Save to Pinterest I discovered pizza toast by accident one Tuesday when I had leftover sourdough and an inexplicable craving for melted cheese at 3 PM. My roommate scoffed at the idea until the broiler finished its magic, and suddenly we were arguing over the last slice. That moment taught me that sometimes the best meals aren't planned—they're born from whatever's in your fridge and a willingness to experiment.
My favorite memory is making this for friends during a casual game night, watching them debate whether it counted as pizza or toast while the broiler hissed in the background. Someone's comment that it was "too good to be so easy" still makes me smile.
Ingredients
- Thick sourdough or country-style bread: 2 slices—the structure matters here; thin bread will char before the cheese melts, so don't skimp on thickness.
- Good-quality marinara sauce: 1/2 cup—this is your foundation, so taste it first and adjust seasoning if it feels flat.
- Minced garlic: 1 small clove—fresh garlic mixed into the sauce adds a savory note that transforms the whole thing.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 1 tbsp—whisked into the sauce for richness and to help the garlic infuse.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1/2 cup—the workhorse cheese that melts and bubbles beautifully.
- Shredded provolone cheese: 1/4 cup—adds a slightly tangy, nutty depth that plain mozzarella can't deliver alone.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp—goes on top for those crispy, golden edges you're chasing.
- Pepperoni or salami (optional): 8–10 slices—renders its oils into the cheese for flavor, but leave it off if you want to keep things vegetarian.
- Red onion, black olives, bell pepper, fresh basil: optional toppings—each adds texture and freshness; basil especially should go on after broiling so it stays bright.
- Dried oregano, black pepper, red pepper flakes: seasonings—oregano melds into the whole dish, while pepper flakes add bite at the end.
Instructions
- Heat your broiler:
- Turn it to high and line your baking sheet with foil or parchment—this step takes two minutes but saves you from a mess later.
- Prepare the sauce:
- Mix marinara with minced garlic and olive oil in a small bowl, stirring until the garlic is evenly distributed. The oil helps carry the garlic flavor throughout.
- Toast the bread lightly:
- Give each slice a quick pass under the broiler or in a toaster until just golden on the edges—you want it sturdy enough to hold toppings without being hard.
- Spread the garlicky sauce:
- Be generous here; a thin layer will disappear under the cheese, so don't hold back.
- Layer the first cheese:
- Half the mozzarella and provolone go down first, creating a foundation that will melt and soften everything above it.
- Add your chosen toppings:
- Scatter pepperoni, onions, olives, or peppers wherever you like—remember they're going under more cheese, so don't worry about coverage being perfect.
- Top with remaining cheese and Parmesan:
- The Parmesan on top is the secret to crispy golden edges that catch the broiler's heat just right.
- Season and broil:
- Sprinkle oregano and black pepper across the top, then slide under the broiler for 3–5 minutes. Watch closely—broilers are aggressive, and you want melted and bubbling, not charred.
- Finish and serve:
- Fresh basil and a crack of red pepper flakes go on right after it comes out, while everything's still hot.
Save to Pinterest There's something deeply satisfying about watching cheese bubble under the broiler, that moment when you know you're two minutes away from something delicious. It reminds me that some of the best food requires barely any skill—just attention and the confidence to trust what you're doing.
Building Your Perfect Toast
The magic here is in layering—each component matters in sequence. Sauce first, so it anchors everything and adds moisture. Cheese in the middle to act as a binding agent and create those creamy pockets. Toppings nestled into that cheese so they stay put and roast slightly. Then Parmesan on top for texture and color. It's a small structure, but getting the order right is what separates a soggy mess from something transcendent.
Why This Beats Regular Cheese Toast
A plain cheese toast tastes fine until you try this version and realize how much the sauce and garlic actually matter. The sauce isn't just flavor—it's moisture that keeps the bread from drying out under the broiler's heat, and the garlic infuses everything with a savory backbone. Using two cheeses instead of one creates complexity; the mozzarella melts and stretches, while the provolone adds a subtle sharpness that makes you pause and notice the taste.
Variations and Why They Work
I've made this with arugula scattered on top after broiling, and the peppery bite against the warm cheese is unreal. Hot honey drizzled over melted Parmesan creates a sweet-salty moment that shouldn't work but does. Sautéed mushrooms add umami depth, turning a snack into something that feels more substantial. The bread and cheese are non-negotiable, but everything else is your playground.
- Swap gluten-free bread if you need to, and it'll taste nearly identical because the cheese and sauce are doing the heavy lifting.
- Try dairy-free cheese if that's your situation—some brands melt better than others, so test one you like before committing.
- Fresh herbs like oregano or basil should go on after broiling so they stay vibrant instead of turning bitter from the heat.
Save to Pinterest Pizza toast has become my answer to "I'm hungry but don't want to cook"—it's honest food that tastes good because you actually paid attention while making it. Make it once and you'll understand why it took over TikTok.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of bread works best?
Thick slices of sourdough or country-style bread provide a sturdy base that toasts well and holds toppings without becoming soggy.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan build melty, flavorful layers, but you can experiment with other melty cheeses like fontina or gouda.
- → How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Lightly toasting the bread before adding sauce helps keep it crisp, while broiling melts the cheese quickly for a perfect texture.
- → What toppings complement the flavors well?
Pepperoni, salami, olives, thinly sliced onion, and bell peppers add savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes that enhance the melty cheeses.
- → Any tips for a vegetarian version?
Simply omit meats and add extra vegetables or sautéed mushrooms. Using vegetarian cheeses keeps it meat-free and delicious.