Is there anything better than the smell of garlic wafting through your kitchen? If you’re nodding your head in agreement, then you’re in for a treat! Garlic Toast Pizzas are not just a dish; they are a deliciously quick fix for those hectic weeknights. Trust me, whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just the everyday chaos of life, this easy-to-make recipe will rescue your evening and have the family begging for more!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Toast Pizzas
Garlic Toast Pizzas blend delightful flavors with the comforting essence of classic pizza and the irresistible crunch of garlic bread. Picture this: golden brown toasts topped with zingy marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings. What’s more? These little delights take just minutes to whip up, so you can spend less time staring at the stove and more time creating priceless memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these scrumptious Garlic Toast Pizzas, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade, no judgment here!)
- 1-2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced (because we love garlic!)
- 1/4 cup of butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (optional, but oh-so-recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (if you’re feeling fancy)
Steps to Deliciousness
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your Garlic Toast Pizzas are crisp and golden when they come out.
2. Prepare the Bread
Slice your loaf of French or Italian bread in half lengthwise. This will create two perfect canvases for your culinary masterpieces.
3. Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Spread this flavorful concoction generously over the cut sides of the bread.
4. Toast It Up
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re lightly toasted. You want them to scream “garlic goodness” but not get too brown, or you’ll need the fire extinguisher!
5. Assemble Your Pizzas
Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Slather a good amount of marinara sauce on each half—unless you’re in a saucy mood, then go ahead and pile it on! Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top, generously covering every inch. Don’t forget to let your creativity shine by adding your favorite toppings!
6. Bake to Perfection
Return your masterpieces to the oven for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. (You might want to keep an eye on it—cheese loves to turn golden brown!)
7. Serve with Flair
Once they are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a moment—because burnt tongues are not a fun addition to dinner! Sprinkle some fresh basil on top, slice them up, and voilà! You have yourself a meal that will impress the pickiest of eaters.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Garlic Toast Pizzas
- Don’t skip the garlic butter; this is where the flavor magic happens! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- If you’re short on time, skip making the garlic butter and use garlic powder! It won’t have the same heavenly aroma, but it will save you some minutes.
- These Garlic Toast Pizzas are so versatile! Feel free to experiment with leftover veggies or meats; I once used some grilled chicken and it was a hit!
FAQs About Garlic Toast Pizzas
Can I substitute the French bread?
Absolutely! You can use bagels, pita bread, or anything that can hold all that deliciousness.
How can I store leftovers?
If you somehow have leftovers (which is a rare occurrence), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just pop them back in the oven to reheat!
Can I make them in advance?
You can prep the toppings and sauce ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat!
Final Thoughts
Garlic Toast Pizzas are the perfect remedy for those weeknights when cooking feels like a monumental task. They deliver on flavor and satisfaction, and they may just become your go-to hit for family dinners or last-minute get-togethers. So, roll up your sleeves, unleash your inner chef, and dive into this delightful creation. Your taste buds will thank you!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out more easy meal ideas like
Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip
or
Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza
. And remember, cooking is all about joy, creativity, and a sprinkle of love!
PrintGarlic Toast Pizzas
Description
Is there anything better than the smell of garlic wafting through your kitchen? If you’re nodding your head in agreement, then you’re in for a treat! Garlic Toast Pizzas are not just a dish; they are a deliciously quick fix for those hectic weeknights. Trust me, whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just the everyday chaos of life, this easy-to-make recipe will rescue your evening and have the family begging for more!
Ingredients
To create these scrumptious Garlic Toast Pizzas, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade, no judgment here!)
- 1–2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
- 2–3 cloves of garlic, minced (because we love garlic!)
- 1/4 cup of butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (optional, but oh-so-recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (if you’re feeling fancy)
Instructions
. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your Garlic Toast Pizzas are crisp and golden when they come out.
2. Prepare the Bread
Slice your loaf of French or Italian bread in half lengthwise. This will create two perfect canvases for your culinary masterpieces.
3. Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Spread this flavorful concoction generously over the cut sides of the bread.
4. Toast It Up
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re lightly toasted. You want them to scream “garlic goodness” but not get too brown, or you’ll need the fire extinguisher!
5. Assemble Your Pizzas
Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Slather a good amount of marinara sauce on each half—unless you’re in a saucy mood, then go ahead and pile it on! Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top, generously covering every inch. Don’t forget to let your creativity shine by adding your favorite toppings!
6. Bake to Perfection
Return your masterpieces to the oven for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. (You might want to keep an eye on it—cheese loves to turn golden brown!)
7. Serve with Flair
Once they are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a moment—because burnt tongues are not a fun addition to dinner! Sprinkle some fresh basil on top, slice them up, and voilà! You have yourself a meal that will impress the pickiest of eaters.
Notes
. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your Garlic Toast Pizzas are crisp and golden when they come out.
2. Prepare the Bread
Slice your loaf of French or Italian bread in half lengthwise. This will create two perfect canvases for your culinary masterpieces.
3. Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Spread this flavorful concoction generously over the cut sides of the bread.
4. Toast It Up
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re lightly toasted. You want them to scream “garlic goodness” but not get too brown, or you’ll need the fire extinguisher!
5. Assemble Your Pizzas
Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Slather a good amount of marinara sauce on each half—unless you’re in a saucy mood, then go ahead and pile it on! Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top, generously covering every inch. Don’t forget to let your creativity shine by adding your favorite toppings!
6. Bake to Perfection
Return your masterpieces to the oven for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. (You might want to keep an eye on it—cheese loves to turn golden brown!)
7. Serve with Flair
Once they are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a moment—because burnt tongues are not a fun addition to dinner! Sprinkle some fresh basil on top, slice them up, and voilà! You have yourself a meal that will impress the pickiest of eaters.