Pizza Toast: A Simple Slice of Comfort
There’s something instantly comforting about the smell of warm bread meeting melted cheese and tomato — a tiny, perfect pizza on a slice of toast. As soon as the oven door opens you’ll catch that savory, slightly sweet aroma of tomato sauce mingling with toasty bread and bubbling mozzarella. The first bite gives you a crisp edge, a chewy center, creamy melted cheese, and bright pops of fresh basil: pure, uncomplicated joy.
This recipe is perfect for cozy solo breakfasts, speedy weeknight snacks, or a casual gathering where everyone wants something warm and familiar. Make a batch for after-school appetites, or as a last-minute party nibble paired with a simple salad. If you enjoy breakfast-toasts with a fruity contrast, you might also love this take on avocado and strawberry toast: avocado egg toast with fresh strawberries.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 15–17 minutes
- Servings: 2 (one slice per person; scale up easily)
- Difficulty Level: Very easy — beginner-friendly
Nutrition Highlights
Nutrition estimates are approximate and based on typical values from USDA FoodData Central and general guidance from public health resources. Values are per serving (one pizza-toast slice) for the recipe below.
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~11 g
- Carbohydrates: ~29 g
- Fat: ~10 g
- Fiber: ~1.5 g
- Sodium: ~500 mg (varies by bread, sauce, and cheese)
- Sugars: ~4–6 g
Notes: Actual nutrition will vary by bread size/type and the exact cheese and sauce brands you use. These figures are rounded estimates intended to help meal planning and follow general nutrition guidance from government and health resources.
Why You’ll Love It
- Speed & Ease: Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish — perfect when hunger is loud and time is short.
- Familiar Comfort: Pizza flavors in single-serving form satisfy both nostalgia and cravings without the fuss of making dough.
- Flexible & Social: Make a few different toppings and let guests customize; it’s fun for kids and adults alike.
- Sensory Win: Warm, melty cheese and crisped edges deliver texture contrast while the basil adds a fresh finish.
How to Make Pizza Toast
Ingredients
- 2 large slices rustic or sourdough bread
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce (pizza or marinara)
- 1/2 cup shredded or thinly sliced fresh mozzarella cheese (about 56 g)
- A small handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- A pinch of black pepper
Optional ingredients and substitutions
- Use part-skim mozzarella for lower fat or vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free option.
- Swap tomato sauce for pesto (for a pesto-mozzarella toast) or crushed cherry tomatoes for a fresher topping.
- Add sliced pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, caramelized onion, or roasted bell pepper for variety.
- For gluten-free: use gluten-free bread slices.
Step-by-step Instructions
- Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lay out the two bread slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled.
- Spread a thin, even layer (about 1.5 tbsp per slice) of tomato sauce across each slice.
- Sprinkle or layer the mozzarella evenly on top of the sauce so each slice has a generous covering.
- Add a few fresh basil leaves (torn if large) atop the cheese, and drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil per slice (reserve the remainder for finishing if desired).
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, slightly golden at the edges, and the bread is crisp to your liking.
- Remove from oven, finish with remaining basil and a pinch of black pepper, slice (if desired), and serve hot.
Practical tips
- Watch the cheese in the last 2 minutes to prevent over-browning — ovens vary.
- If you prefer super-crisp bread, broil for 30–60 seconds at the very end, watching closely.
- For even melting, shred the cheese rather than thick-slicing fresh mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve hot right out of the oven with extra basil leaves on top.
- Breakfast-style: Add a fried or soft-poached egg on top for a richer morning meal.
- With sides: Pair with a crisp green salad, soup (tomato basil is especially nice), or a bowl of mixed olives.
- Snack platter: Offer a variety of toppings on separate slices — pepperoni, mushroom & thyme, or a quick arugula and prosciutto finish.
- Beverage pairings: Great with coffee for a hearty breakfast, or with iced tea and lemonade for a light snack.
If you enjoy layering textures and flavors, try pairing it with a fresh toasted-fruit breakfast like this avocado egg toast with fresh strawberries for a sweet-savory contrast.
Keeping it Fresh
Room temperature
- Do not leave pizza toast out for more than 2 hours (per general food safety guidance) because of the cheese and sauce.
Refrigeration
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or oven (350°F / 175°C) for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezer
- Freezing is possible but not ideal for texture. If you must freeze, wrap each slice tightly in plastic, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes or until heated through and crisp.
Expert Tips
- Best bread: Thick-cut rustic or sourdough holds toppings well without getting soggy; day-old bread toasts up even better.
- Cheese strategy: Shredded mozzarella melts more evenly; for creamier results, mix shredded mozzarella with a little grated Parmesan.
- Avoid sogginess: Use a thin sauce layer and a light drizzle of oil rather than a heavy, watery sauce.
- Doneness cues: Cheese should be fully melted and bubbling with light golden spots; edges should be crisp and browned just slightly.
- Time-saver: Toast the bread lightly before adding toppings if you want an extra-crisp base.
Creative Twists
- Vegan version: Use a sturdy gluten-free or whole-grain bread, tomato sauce, and vegan shredded cheese; add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for umami.
- Mediterranean: Swap mozzarella for crumbled feta, add sliced olives, roasted red peppers, and a sprinkle of oregano.
- Breakfast pizza toast: Add scrambled eggs or a fried egg on top, plus a dash of hot sauce and fresh chives.
- Loaded pepperoni & honey: Arrange thin pepperoni slices, bake, then finish with a quick drizzle of chili-infused honey for sweet-heat contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular sandwich bread?
A: Yes, but thinner sandwich bread may become limp under toppings. Toast it lightly first or use two slices stacked for more substance.
Q: How do I keep the bread from becoming soggy?
A: Use a thin layer of sauce, pre-toast the bread slightly, and avoid watery toppings. Also, don’t overload with wet vegetables.
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: It can be—choose whole-grain bread, part-skim or lower-fat cheese, and watch portion sizes. The approximate nutrition per serving is listed above; values were estimated using USDA data.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: You can assemble them on the tray and refrigerate briefly, then bake just before serving. For larger batches, bake and reheat in a low oven to refresh.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes to crisp the edges; microwaving will make the bread soggy.
Conclusion
Give this pizza toast a try next time you want a fast, comforting bite that feels like a tiny personal pizza—simple ingredients, big satisfaction. If you’d like another quick toast idea with a bright, fruity twist for mornings, check out Pizza Toast – The BakerMama for a different take, and for an extra-easy, family-friendly recipe reference take a look at Easy Pizza Toast – Simply Delicious. I’d love to hear how you top yours — leave a comment, share a photo, and join the community.
Print
Pizza Toast: A Simple Slice of Comfort
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and quick recipe for pizza toast featuring warm melted cheese and savory tomato sauce on crispy bread.
Ingredients
- 2 large slices rustic or sourdough bread
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded or thinly sliced fresh mozzarella cheese (about 56 g)
- A small handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- A pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lay out the two bread slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce across each slice.
- Sprinkle or layer the mozzarella evenly on top of the sauce.
- Add fresh basil leaves on top of the cheese, and drizzle olive oil over each slice.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bread is crisp.
- Remove from oven, finish with remaining basil and a pinch of black pepper, slice if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Best bread choice is thick-cut rustic or sourdough to hold toppings without getting soggy. Can customize with various toppings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
