories: Use part-skim mozzarella and turkey pepperoni.
Boost Protein: Add grilled chicken, lean ground turkey, or even cottage cheese.
Lower Sodium: Opt for low-sodium marinara and season with herbs instead of salt.
Increase Fiber: Pile on veggies like zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap in plant-based cheese and ensure the toast brand is dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your pizzas with a crisp Caesar salad or a light cucumber-tomato salad for balance. They also go perfectly with sparkling water, iced tea, or a cold beer. For parties, slice each piece in half for appetizer-sized portions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using thawed bread — always bake from frozen for a crispy base.
❌ Adding too much sauce — this makes the bread soggy.
❌ Overloading toppings — too many prevent proper cooking.
❌ Skipping rest time — those 2–3 minutes are essential for setting the cheese.