Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

What is Pizza Toast and How Do You Make It?

First, there was New York-style, then deep dish. Somewhere in between, there was grilled pizza and Detroit style. Now, it seems the next chapter of the book of pizza will be about toast.

Yup, pizza toast is becoming a thing, just ask TikTok. It makes sense, as the pizza format has covered everything from bagels to crackers. Why not bread? After all, traditional pizza is made with dough. Toast offers that familiarity along with some real texture. And with so many toast options along with countless permutations of toppings, pizza toast is whatever you want it to be, a personalized snack based on an Italian classic. It’s like a personal pizza, only square.

person making pizza toast on a sheet tray.
Simply Delicious Food

One of the things you should experiment most with is your base. Try different kinds of bread, from rich Japanese milk bread or classic white to sourdough or whole wheat. For more traditional pizza recipes, the simpler breads tend to work better. More flavorful options like rye or breads with a lot of seeds and other adjuncts can sometimes get in the way of the pizza additions.

Recommended Videos

You’d also be wise to play around with your sauce and your cheese types. Try a good vodka sauce or something with truffle oil. In terms of cheese, mozzarella is king, but you can also employ provolone, gruyere, parmesan, ricotta, goat cheese, burrata, and more.

What to have it with? Wine, of course. If you’re dealing in a classic red sauce, you can’t go wrong with a good Chianti. If the focus is less on tomato and more on cheese, olive oil, and vegetable toppings like mushrooms, try a bright white like Pinot Grigio or Muscadet.

We’ve included a recipe to get you out in front of the trend. So, next time you’re craving a smaller, rustic take on za or simply want to impress some pals with something a little different, give it a try. Pizza toast is both easy to make and delicious and the below recipe will send you on the right track.

Pizza Toast Recipe

Pizza toast with ham and cheese garnished with herbs.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This recipe from Simply Delicious is about as easy as they come. It’s a great one to try out with a standard oven but you can also opt to do the toasting and/or baking element with an air fryer or toaster oven.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4-8 slices of toasted bread
  • 1-2 cups grated mozzarella
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of oregano
  • toppings of your choice

Method

  1. Preheat the grill of your oven.
  2. Place toast on baking sheet and spread a generous amount of pizza sauce over the top.
  3. Top with a handful of cheese and any other toppings.
  4. Sprinkle oregano on top.
  5. Place in oven and cook until cheese is melted.
  6. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Recommended Equipment

Tips and Tricks

Having some fresh herbs like basil and rosemary on hand is highly recommended, as they can be added as a garnish at the end to really bring the pizza toast to life. For optimal toasting, drizzle a little olive oil on either side of your bread slice prior to toasting or throwing into your oven. Also, try adding a bit of honey over the finished product. You won’t regret it.

Mark Stock
Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since…
How to cook cube steak: Tender, flavorful, and easy
Everything you need to know about mastering cube steak
Two uncooked cubed steaks on a cutting board

Cube steak is about as rustic and comforting as it gets when it comes to home-style food. Plus, I love that you don't have to offer up an arm or a leg for this budget-friendly cut of meat. It is very difficult not to become nostalgic about this tenderized cut with its deep beefy flavor — it brings back beautiful and worryless childhood memories! Thankfully, you don't have to be an executive chef to learn how to cook cube steak. This weeknight dinner hero is a no-brainer that comes with just one caveat … cooking it properly so it stays juicy and tender instead of tough and dry.

I'm sure you've seen cube steak prepared in more ways than one. No matter which style you choose, whether you pan-fry it for a crispy crust, smother it in rich gravy, or slow-cook it for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this guide will teach you everything you need to know to cook your cube steak to perfection.
Preparing your cube steak so you can get the most flavor out of it

Read more
How to marinate steak like a pro: Tips and tricks you need to know
How to get the most flavor by marinating your steak
Marinating raw steak tips in a plastic bag

A great steak isn't something you just stumble upon, and if you've circled the block a few times, you know it all starts long before it hits the grill or pan. Do you want a bold and smoky profile, bright and citrusy, or deeply savory? — regardless, a good marinade turns up both the tenderness and flavor.

But we shouldn't confuse marinating with aimlessly dumping a bunch of ingredients into a bowl or bag. Just soaking your meat isn't going to cut it, which leads to the pressing question of how to marinate steak in the first place. Let's get into the ins and outs of the correct way to bring the most flavor out of your meat.
Why marinate your steak

Read more
How to cook the perfect steak in an air fryer: Tips for juicy results
Air fryer steak 101: How to cook a juicy, flavorful steak with ease
Grilled flank beef steak with rosemary, prepared in airfryer

Steak in an air fryer? Absolutely! While grilling and pan-searing are without question the go-to methods, the air fryer offers a surprisingly effective way to get a beautifully cooked, juicy steak with a perfect crust. You can do this without having to labor over a grill or deal with oil splatters. If you are short on time and can't commit quite as much attention as you need when you grill a steak, then air-frying steak is about to change your life! Some of the best air fryer recipes involve a good steak as the centerpiece. Allow us to show you how to cook steak in an air fryer like a pro.
Step 1: Prepping your steak for the best results

Great steak starts with great prep. So before you even think of firing up that air fryer, make sure your steak is ready for cooking.

Read more