Pizza Toast Recipe Is the Perfect Treat That's So Easy + Indulgent With Creamy Burrata on Sourdough
There's no comfort food quite like pizza. And with so many variations, from bubble pizza to pizza fries, it seems like anything can be pizza-fied! So when we came across the viral pizza toast recipe, we had to share it. Bubbly burrata cheese, sizzling tomatoes and marinara sauce slathered on crispy sourdough toast? Yes, please! Unlike its traditional counterpart, this elegant twist on a classic delivers all the flavors of pizza without the mess or long cook time. Plus, we're including a delicious homemade marina sauce recipe that's ready in 30 minutes and fun topping ideas. Keep reading for everything you need to make pizza toast.
Ingredients in pizza toast
Pizza toast has taken the online foodie world by storm thanks to celebrity model Hailey Bieber's viral TikTok that made waves last year. Her innovative twist on pizza turns it into a delicious, light and easy version that takes less time than rolling out dough. Check out the original video below:
So, what is pizza toast? Essentially, Bieber crisps up humble sourdough bread slices and tops with a hearty combination of burrata cheese, fresh tomatoes, truffle oil, marina sauce and Parmesan. Then everything gets melted into crispy, cheesy bubbly goodness in the oven. Finally, Bieber tops hers with a sprinkle of oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. What could be better than that? This recipe checks off both convenience and tastiness, making it a go-to snack or light lunch that satisfies without overfilling you. Plus, this pizza "slice" doesn't come with extra grease or a messy kitchen (although we can't make any promises with marina sauce).
For more viral food recipes, click through for Gochujang Pasta and Oreo Mug Cake.
Is burrata the same as mozzarella?
You might be surprised to see burrata as the star ingredient in pizza toast instead of mozzarella. While these two cheese both hail from Italy, they remain distinct in flavor, texture and production.
Mozzarella, known for it's mild, milky flavor and stretchy, elastic texture, comes from cow's milk. It undergoes a process called pasta filata, where the curds heat and stretch to create its characteristic stringiness. Mozzarella is often used fresh, immediately after production, and can be found in many forms including balls, logs, shredded or sliced. Mozzarella melts easily and works best for traditional pizzas, lasagnas and salads.
In contrast, Burrata has a more indulgent quality and a rich, buttery flavor. It starts with mozzarella formed into a pouch and filled with a mixture of cream and shredded mozzarella curds, known as stracciatella. This unique composition gives burrata its distinctive creamy texture that oozes out when you cut into it. Its versatility lends itself to both savory and sweet dishes. You can make it the center of a charcuterie board or add it to pastas, risottos or small plates. In fact, pizza toast has similar qualities to Italian bruschetta, an antipasti of grilled bread and various toppings. "When using burrata, be sure to handle it gently and allow it to come to room temperature for optimal creaminess," advises Hakki Akdeniz, owner of Champion Pizza.
What is truffle oil?
Truffle oil adds another luxurious element to pizza toast. The main ingredient? Truffles, a highly prized and fancy type of fungus. "Truffle oil adds depth and indulgence with just a few drops," says Akdeniz. It come from an infusion of neutral oils with pieces of fresh truffles or synthetic truffle flavoring. This results in a strong fragrance and a nutty, earthy and umami-rich flavor. You typically finish a dish with truffle oil by drizzling it on top to enhance their flavor and aroma. But while truffle oil can be a great addition to recipes, remember to use it sparingly, as its intense flavor can easily overpower other ingredients.
Why you should use sourdough bread
While you can use any bread for pizza toast, we've got a strong argument for sourdough. It has a unique flavor, texture and nutritional benefits. "Sourdough bread, with its tangy flavor and robust texture, is my go-to base for pizza toast," says Chef Ashish Alfred of Alfred Restaurant Group. "Its firm crust and airy interior provide the perfect foundation, supporting a rich layering of toppings without becoming soggy." To ensure crispy sourdough, Chef Alfred recommends "lightly toasting [it] in a hot pan with butter and a drizzle of truffle oil before assembling."
Sourdough uses a natural fermentation process with wild yeast and lactobacilli bacteria. It typically contains just three simple ingredients: flour, water and salt. This makes sourdough a healthier option, with a lower glycemic index and higher nutritional content compared to other types of bread. Additionally, sourdough bread undergoes a slow fermentation process that breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making it easier to digest and absorb nutrients. When toasted, sourdough bread develops a crispy crust that supports generous toppings easily.
Related: The White Bread That’s Actually *Good* For You: Why Top Docs Recommend Sourdough
Make your own marinara sauce
In the spirit of elevating pizza, why not go one step further and make your own marinara sauce? Store-bought sauce may offer convenience, but homemade sauce uses fresh ingredients, tastes better and lets you save a bit. And the best part? It's so easy to make using one pan in under 30 minutes. Taste it and you'll never want the jarred stuff again. Watch this easy video recipe from Cooking With Shereen using San Marzano tomatoes, onion and garlic.
Viral pizza toast recipe
Ready to test out pizza toast for yourself? This recipe from Get On My Plate takes only 20 minutes to make for cheesy, golden results. You can store it in an air-tight container or wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to one day. And we have a trick for reheating pizza that doesn't use the oven.
Sourdough Pizza Toast
Ingredients:
2 slices sourdough bread
Butter, for spreading
? cup (4-oz.) burrata cheese
3 Tbs. butter
1 Tbs. truffle oil (you can use extra virgin olive oil)
1-2 fresh tomatoes, sliced
? cup marinara sauce
lemon juice, to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese , to taste
Oregano, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush each side of bread with butter. Then, drizzle with truffle oil or olive oil. Toast bread in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Make sure it's toasted and crispy all the way through.
While bread is toasting, slice tomato(es), dress with a little lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
When toast is done, divide the burrata and spread onto each slice with a knife. Top each slice of toast with tomatoes. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is bubbly. Optional: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get the cheese browned and bubbly.
While toast is baking, warm marinara sauce over the stove or in the microwave.
Remove from oven, grate Parmesan cheese, then add a spoonful of the warm marinara sauce over each piece. Finish with more Parmesan and a sprinkle of oregano and red pepper flakes. Enjoy immediately.
Note: Try to keep slices no longer than 4 inches. If your bread slices are larger, be sure to cut them in half otherwise the bread will get soggy.
Fun pizza toast topping ideas
Just like any pizza, pizza toast allows for endless customizations. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures. Here are some fun and delicious toast topping ideas.
1. Add meat
Meats pair nicely with crispy, cheesy bread. Try putting slices of prosciutto, pepperoni, or bacon for a salty, crispy touch.
2. Get saucy
Swap out truffle oil and drizzle something new on your pizza toast such as hot chili oil, barbecue sauce or honey.
3. Go green
Load up your toast with a colorful array of veggies such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach or artichoke hearts.
4. Sprinkle seasonings
Aside from the classics oregano and basil, experiment with other spices such as red chili flakes, garlic powder and thyme.
For more innovative pizza ideas, try out these recipes below:
‘Grandma Pizza’ Is an Extra-Crispy, Cheesy NY Classic — and So Easy to Make at Home
Dessert Pizza Tastes Like a Slice of Heaven — And It’s So Easy to Make in 15 Minutes
