INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have a toaster oven, you can use it for this recipe as well.
Prepare the Bread: Lay the slices of bread on a baking sheet. If you prefer a crispier base, lightly toast the bread slices in the oven or toaster before adding the toppings.
Add the Sauce: Spread a generous amount of marinara or pizza sauce on each slice of bread, ensuring even coverage but leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.
Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce on each slice of bread. For extra cheesy goodness, feel free to add more cheese.
Add the Pepperoni: Place 4-5 slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese on each slice of bread. Arrange them so that each bite will have a bit of pepperoni.
Season the Pizza Toast: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder over the top of the pepperoni. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Bake the Pizza Toast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.
Garnish and Serve: Once the pizza toast is done baking, remove it from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of fresh flavor. Allow the pizza toast to cool slightly before serving.
Serve Immediately: Cut the pizza toast into halves or quarters for easier handling and serve warm. Enjoy your quick and delicious pepperoni pizza toast!
Tips for Success
- Bread Choice: Use a sturdy bread that can hold the toppings without becoming too soggy. Sourdough, whole wheat, or a thick white bread works well.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavors.
- Extra Toppings: Customize your pizza toast with additional toppings such as sliced olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions to suit your taste.
- Crispy Base: For an extra crispy base, lightly toast the bread before adding the sauce and toppings.
