Description
Pizza Toast is a quick and delicious snack or light meal featuring toasted artisan bread topped with fresh tomatoes, melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fragrant basil. This easy recipe combines the vibrant flavors of a classic pizza on a crispy bread base, perfect for a savory breakfast, lunch, or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread and Oil
- 4 large slices of sourdough bread or Artisan bread
- 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
For the Toppings
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Roma tomatoes (sliced thin)
- 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 to 375°F (190°C) or set your toaster oven to a similar temperature. Lightly brush each slice of sourdough bread with half of the extra-virgin olive oil on both sides to ensure a crisp and golden toast.
- Toast the Bread: Place the bread slices on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack and toast for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Add the Garlic: Remove the toasted bread from the oven. While still warm, rub the minced garlic evenly over each toast slice to infuse the bread with a bright garlic flavor.
- Assemble the Toppings: Layer the thinly sliced Roma tomatoes evenly on each slice of toast. Top the tomatoes with slices of whole fat mozzarella cheese to cover the surface.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and Season: Generously sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. Season all slices with salt and pepper to taste.
- Final Bake: Return the assembled toasts to the oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza toasts from the oven and immediately top each with chiffonade-cut fresh basil leaves. Drizzle the remaining extra-virgin olive oil over the top for added flavor and a glossy finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Whole fat mozzarella melts well, giving a rich and creamy texture.
- Chiffonade basil refers to thinly sliced basil leaves, which release a stronger aroma and flavor when sprinkled over dishes.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your Parmesan is very salty.
- For a crispier base, consider pre-toasting the bread slightly longer before adding toppings.
