• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Easy and Delish logo

  • About
    • Meet Denise!
    • COOKBOOK
    • Contact
    • Press
  • All Recipes
  • BRAZILIAN FOOD
  • Conversions
    • How Many Sticks of Butter in a Cup?
    • How Many Teaspoons in a Tablespoon?
    • Temperature Conversion (Chart & Calculator)
    • US Cups to Ounces to Grams for Common Ingredients (Charts)
    • Volume Conversions (Table for Dry & Liquid Ingredients)
    • Baking Substitutions (with Charts & Tables)
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Português
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Página Inicial
  • About
  • Sobre Mim
  • All Recipes
  • Todas as Receitas
  • Shop
  • Conversions
  • Vídeos
  • Português
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home > Quick & Easy Recipes

    Published: Feb 9, 2023 by Denise Browning · "This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission." · 1 Comment

    Pizza Toasts

    High ProteinVegetarian

    Jump to Recipe ↓
    a close up of a bread pizza on a table with some of its ingredients around it.

    Pizza toasts (Mediterranean-style) that are better than Hailey Bieber's. They are vegetarian, more budget-friendly, healthier, and super crispy with a mildly spicy sauce, melty mozzarella, and fresh vegetable topping. These make one of the best quick and easy dinners, light lunches, or snacks for busy days without the hassle of making pizza.  

    A hand holding a Mediterranean pizza toast .

    Do you love pizza but don't have the time to make one from scratch?

    Well, these pizza toasts have the crispiness of a toast and the flavors of a pizza without all the time and work you have to put on to make homemade pizza.  

    They are perfect for busy weekdays! It takes just 10 minutes to prep and 10 to cook and they are quite satisfying and delish. They are as quick to make as this crème brûlée yogurt toast!

    These also make a great vegetarian (after) school snack.

    Ready?

    Why you'll love this pizza toast recipe

    • Quick and easy: These pizza toasts take about 20 minutes to be ready (faster than homemade pizza) and are simple to make. All that you have to do is toast the slices of bread with olive oil in a griddle or large cast-iron skillet, top with the sauce, cheese, and fresh vegetable topping, and then bake in the oven until the cheese has melted. 
    • Versatile: You can use different hard-crusted bread, sauce, cheese, and toppings every time. 
    • Portable: You can take these to work, school, picnics, and get-togethers. 
    • Budget-friendly: These cost less than Hailey Bieber's because they are made with common ingredients. No need for truffle oil or burrata. 
    • Healthy: We used sourdough bread which has a low glycemic index, fresh mozzarella that is lower in fat than regular melting cheeses, and fresh vegetables plus extra-virgin olive oil. These pizza toasts are vegetarian and high-protein! 

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    To make this pizza toast recipe, you'll need:

    • 4 slices of sourdough bread (or any other hard-crusted bread of your choice)

    Pizza Sauce:

    • 2 garlic cloves

    • 4 large fresh basil leaves plus an extra for the topping and garnishing

    • ⅔ cup arrabbiata sauce (or marinara or Pomodoro sauce if you prefer) 

    • Salt and freshly grated black pepper to taste

    • 4 slices of fresh mozzarella, quartered (or about 1 cup of shredded mozzarella if you prefer)

    Topping:

    • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes), red or different colors

    • ¼ cup kalamata olives, halved (optional), or other olives of choice

    • A pinch of red pepper flakes, optional (skip if you don't enjoy spicy foods)

    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus extra to toast the bread

    • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

    • Grated parmesan cheese, to sprinkle on top (optional) 

    image collage showing ingredients on a table.

    How to make pizza toasts

    1. For the pizza sauce: Using a mortar and pestle, smash garlic with a pinch of salt until forming a paste. PIC. 1 Then, add the basil leaves and smash more until forming almost a paste, Stir in the arrabbiata sauce and some freshly ground black pepper and set aside. If you prefer, use just good-quality sauce and skip all the smashing and mixing to reduce prep time.   
    2. For the fresh veggie topping: In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, olives, 6 thinly sliced basil leaves, a pinch of salt and pepper plus red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and lemon zest. PIC. 2 Reserve!
    3. Toast the bread: Heat a griddle or large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until very hot. Place the slices of bread onto the skillet and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil on both sides (about 2 tablespoon for 4 slices). Let the bread toast for 2-3 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Then, flip the slices using a large metal spatula or tongs, and repeat the toasting process. Transfer them to a large baking sheet. PIC. 3
    4. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
    5. Meanwhile, arrange the pizza toasts. Thinly spread about 2-3 tablespoon of the prepared sauce on top of each toast (the amount will depend on the size of your bread slice), top each with 4 pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese, and spoon the fresh veggie topping evenly among them. 
    6. Bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts. Remove them from the oven, sprinkle some grated parmesan on top, and serve them right away with a drizzle of EVOO if desired. PIC. 4

     WATCH OUR QUICK VIDEO FOR THE STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS!

    image collage showing how to make the recipe step-by-step.

    Variations

    One of the pros about these pizza toasts is you can easily adapt them to suit your diet and taste. 

    • Bread: You can use any sandwich bread, bagels, small naan, or any hard-crusted bread to make pizza toast bread, garlic bread for a garlic toast pizza, or Texas toast for making a Texas toast pizza. 
    • Sauce: Use a pizza sauce, homemade or store-bought, or any other you enjoy such as marinara sauce! 
    • Cheese: Any melting cheese would go well on these easy pizza toasts.
    • Toppings: Whatever you would put on a pizza, you can put on these -- although the bread surface is smaller than a pizza crust. It can be plant-based or a variety of meats such as pepperoni, cooked bacon, shredded chicken, and ground sausage. Use your favorite pizza topping! 
    • Herbs: Use any fresh or dried herbs such as oregano, basil, parsley, etc.

    What to serve with Pizza Toast

    Although our pizza toasts are perfect on their own, here are a few sides you can pair them with:

    • Air fryer potatoes wedges
    • Air fryer zucchini fries
    • Healthy yuca fries
    • Air fryer asparagus
    • Green salad
    • Air fryer broccolini
    • Homemade coleslaw with bacon
    • Roasted carrots and parsnips

     

    several pizza toasts over a cutting board with garnishes on the side.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are pizza toasts healthy?

    Our Mediterranean pizza toasts are healthy and also portion-controlled. They satisfy your pizza cravings without all the fat and are smaller than a regular pizza. 

    Can you make pizza toast in advance?

    We don't recommend making these in advance as they are best made and eaten fresh. But you can certainly prepare the sauce and toppings in advance and keep them chilled in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.  

    Make sure to toast the bread right before preparing these pizza toasts so they will be crispy! 

    Are pizza toasts gluten-free or low-carb?

    It depends on the bread you use. For gluten-free pizza toasts, use gluten-free bread. For low-carb pizza toasts, use low-carb bread.

    Does sourdough bread have a low glycemic index?

    Yes! Although it is not a low-carb bread, it can be consumed in moderation by those with PCOS and diabetes because it won’t spike insulin.

    Are pizza toasts vegan?

    If you use vegan cheeses and keep our vegetable topping, these can be vegan. 

    a bitten pizza toast with fresh basil leaves on the side.

    Expert Tips

    • Make sure to heat the griddle or cast-iron skillet very well over medium heat before adding the bread slices to the pan. 

    • Toast the bread until crispy!  The time will depend on the type of skillet you use and how potent is the flame of your stovetop.

    • Always spread a thin layer of sauce over the toast. This will avoid your toast to become soggy quickly!

    • The best the sauce, the tastier the pizza toasts!

    • Use only melting cheeses such as mozzarella and gruyere, etc

    • Use toppings that you enjoy for pizzas and toasts! 

    • Bake the pizza toast in the oven just enough for the cheese to melt.  You can also bake pizza toast in air fryer. For that,  preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F and then bake pizza toasts for about 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts. 

    How to store pizza toast

    These pizza toasts are best eaten right away. Although the recipe calls for a thin layer of sauce, the bread toasts can still become soggy under refrigeration. They are so quick to make, you won't have trouble making them fresh every time.

    Other pizza recipes

    • Homemade Margherita Pizza
    • Shrimp Pizza
    • Breakfast Pizza (Pizza Portuguesa)
    • Kitchen Blender Pepperoni Pizza

    Other pizza bites: 

    • BBQ Chicken Pizzadilla
    • Pizza Empanadas
    • Pizza Bombs
    • Bagel Bites

    PIN & ENJOY!

    a close up of a bread pizza on a table with some of its ingredients around it.
    Mediterranean pizza toast on a table with some ingredients around it.
    Print SAVE Saved Recipe! Pin
    5 from 2 votes

    Pizza Toasts

    Pizza toasts (Mediterranean-style) that are better than Hailey Bieber's. They are more budget-friendly, healthier, and super crispy with a mildly spicy sauce, melty mozzarella, and fresh vegetable topping, making one of the best quick and easy dinners, light lunches, or snacks for busy days without the hassle of making pizza.  
    Course:Main dish
    Cuisine:Mediterranean
    Keywords:baking, fresh mozzarella, fresh vegetables, olive oil, pizza toasts, sourdough bread, toasting, tomato sauce
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 4 pizza toasts
    Calories316.3 kcal
    Author Denise Browning
    Cost $ 1.50 per person

    Equipment

    • 1 griddle
    • 1 medium bowl
    • 1 mortar and pestle
    • 1 large baking sheet
    • 1 spoon

    Ingredients

    • 4 slices sourdough bread or any other hard-crusted bread of your choice. For low-carb pizza toasts, use low-carb bread. For a gluten-free pizza toast, use gluten-free bread.

    Pizza Sauce:

    • 2 garlic cloves
    • 4 large fresh basil leaves plus an extra for the topping and garnishing
    • ⅔ cup arrabbiata sauce or marinara or Pomodoro sauce if you prefer
    • Salt and freshly grated black pepper to taste
    • 4 slices fresh mozzarella quartered (or about 1 cup of shredded mozzarella if you prefer)

    Topping:

    • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, red or different colors
    • ¼ cup kalamata olives halved (optional), or other olives of choice
    • A pinch of red pepper flakes optional (skip if you don't enjoy spicy foods)
    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus extra to toast the bread
    • Zest of 1 lemon optional
    • Grated parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top (optional)

    Instructions

    • For the pizza sauce: Using a mortar and pestle, smash garlic with a pinch of salt until forming a paste. Then, add the basil leaves and smash more until forming almost a paste, Stir in the arrabbiata sauce and some freshly ground black pepper and set aside. If you prefer, use just good-quality sauce and skip all the smashing and mixing to reduce prep time.
    • For the fresh veggie topping: In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, olives, 6 thinly sliced basil leaves, a pinch of salt and pepper plus red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and lemon zest. Reserve!
    • Toast the bread: Heat a griddle or large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until very hot. Place the slices of bread onto the skillet and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil on both sides (about 2 tablespoon for 4 slices). Let the bread toast for 2-3 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Then, flip the slices using a large metal spatula or tongs, and repeat the toasting process. Transfer them to a large baking sheet.
    • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
    • Meanwhile, arrange the pizza toasts. Thinly spread about 2-3 tablespoon of the prepared sauce on top of each toast (the amount will depend on the size of your bread slice), top each with 4 pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese, and spoon the fresh veggie topping evenly among them.
    • Bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts. Remove them from the oven, sprinkle some grated parmesan on top, and serve them right away with a drizzle of EVOO if desired.

    Recipe Video

    YouTube video

    Recipe Notes

    Can you make pizza toast in advance?
    We don't recommend making these in advance as they are best made and eaten fresh. But you can certainly prepare the sauce and toppings in advance and keep them chilled in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.  
    Make sure to toast the bread right before preparing these pizza toasts so they will be crispy!
     
    How to store pizza toast
    These pizza toasts are best eaten right away. Although the recipe calls for a thin layer of sauce, the bread toasts can still become soggy under refrigeration. They are so quick to make, you won't have trouble making them fresh every time.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 316.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 37.2g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 12.7g | Saturated Fat: 4.7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5.6g | Cholesterol: 22.4mg | Sodium: 794mg | Potassium: 188.4mg | Fiber: 2.5g | Sugar: 4.7g | Vitamin A: 428.1IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 188.3mg | Iron: 3mg

    ** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.

    Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.

    « Honey Butter Chicken
    Grilled Picanha Steak »

    Filed Under: Easy Dinner Recipes, Easy Vegetarian Recipes, Quick & Easy Recipes Tagged With: high-protein

    Subscribe

    for your weekly recipe fix.

    Please read our privacy policies before subscribing

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. 2pots2cook says

      February 09, 2023 at 6:17 am

      5 stars
      So tasty, budget friendly and healthy quick week dinner indeed!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




     

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Denise Browning!

    photo of Denise Browning smiling
    I'm a professional Chef with an expertise in Brazilian food. I am also a busy mom of two girls, living in Texas. Here you will find budget-friendly, healthy Brazilian and Global Recipes made Easy and Delish! I'd love to help you feed your family healthy dinners (many low carb) with a few splurges because life is all about balance! Join our community and happy cooking!

    About Me

    ORDER NOW!

    Cover of The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook by Denise Browning

    GET YOUR COPY NOW!

    The easy keto dessert ebook cover
    Subscribe for FREE Email Updates
    Receive EASY & DELISH recipes for free every week! Please check our PRIVACY POLICY!

     

    Marketing by
    Click here & join us on PINTEREST
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • PortuguêsPortuguês
    Portrait of Denise Browning, author of Easy and Delish

    Hi, I'm Denise Browing a professional chef and cookbook author. My mission is to help you cook budget-friendly, healthy global meals for your family with some occasional splurges. They are sure to bring a lot of excitement to your table

    More about me →

    Popular

    • A close up of beef brisket with veggies
      Easy & Juicy Beef Brisket Recipe
    • A bowl of cabbage soup
      The BEST Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe and 7-Day Diet Soup Chart (Printable)
    • A pot of shrimp in coconut sauce
      One Pot Shrimp in Coconut Sauce
    • close up de camarao internacional sendo regado com o molho
      Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe (5-Ingredient)

    Order Now!

    Cover of The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook by Denise Browning

    Get Your Copy Now!

    The easy keto dessert ebook cover
    Click Here & Join Us on Pinterest

    Seasonal

    • close up of an Easter bundt cake amde with sour cream and chocolate, topped with chocolate ganache, and decorated with Easter eggs.
      Easter Bundt Cake
    • close up of a sheet pan with keto chicken fajitas garlished with lime wedges.
      Keto Chicken Fajitas (Skillet or Sheet Pan)
    • close up of a jar with maple dijon vinaigrette and a spoon pouring the dressing into it.
      Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
    • several slices of air fryer garlic bread in a tray with a bowl of melted garlic butter on the side.
      Air Fryer Garlic Bread

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Recipes | Brazilian Recipes | Contact | Privacy Policy

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Easy and Delish