Easy Pizza Toast
Easy Pizza Toast is a easy American recipe that serves 3. 280 calories per serving. Recipe by Best Recipes with Sharon on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 38 min
Cost: $3.85 total, $1.28 per serving
Ingredients
- 6 strips Bacon (cut in half to fit toast; use lean bacon to avoid excess grease)
- 3 slices Bread (any sturdy sandwich bread works best)
- 6 tablespoons Ketchup (Heinz or any brand; used as pizza sauce substitute)
- 0.75 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded; can use any meltable cheese)
- 1 sheet Aluminum Foil (to line lower rack and catch drips)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Turn the oven on and preheat to 425°F. Place the middle rack in position and line the lower rack with a sheet of aluminum foil to catch drips.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 425°F
Cut Bacon
Take the bacon strips and cut each one in half lengthwise so they fit neatly on a slice of bread.
Time: PT2M
Fry Bacon
Heat the frying pan over medium heat and add the bacon halves. Cook until browned on both sides, leaving them slightly tender as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Time: PT5M
Spread Ketchup
Place the bread slices on a cutting board. Using the back of a spoon, spread a generous layer of ketchup to the edges of each slice.
Time: PT2M
Add Toppings
Lay the cooked bacon halves on each slice, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, covering the surface.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Rack
Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the lower rack (already set in step 1) to catch any cheese drippings.
Time: PT1M
Bake Toasts
Transfer the assembled toasts directly onto the top oven rack. Bake for 7–10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 425°F
Serve
Using oven mitts, remove the toasts and place them on a cutting board. Let cool for a minute, then enjoy.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 280
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bacon: Turkey bacon, Canadian bacon
- Instead of Bread: French baguette slices, Italian ciabatta
- Instead of Ketchup: Tomato sauce, Barbecue sauce
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar, Provolone, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Aluminum Foil: Parchment paper
Equipment Needed
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Oven Rack
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spoon
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat Oven
- Fry Bacon
- Bake Toasts
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning on the cheese before baking.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and a sharper cheese like cheddar for a more complex taste.
- If you like a crunchy edge, toast the bread lightly in the pan before adding toppings.
Troubleshooting
Cheese does not melt fully.
Increase oven temperature slightly or extend baking time by 1–2 minutes; cover loosely with foil if browning too fast.
Toast becomes soggy.
Pat the cooked bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease and spread ketchup thinly.
Bacon is too greasy and drips onto the oven floor.
Use lean bacon and place foil on the lower rack to catch drippings.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or under a broiler.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of toast degrades after freezing.
Room temperature: Best eaten immediately; can sit out for up to 1 hour.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the bacon ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Assemble the toast (bread, ketchup, bacon, cheese) and keep covered; bake when ready.
- If making a large batch, line a baking sheet with parchment and bake all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pizza toast in American snack cuisine?
Pizza toast is a modern American comfort snack that blends the convenience of toasted bread with classic pizza flavors. It became popular as a quick, pantry‑based meal for busy households and school lunches.
What are the traditional regional variations of pizza toast in the United States?
While the basic version uses ketchup and mozzarella, regional twists include adding pepperoni in the Midwest, using barbecue sauce in the South, or topping with jalapeños in the Southwest.
What occasions or celebrations is pizza toast traditionally associated with in American culture?
Pizza toast is often served at casual gatherings, game nights, after‑school snacks, and as a quick lunch for work‑from‑home days because it’s fast, inexpensive, and crowd‑pleasing.
What other American dishes pair well with pizza toast?
Pair pizza toast with a simple side salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or a serving of fresh fruit for a balanced snack or light meal.
What makes pizza toast special or unique in American snack cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of crispy toasted bread, salty bacon, sweet ketchup, and melty cheese—all baked together in minutes, delivering pizza flavor without dough.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pizza toast?
Common errors include over‑cooking the bacon so it dries out, using too much ketchup which makes the bread soggy, and baking at too low a temperature which prevents the cheese from browning.
Why does this pizza toast recipe use ketchup instead of traditional pizza sauce?
Ketchup provides a quick, sweet‑tangy base that mimics pizza sauce without needing extra ingredients. It’s a pantry staple, making the recipe faster and more economical.
Can I make pizza toast ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can pre‑cook the bacon and assemble the toasts, then refrigerate them uncovered for up to 2 days. Bake them directly from the fridge, adding an extra minute to the baking time.
What does the YouTube channel Best Recipes with Sharon specialize in?
The YouTube channel Best Recipes with Sharon focuses on simple, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that use everyday ingredients and quick techniques for busy lifestyles.
How does the YouTube channel Best Recipes with Sharon's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Sharon emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, clear step‑by‑step visuals, and practical tips like using foil to catch drips, making her recipes especially accessible for novice cooks compared to more elaborate food‑network style productions.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
