Pepperoni Pizza Garlic Toast

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil so cleanup is easier.

2. 2

   Slice the bread. Cut the loaf into pieces about 1 to 1½ inches thick. Thicker slices work better because they stay crisp on the outside without becoming hard all the way through.

3. 3

   Make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and about half of the Italian seasoning. If you are using Parmesan, you can mix a spoonful into the butter as well.

4. 4

   Toast the bread first. Spread the garlic butter generously over each slice and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the edges begin to crisp. This first bake helps prevent the pizza sauce from making the bread soggy.

5. 5

   Add the pizza sauce. Remove the bread from the oven and spoon a thin layer of sauce over each slice. Do not overload them. About 1 to 2 tablespoons per slice is usually enough.

6. 6

   Add the cheese. Cover each piece with shredded mozzarella, making sure some cheese reaches close to the edges.

7. 7

   Top with pepperoni. Add 2 to 4 pepperoni slices to each piece depending on the size of the bread. Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning and Parmesan over the top.

8. 8

   Bake again. Return the tray to the oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.

9. 9

   Broil for extra browning. For the browned, slightly crispy cheese like in the photo, switch the oven to broil for about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely because the cheese can burn quickly.

10. 10

    Let them rest. Leave the pizza toast on the tray for about 2 minutes before serving. This gives the cheese time to settle and keeps the toppings from sliding off.

11. 11

    Serve. Garnish with parsley or basil if you want and serve with warm pizza sauce on the side for dipping.