Pizza Toasts Recipe

Pizza toasts are a delightful and quick meal option that perfectly blends the rich flavors of a traditional pizza with the ease and simplicity of a toast. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a savory snack, or a fun dinner idea, pizza toasts are sure to hit the spot. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up these tasty toasts that will satisfy your pizza cravings. Read on to learn how to create the perfect pizza toasts at home, along with some tips, variations, and serving ideas.

What are Pizza Toasts?

Pizza toasts are exactly what they sound like—a marriage between pizza and toast. They’re made by topping slices of bread with pizza-inspired ingredients and then toasting them until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This recipe is a versatile dish that you can customize with your favorite toppings, just like a regular pizza. Pizza toasts are perfect for when you want the flavors of pizza without the hassle of making dough from scratch.

Ingredients List for Pizza Toasts

Before we dive into the process of making these delicious pizza toasts, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need:

For the Quick Pizza Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons of passata: Passata is a thick, smooth tomato purée that's perfect for quick sauces.
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste: This adds a concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a subtle garlic flavor without the need to mince fresh garlic.
• Pinch of Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to give the sauce an authentic Italian flavor.
• 1 teaspoon of granulated sweetener: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.

For the Pizza Toast:

• 2 slices (2oz/60g) of whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread adds a hearty, nutty flavor and extra nutrients.
• 50g/2oz of mozzarella cheese, grated or sliced: Mozzarella is the classic pizza cheese, known for its gooey, stretchy melt.
• 1 large vine tomato, sliced thinly: Fresh tomatoes add a juicy, slightly acidic component to the toasts.
• Half a small red onion, sliced: Red onion adds a sweet and slightly sharp flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 2 slices of lean ham, sliced up: Ham provides a savory, meaty element to the pizza toasts.
• Salt and black pepper: To season the toasts and enhance all the flavors.
• Splash of balsamic vinegar: Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the cheese and ham.
• Spray oil: For lightly coating the bread to ensure it crisps up nicely.
• Freshly chopped Italian parsley or basil: To garnish and add a fresh, herby finish.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about pizza toasts is how customizable they are. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Bread: While whole wheat bread is nutritious and tasty, you can use any type of bread you prefer. Sourdough, ciabatta, or even a slice of baguette can all work well.
• Cheese: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, try using cheddar, provolone, or even a combination of cheeses like feta and parmesan.
• Protein: Instead of ham, consider using pepperoni, cooked chicken, or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms or tofu.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute with other vegetables such as bell peppers, olives, or spinach.
• Sauce: You can experiment with different types of sauces. Pesto, alfredo sauce, or even a spicy marinara could bring a new twist to your pizza toasts.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's go through the process of making these pizza toasts step by step:

1. Prepare the Quick Pizza Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine the passata, tomato paste, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and granulated sweetener. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Toast the Bread:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or set your broiler to high.
   • Lightly spray both sides of the whole wheat bread slices with spray oil. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven or under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until lightly golden and crisp.
3. Assemble the Pizza Toasts:
   • Spread a generous amount of the quick pizza sauce on each toasted bread slice.
   • Layer on the sliced mozzarella cheese, ensuring it covers the entire surface of the bread for an even melt.
   • Add the tomato slices on top of the cheese, followed by the sliced red onion and chopped ham.
4. Season and Add Final Touches:
   • Season the assembled toasts with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
   • Drizzle a small splash of balsamic vinegar over the toppings for an extra flavor boost.
5. Bake the Pizza Toasts:
   • Return the assembled pizza toasts to the oven or broiler. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
   • If using a broiler, watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once out of the oven, sprinkle the toasts with freshly chopped Italian parsley or basil.
   • Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey.

How to Cook Pizza Toasts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking pizza toasts is a straightforward process, but a few tips can help you achieve the best results:

• Crisping the Bread: Toasting the bread before adding the toppings ensures it won’t become soggy from the sauce and toppings.
• Even Cheese Distribution: Make sure the cheese is evenly spread over the bread to avoid uneven melting.
• Oven Monitoring: If using a broiler, keep a close eye on your toasts. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.
• Seasoning: Don't skip the salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar—they elevate the flavors of the ingredients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your pizza toasts turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Skipping Pre-toasting the Bread: This step is crucial to avoid a soggy base. Pre-toasting gives the bread a sturdy foundation for the toppings.
• Overloading with Toppings: It’s tempting to pile on the toppings, but too much can make the toast heavy and difficult to eat. Keep it balanced.
• Using Cold Cheese: Allowing the cheese to come to room temperature before using it will help it melt more evenly.
• Not Watching the Broiler: The broiler works fast, and your toasts can burn if left unattended.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving your pizza toasts is just as important as making them. Here are some tips to ensure they look as good as they taste:

• Cutting: Slice the toasts diagonally or into bite-sized squares for easy eating, especially if serving as an appetizer.
• Serving Board: Present the toasts on a wooden cutting board or a slate platter for a rustic, stylish look.
• Garnish: A light sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a gourmet touch.

How to Serve Pizza Toasts

Pizza toasts can be served in various ways depending on the occasion:

• As a Main Dish: Pair with a simple side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
• As an Appetizer: Cut into smaller pieces and serve as part of a party platter with other finger foods.
• For a Quick Snack: Enjoy on its own as a filling and flavorful snack any time of the day.

Presentation Ideas for Pizza Toasts

Make your pizza toasts stand out with these presentation ideas:

• Colorful Garnishes: Use bright, fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add color contrast.
• Stacking: For a dramatic presentation, stack the toasts in a crisscross pattern on a serving plate.
• Individual Servings: Place each pizza toast on its own small plate with a few extra garnishes for a restaurant-style presentation.

Pizza Toasts Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your pizza toasts are a hit:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the flavor. Fresh tomatoes and herbs make a big difference.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce and toppings before assembling to ensure they are well-seasoned.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavors. The versatility of pizza toasts allows for endless creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make pizza toasts ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the toasts up to the point of baking and then store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, bake them in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Q: Can I freeze pizza toasts? A: It’s best to freeze the components separately rather than the assembled toasts. You can freeze the sauce and the cheese, and then assemble and bake the toasts when needed.

Q: What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar? A: You can substitute balsamic vinegar with a splash of red wine vinegar or a drizzle of honey for a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I use gluten-free bread? A: Absolutely! If you're gluten intolerant or prefer gluten-free options, use your favorite gluten-free bread for this recipe.

Q: What other cheeses work well on pizza toasts? A: Other great cheese options include provolone, cheddar, gouda, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for added flavor.

Conclusion

Pizza toasts are a delicious and versatile dish that brings together the best of both worlds—pizza and toast. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a flavorful meal that's perfect for any time of day. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own twist on it with different toppings and variations, these pizza toasts are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade pizza toasts!

Print