Pizza Toast Upgraded Layers (Printable)

Thick bread with garlicky tomato sauce and layered melted cheese, broiled until golden and bubbling.

# Ingredient List:

→ Bread

01 - 2 thick slices sourdough or country-style bread

→ Tomato Sauce

02 - 120 ml good-quality marinara sauce
03 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
04 - 15 ml extra-virgin olive oil

→ Cheese

05 - 120 ml shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - 60 ml shredded provolone cheese
07 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

→ Toppings (optional)

08 - 8–10 slices pepperoni or salami (omit for vegetarian)
09 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
10 - 60 ml sliced black olives
11 - 1/4 bell pepper, thinly sliced
12 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

→ Seasoning

13 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
15 - Red pepper flakes, to taste

# How to Make:

01 - Set your oven broiler to high and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
02 - Combine marinara sauce, minced garlic, and olive oil in a small bowl.
03 - Lightly toast bread slices in a toaster or under the broiler until just golden.
04 - Generously spread the garlicky tomato sauce over each toasted bread slice.
05 - Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly over the sauce.
06 - Place chosen toppings such as pepperoni, onion, olives, and bell pepper over the cheese.
07 - Add the remaining mozzarella, provolone, and all grated Parmesan cheese atop the toppings.
08 - Sprinkle dried oregano and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the top.
09 - Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown.
10 - Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes, then serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in 20 minutes flat, no dough-making or rising required.
  • The cheese melts into these perfect gooey layers that taste way more impressive than the effort deserves.
  • You can customize it endlessly depending on what you have on hand or what you're craving that day.
02 -
  • If your cheese starts browning before it's fully melted, it means your broiler is too close—move the rack down or watch like a hawk because it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
  • Thick, sturdy bread is essential; thin bread will turn into a soggy mess no matter what you do, so this is worth buying the good stuff.
  • The key to crispy cheese edges is making sure the broiler is actually preheated and your bread is already toasted before the cheese hits the heat.
03 -
  • If you're making this for multiple people, assemble everything on the baking sheet before broiling so it all finishes at the same time and stays hot.
  • Keep red pepper flakes and fresh basil for the very end—they add brightness and visual appeal that ties the whole thing together.
  • Room temperature sauce spreads easier, so don't pull it straight from the fridge if you can help it.
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