Cheesy Texas Toast Pizzas

This Texas Toast Pizza recipe transforms simple garlic bread into crispy mini pizzas you can whip up in the air fryer. With bubbly mozzarella and zippy pepperoni, it is a nostalgic, ultra-fast dinner or snack my kids make on their own after school.

The first time I served these, my family polished off a whole batch during movie night. Now it is our go to when friends visit or when we want pizza in a flash.

Ingredients

• Texas Toast Garlic Bread: eight slices this forms the crispy flavorful crust and makes each pizza slice sturdy
• Pizza sauce: half cup a tangy base that ties all the toppings together choose one with a bright tomato flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: two cups for classic melty texture look for pre-shredded for convenience or shred a block for extra stretch
• Mini pepperoni: eighty pieces these deliver zesty pops of flavor in every bite try turkey pepperoni if you prefer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Bread:

Arrange half the Texas toast slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket so air circulates well and the bread crisps evenly

Lightly Toast:

Set the air fryer to three hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit and cook the slices for three minutes until they are just golden and a bit firm touching them they should feel slightly crisp but not hard this step keeps the bread from getting soggy

Sauce It Up:

Remove the toasted slices and spread one to two spoonfuls of pizza sauce evenly over each slice coating right up to the edges for maximum flavor

Add Cheese and Pepperoni:

Sprinkle each piece generously with mozzarella cheese then add ten mini pepperoni slices on top press them in gently so they do not fall off during cooking

Melt the Cheese:

Lower the air fryer temperature to three hundred degrees Fahrenheit and return the topped slices for three minutes watch closely as the cheese melts smoothly and starts to bubble

Finish Crisping:

Raise the air fryer to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an extra two minutes until the cheese is browned in spots and the edges of the bread are deeply crisp

Repeat:

Transfer the finished mini pizzas to a plate and repeat with the remaining bread and toppings so every slice is hot and fresh

Serve:

Enjoy immediately while the cheese is gooey and the toast is extra crunchy add a sprinkle of Italian herbs or red pepper if you like

Pin it

I am obsessed with the garlic Texas toast here. It gives every bite a buttery crunchy base that ordinary bread cannot match. My family still debates whether to add extra cheese or extra pepperoni but they always agree there is never a crumb left.

Storage tips

These mini pizzas taste best hot from the air fryer but you can cool leftovers completely and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as that softens the bread.

Ingredient substitutions

Swap mozzarella for cheddar or a pizza blend for new flavor twists. For a vegetarian version skip the pepperoni and try sliced black olives bell peppers or fresh basil. Any good tomato pasta sauce works if you do not have pizza sauce handy.

Serving suggestions

Pile slices onto a platter for a party snack or enjoy with a side salad for an easy meal. My crew loves dunking them in ranch or extra marinara. Add some fresh veggies or fruit for a simple family lunch.

Cultural context

The heart of this recipe is classic American innovation taking store bought garlic bread and leveling it up with beloved pizza toppings. It is that quick fix spirit I love from busy weeknights to cozy weekends this dish always brings everyone to the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast?

Yes, but Texas toast provides a sturdier and crispier base. Regular bread may require less cooking time and could be softer.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to add sliced vegetables, cooked sausage, or even pineapple chunks for variation. Adjust cooking time as needed for heavier toppings.

→ Can I make these in a conventional oven?

Yes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake the prepared toast until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

It's best to prepare them fresh for optimal texture, but you can assemble the toppings beforehand. Refrigerate and air fry when ready to serve.

→ How can I make this a vegetarian option?

Simply omit the pepperoni and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for a meatless version.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.