Pizza Toast Upgraded Cheese (Print)

Sourdough with garlicky tomato sauce, layered cheeses, and savory toppings broiled to melty perfection.

# Components:

→ Bread

01 - 2 thick slices sourdough or country-style bread

→ Tomato Sauce

02 - 120 ml good-quality marinara sauce
03 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
04 - 15 ml extra-virgin olive oil

→ Cheese

05 - 120 ml shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - 60 ml shredded provolone cheese
07 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

→ Toppings (optional)

08 - 8–10 slices pepperoni or salami (omit for vegetarian)
09 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
10 - 60 ml sliced black olives
11 - 1/4 bell pepper, thinly sliced
12 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

→ Seasoning

13 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
15 - Red pepper flakes, to taste

# Method:

01 - Set the oven broiler to high and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
02 - Combine marinara sauce, minced garlic, and olive oil in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly.
03 - Lightly toast the bread slices until golden using a toaster or under the broiler.
04 - Evenly spread a generous layer of the garlicky tomato sauce over each slice of toasted bread.
05 - Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly atop the sauce.
06 - Distribute your selected toppings such as pepperoni, onions, olives, and bell pepper over the cheese.
07 - Top with the remaining mozzarella, provolone, and all the Parmesan cheese.
08 - Sprinkle dried oregano and freshly ground black pepper over the assembled toasts.
09 - Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown.
10 - Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like you've been in the kitchen for hours, but the whole thing comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • The cheese layers create this incredible contrast between crispy, garlicky bread and gooey, bubbly cheese that makes every bite feel indulgent.
  • You can customize it completely based on what's in your fridge, so it's never the same toast twice.
02 -
  • Broilers are hotter than ovens and toast unevenly, so watch the whole time—turn away for thirty seconds and you'll go from golden to singed.
  • The bread needs to be thick enough to support the cheese and toppings without collapsing into sogginess; thin bread is the quickest way to disappointment.
03 -
  • Use bread that's at least three-quarters of an inch thick; thin bread becomes a vehicle for toppings instead of a foundation that holds everything together.
  • The garlicky oil in your sauce is where half the flavor comes from, so don't skip it or water it down—quality olive oil matters here.
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