Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper until well combined. This will be your “egg wash” for the bread.
- Take four slices of bread. On each of these four slices, spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each of the four slices. If using, add a sprinkle of provolone or cheddar cheese.
- Distribute the mini pepperoni or sliced sausages, diced bell peppers, and red onion (if using) evenly over the cheesy, sauced bread slices.
- Top each of these assembled slices with another plain slice of bread, creating four “sandwiches.”
- Carefully dip each assembled bread sandwich into the egg wash, ensuring both sides are coated but not overly saturated. Allow any excess egg wash to drip off.
- Place the dipped sandwiches onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the sandwiches with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the tops of the sandwiches.
- Season generously with dried Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. For extra browning and a super gooey top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Once out of the oven, let the Cheesy Pizza Toast Bake cool for a minute or two before garnishing with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately with extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.
Cooking Tips and Variations
For the best Cheesy Pizza Toast Bake, always start with good quality, sturdy bread. Thick-cut bread like brioche, sourdough, or Texas toast prevents sogginess and provides a satisfying chew. If your bread is too thin, it might absorb too much egg wash and become mushy. Don’t overload your toast with too many wet toppings; a little goes a long way to avoid a soggy center. Pre-cook any meat toppings like sausage or bacon before adding them to ensure they are fully cooked and to prevent excess moisture. For an extra boost of flavor, toast the bread lightly before dipping it in the egg wash; this can help create an even crispier crust. Consider using a blend of cheeses for the best flavor and melt. Mozzarella provides the classic stretch, while provolone adds a sharper tang, and a touch of Parmesan brings a salty, umami depth. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or sprinkle some on top before baking. Make it a vegetarian delight by loading up on finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, olives, spinach (sautéed to remove excess water), and cherry tomatoes. For a fun breakfast twist, swap the pizza sauce for a light spread of cream cheese, add scrambled eggs, cooked bacon bits, and top with cheddar cheese, then bake as directed. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces beyond marinara, such as ranch dressing or a garlic aioli, to complement the flavors.
Storage and Reheating
This Cheesy Pizza Toast Bake is definitely best enjoyed fresh, right out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the bread is perfectly crispy. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, the best method is to use a toaster oven or a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the toast bake directly on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is re-melted and bubbly. This method helps to restore some of the original crispiness. You can also reheat it in an air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery, losing the delicious texture that makes this dish so good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use gluten-free bread! Just make sure it’s a sturdy, thick-cut variety that can hold up to the egg wash and toppings without falling apart. The cooking time should remain similar, but keep an eye on it as gluten-free breads can sometimes brown a bit faster.
What are some good vegetarian topping ideas?
For a fantastic vegetarian version, try toppings like sliced black olives, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers (any color), finely diced zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry), or even some crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of dried basil or oregano for classic Italian flair.
My cheese isn’t getting bubbly and golden on top. What should I do?
If your cheese isn’t browning sufficiently, it’s likely due to your oven temperature or not enough direct heat. After the main baking time, you can briefly switch your oven to the broiler setting for 2-3 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it, as cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly under the broiler. This will give you that irresistible bubbly, slightly charred top.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
While best made fresh, you can do some prep work ahead. You can whisk the egg wash, chop your toppings, and shred your cheese in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the pizza toast bake just before cooking to prevent the bread from becoming soggy from sitting with the sauce and egg wash for too long. If you must assemble it a little ahead, do so no more than 30 minutes before baking to maintain the best texture.