Garlic Bread Pizza
Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 boxes of Texas Toast Garlic Bread (typically 8 slices per box)
- 1 bag of pepperoni (6-8 oz, Great Value brand or any preferred)
- 2 bags of shredded pizza cheese (about 4 cups total; Kraft pizza cheese blend works well)
- 1 bottle of easy squeeze pizza sauce (14-16 oz, or your favorite pizza sauce)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven temperature according to the garlic bread package instructions, typically 425°F (220°C).
Tip: Preheating the oven is important for getting the garlic bread crispy while keeping the cheese and toppings from burning.
2. Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- Place the garlic bread slices on a baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer. Make sure there’s enough room around each slice for even cooking.
Tip: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, especially if you’re worried about cheese or sauce melting off the bread. - Bake the garlic bread for about 3-5 minutes, just enough to begin crisping the edges but without fully toasting them. This step helps prevent the bread from getting soggy once you add the sauce and toppings.
3. Assemble the Pizzas:
- Remove the partially baked garlic bread from the oven.
- Add pizza sauce: Squeeze or spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each slice of garlic bread, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon. Make sure to leave a little bit of crust uncovered for easy handling after it’s cooked.
Tip: If you love extra sauce, feel free to add more, but avoid overloading the bread to keep it from becoming soggy.
4. Add Cheese and Pepperoni:
- Cheese: Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded pizza cheese onto each slice. Make sure to distribute the cheese evenly for a perfect melt across the entire slice.
Tip: For a cheesier pizza, feel free to add more cheese. A mix of mozzarella and cheddar can give it a balanced flavor. - Pepperoni: Place 3-5 slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese for each garlic bread slice. If you want extra pepperoni, feel free to load it up!
Tip: Other toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or black olives can be added for variety. If you want to use vegetables, sauté them first to avoid adding extra moisture.
5. Bake the Pizzas:
- Put the baking sheet back in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. Bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the edges of the garlic bread are golden brown.
Tip: For an extra crispy texture, turn on the broiler during the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn, and it will give the cheese a perfectly golden top.
6. Let It Cool & Serve:
- Once baked, remove the garlic bread pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes.
Tip: Add any finishing touches like a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or a drizzle of garlic butter for an added flavor boost.
Recipe Variations:
- Veggie Lover’s Pizza: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives on top for a veggie-packed version.
- Meat Lover’s Pizza: Mix and match your favorite meats like cooked sausage, bacon, ham, and extra pepperoni for a heartier pizza.
- Margherita Style: Swap out the pepperoni for fresh basil, add slices of fresh mozzarella, and top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of extra pizza sauce, marinara, or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad topped with Italian dressing or balsamic vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pizzas.
Cost Breakdown (approximate):
- Texas Toast Garlic Bread (2 boxes): $5-$6
- Pepperoni (6-8 oz bag): $2-$3
- Shredded Pizza Cheese (2 bags): $4-$5
- Pizza Sauce: $2-$3
Total Cost: Around $13-$17, making it an affordable, easy-to-make meal that can feed 4-6 people.
Helpful Tips:
- To Freeze Leftovers: You can freeze any leftover garlic bread pizzas for a quick snack or meal later. After baking, allow the pizzas to cool completely, then wrap them individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
- To Customize: Experiment with different types of cheese (like provolone or gouda), or add your own unique toppings like roasted garlic, jalapeños, or fresh herbs. You can make this recipe your own each time!
This detailed version of your Garlic Bread Pizza recipe offers step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations, ensuring anyone can recreate this delicious meal successfully every time. Enjoy!