Easy Texas Toast Pizza

This cheesy, crunchy Texas toast pizza comes together quickly in the air fryer. It’s a great go-to when you're short on time but want something tasty. The buttery, crisp toast combined with your favorite pizza toppings makes every bite a win.

I first tried this when I needed a fast dinner idea and it quickly became a go-to that never lets me down.

Needed Ingredients

• Frozen garlic Texas toast, 4 slices: thick and crispy bread that holds toppings well Pick a sturdier brand for the best results
• Pizza sauce, 1/2 cup: classic tangy tomato flavor Use store-bought or homemade, whatever you like
• Mozzarella cheese, 1 cup shredded: melty and gooey Freshly shredded works best so it melts smoothly without clumps
• Mini pepperoni or cooked sausage, 1/4 cup: adds a meaty, savory kick Choose good quality cured meats for more flavor
• Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp: gives a nice light herbal touch
• Optional toppings like olives, mushrooms, or diced peppers: mix it up with whatever you have around to make it your own

Step-by-Step Directions

Start with the base

Heat the air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes so the bread cooks evenly and crisps up. Arrange the frozen Texas toast slices flat in the basket, no overlapping so each gets nice and crunchy. Air fry them 3 to 4 minutes until they’re just turning golden and a bit crisp—this stops the bread from getting soggy with the toppings.

Put on toppings

Spoon half a cup of pizza sauce on each toast slice, spreading it out nice and even. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, then add your choice of pepperoni or sausage. Finish off with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for an herby kick that pulls everything together.

Cook and serve

Pop the pizzas back in the air fryer for 5 to 6 minutes until the cheese melts fully and bubbles with golden spots. Take them out and serve right away. For a fresh twist, top with torn basil leaves or a pinch of red pepper flakes to amp up the flavor.

Leftovers store well if you let the pizzas cool fully first. Wrap them up tightly with plastic wrap or pop them in a sealed container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to get the crust crunchy and cheese warm again. Skip the microwave if you want to keep it crisp.

Swap Ideas for Ingredients

You can mix up the cheese by adding some cheddar for a sharper, smokier taste. Try bacon or cooked chicken instead of pepperoni for a protein change. If you want to switch up the herbs, use basil or oregano instead of Italian seasoning. Toss in fresh veggies like jalapeños or spinach to brighten things up and add a nice crunch.

Great Things to Pair It With

These Texas toast pizzas go well with a simple salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh balance. A chilled sparkling water with a lime wedge or your favorite craft beer also pairs nicely with the rich flavors. For a cozy meal, serve with roasted garlic mashed potatoes or oven-baked fries on the side.

Where It Comes From

Using Texas toast as pizza bread gives a fun American spin. It blends the buttery, garlicky bread taste with the classic pizza toppings. It’s a nod to Southern comfort food while keeping the relaxed vibe of a casual pizza night, combining two fan favorites into one easy dish.

Seasonal Twists

Try topping with fall veggies like roasted butternut squash or summer fresh tomato and basil for seasonal flair. Swap pizza sauce for pesto in spring for a bright herbal flavor. In winter, use roasted root veggies as toppings for warm, earthy flavors.

Enjoy this quick, tasty Texas toast pizza any day when you’re craving something simple with big flavor.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ Is fresh bread okay instead of frozen Texas toast?

Yeah, thick fresh bread works too. Just watch the time since it might crisp up faster in the air fryer.

→ What are good toppings for this?

Classic picks like pepperoni, sausage, olives, mushrooms, and bell peppers all go well with the garlic toast and melted cheese.

→ How do I keep the toast nice and crunchy while cooking?

Preheat your air fryer and give the toast a short head start before you add the toppings. This keeps the base crisp under the sauce and cheese.

→ Can I make this without an air fryer?

You can use a regular oven set to 375°F, but the cooking time and texture might change a bit compared to air fryer cooking.

→ How can I tweak the seasonings to my liking?

Add more Italian seasoning or fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes after cooking if you want stronger flavors.