If the words “Texas Toast Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe” make your mouth water, you’re in for a real treat! This fun twist on classic pizza delivers all the gooey, cheesy, meaty goodness you love, stacked high on crispy, garlicky Texas Toast and baked to melty perfection. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll be savoring a family-friendly comfort food that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, Bold Flavors: Every bite is packed with garlicky, buttery toast, spicy sausage, melty cheese, and a pop of pepperoni.
- Ridiculously Easy: Minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients brings this Texas Toast Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe to your table in less than 20 minutes.
- Customizable for Everyone: Toppings are totally up to you—keep it classic or make it your own with veggies, different meats, or a heat boost.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From after-school snacks to family movie night, these pizza melts fit the bill and keep everyone happy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I just love how this recipe relies on easy-to-find ingredients that work together to create something completely irresistible! Each one has its own special role to play—delivering crunchy texture, creamy meltiness, savory depth, and vibrant Italian flavors.
- ½ pound Italian sausage: Adds hearty, spiced flavor and little crumbles of juicy meat in every bite—mild or spicy, your choice!
- 1 box frozen garlic Texas Toast (8 slices): The ultimate base—crispy edges, fluffy inside, with that iconic buttery garlic hit.
- 14 ounce jar pizza sauce (slightly warmed): Choose your favorite for a punch of herby-tomato richness; warming it helps melt the cheese better.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (more or less to taste): The gooey factor essential to any great pizza melt! Feel free to use more if you’re a cheese lover.
- 24 pepperoni slices: The little pops of zesty, salty flavor that make pizza, well, pizza!
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley (optional): For an extra dash of color and a hint of freshness at the end.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A must if you love a spicy kick!
Variations
The best thing about the Texas Toast Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe? It’s wildly adaptable! Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or craving something gourmet, it’s easy to riff with what you have on hand or suit your dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Twist: Skip the sausage and pepperoni—pile on sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for a veggie-forward version.
- Spicy Supreme: Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey before serving for seriously next-level heat.
- Cheese Lover’s Melt: Up the mozzarella, or mix in provolone, cheddar, or an Italian cheese blend for extra gooey decadence.
- Mini Pizzas for Kids: Use smaller slices of Texas Toast or cut the cooked toast in half to make kid-friendly pizza bites that are perfect for little hands.
How to Make Texas Toast Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Italian Sausage
Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks into little bite-sized crumbles, then drain off any extra grease. This step adds a rich, meaty layer that makes every pizza melt so satisfying!
Step 2: Toast the Texas Toast
Preheat your oven to the temperature listed on your Texas Toast box. Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet, leaving some space so the hot air can circulate. Bake until both sides are golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through. This sets the stage for a sturdy, flavor-packed base.
Step 3: Build the Pizza Melts
Spread a tablespoon of warm pizza sauce over each slice. Next, sprinkle on the cooked sausage, then a generous layer of shredded mozzarella. Nestle three pepperoni slices on top of each pizza. The layers should look vibrant and ready for some oven magic!
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Pop the pan back into the oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese has melted into those glorious, golden bubbles and the pepperoni is a little crisp around the edges. Keep an eye on things, because they’ll go from melty to perfect in a flash.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
As soon as your Texas Toast Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe comes out of the oven, sprinkle with dried parsley and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Serve with extra warmed pizza sauce on the side for that dunking action everyone adores!
Pro Tips for Making Texas Toast Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe
- Ultimate Crunch Texture: Toast the Texas Toast just shy of fully done before topping, so the bottoms stay ultra-crispy and never soggy.
- Warm Sauce, Happy Cheese: Make sure your pizza sauce is warm—not cold from the fridge—so the cheese melts beautifully and the toppings meld together.
- Even Topping Distribution: Scatter the sausage and cheese edge-to-edge so every bite is loaded and nothing slides off during that first glorious bite.
- Broil for Bubbling Finish: For extra golden cheese and crisped pepperoni, pop your pizza melts under the broiler for 1 minute right at the end—just watch closely!
How to Serve Texas Toast Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe
Garnishes
After baking, give your pizza melts a sprinkle of vibrant dried parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a fresh, pizza-parlor finish. If you have fresh basil, tear a few leaves over the top right before serving for a burst of bright, herby aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair your Texas Toast Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe with a fresh green salad, crunchy veggie sticks, or a big bowl of minestrone soup. If you’re truly in pizza party mode, serve with extra dipping sauces—garlic butter, ranch, or spicy marinara always disappear fast!
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the pizza melts into triangles and pile them high on a platter for fun, shareable finger food. Want to make it a meal? Serve each slice whole with a little cup of warm marinara for dipping. For kids’ parties, consider skewering mini pieces with toothpicks for a playful, grab-and-go snack!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover pizza melts cool completely, then stash them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three days, making them a delicious grab-and-go lunch or snack.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Texas Toast Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe for another day! Arrange cooled melts between layers of parchment, wrap well, and freeze for up to a month. Just reheat whenever a pizza craving strikes.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crispy again—about 5-8 minutes from the fridge, or a little longer from frozen. The cheese gets gooey again without turning the bread soggy. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make things a bit chewy.
FAQs
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Can I make the Texas Toast Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook the Texas Toast in your air fryer at 400°F for about 4-5 minutes per side, then add toppings and return to the air fryer until the cheese is melted. It gives you extra crisp edges and melty cheese in less time.
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What other toppings can I use for these pizza melts?
Absolutely mix it up! Try cooked bacon, crumbled beef, sliced black olives, sauteed mushrooms, or sliced jalapeños. Just don’t overload, or the Texas Toast base can get soggy.
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Can I make these ahead for parties or meal prep?
Yes, you can prep the sausage and even toast the Texas Toast ahead of time. Assemble just before baking, or chill assembled (unbaked) melts for up to a day, then bake when ready to serve.
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Is there a gluten-free option for Texas Toast Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe?
Of course! Look for gluten-free garlic toast in the freezer section, or use your favorite sturdy gluten-free bread brushed with garlic butter for a tasty, gluten-free swap.
Final Thoughts
Ready for a little dinnertime magic? You’re just minutes away from chewy, crispy, cheesy satisfaction with this Texas Toast Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe! Whether you follow the classic route or get creative, you’ll have a tabletop crowd-pleaser that’s way easier than delivery—and far more fun. Give it a try, and let your tastebuds be the judge!
PrintTexas Toast Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Enjoy a delicious twist on classic pizza with this Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza recipe. Crispy garlic Texas toast serves as the perfect base for savory Italian sausage, gooey cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and flavorful pepperoni. Easy to make and perfect for a quick meal or snack!
Ingredients
For the Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza:
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 box frozen garlic Texas Toast (8 slices)
- 14-ounce jar pizza sauce (slightly warmed, divided use)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (more or less to taste)
- 24 pepperoni slices
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook and Crumble Italian Sausage: Cook and crumble 1/2 pound Italian sausage. Drain any excess grease.
- Preheat and Toast Texas Toast: Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the box of frozen garlic Texas Toast. Place the toast on a parchment paper-lined or greased baking sheet. Cook according to package directions, flipping halfway through, until both sides are toasted (approximately 7-9 minutes).
- Assemble Pizzas: Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on each slice of toast. Top with cooked sausage, shredded mozzarella cheese, and 3 pepperoni slices on each pizza.
- Bake Pizzas: Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Finish and Serve: Optional: Sprinkle dried parsley and red pepper flakes on top. Serve with the remaining warmed pizza sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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