Pizza Lava Toast is a delicious, cheesy, and indulgent snack that has gone viral on TikTok for a good reason! This crispy, buttery toast is stuffed with cheddar cheese, topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, then baked to perfection. Whether for breakfast, a quick snack, or as a side to pasta or salad, this easy-to-make toast is sure to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter:
- 2 tbsp salted butter, softened
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper powder
For the Lava Toast:
- 4 large slices of white or brown bread
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Choice of pizza toppings (mini pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, cubed bell peppers, sliced black olives)
- Red pepper flakes and dried oregano (for topping)
Directions
Make the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the butter, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper powder until well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Toast:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay 4 bread slices on a baking sheet and spread the garlic butter evenly on one side of each slice.
- Place the baking sheet in the middle rack of the oven and toast the bread slices for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven. Flip 2 of the slices over so the toasted side is facing up.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of 2 of the bread slices.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, butter side down. Press the center of the bread to make an indentation.
- Spread ½ cup pizza sauce in the indentations.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, covering the bread slices.
- Add your preferred toppings, such as mini pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.
Bake the Toast:
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Switch the oven to broil and cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the toast cool for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and dried oregano.
- Cut into halves or quarters and serve warm.
Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 513 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 91mg
- Sodium: 1399mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Calcium: 504mg
- Iron: 3mg
Enjoy this Pizza Lava Toast as a crispy, cheesy, and satisfying snack anytime! 🍕🔥
Why Pizza Lava Toast is So Popular
One of the biggest reasons for Pizza Lava Toast’s popularity is its simplicity. Unlike traditional pizza, which requires dough preparation and baking time, this recipe transforms ordinary bread into a pizza-like experience in minutes. The use of garlic butter enhances the overall flavor, making each bite both rich and aromatic. Additionally, the visually appealing ‘lava’ effect of melted cheese bubbling over the toast has made it an eye-catching dish, perfect for sharing on social media.
Another factor in its viral success is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite pizza toppings, adjust the level of spice, or even make it vegetarian by skipping the pepperoni. Its adaptability makes it a fun and creative dish that anyone can enjoy.
The Magic of Garlic Butter
A key element that sets Pizza Lava Toast apart from regular pizza toast is the garlic butter spread. This mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs infuses the bread with a deep, savory flavor, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness. When baked, the garlic butter crisps up the edges of the bread, giving it a golden, crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the gooey cheese topping.
If you’re looking to make this dish even more flavorful, you can experiment by adding a pinch of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of truffle oil to the butter mixture. These small adjustments can elevate the dish and give it a gourmet touch.
Achieving the Perfect Cheese Pull
One of the most satisfying aspects of Pizza Lava Toast is the signature cheese pull that occurs when you take a bite. To achieve the best results, it’s essential to use high-quality cheese. Mozzarella is the ideal choice for stretchiness, while cheddar adds a sharp, creamy contrast. A combination of these two cheeses ensures a balanced and flavorful bite.
For an extra cheesy experience, consider layering more mozzarella on top before broiling. The quick exposure to high heat will give the cheese a golden, slightly crispy texture, making it even more irresistible.
Customizing Your Pizza Lava Toast
While the classic version includes cheddar, mozzarella, and pepperoni, there are countless ways to personalize your toast. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can load it up with sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and even spinach. For a protein boost, try adding cooked chicken, bacon bits, or even a fried egg on top.
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, adding red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot honey can take this toast to the next level. If you love bold flavors, consider using barbecue sauce instead of pizza sauce for a smoky twist.
Tips for the Best Pizza Lava Toast
To ensure your Pizza Lava Toast turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips:
Use sturdy bread: Choose thick slices of white or brown bread to ensure that they hold up well under the weight of the toppings.
Don’t skip the pre-toasting step: Lightly toasting the bread before adding the toppings prevents it from getting soggy and helps create a crispy base.
Broil for extra crispiness: A short broil at the end of baking enhances the texture of the cheese, giving it a restaurant-quality finish.
Let it cool slightly before serving: Allowing the toast to sit for a minute or two before cutting ensures the cheese sets slightly, preventing it from sliding off.
The Perfect Pairings for Pizza Lava Toast
Although Pizza Lava Toast is satisfying on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some great serving suggestions:
Serve alongside a fresh green salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the toast.
Pair with a warm bowl of soup: Tomato basil soup or creamy garlic soup complements the cheesy flavors beautifully.
Enjoy as a side for pasta: If you’re making an Italian-inspired meal, this toast works wonderfully as a side to spaghetti, lasagna, or Alfredo pasta.
Dunk it in a dipping sauce: Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli can add extra layers of flavor to each bite.
A Fun and Easy Snack for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Pizza Lava Toast is its versatility. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick snack, a casual gathering, or a fun meal for kids, it is always a hit. It’s an excellent recipe to involve kids in the kitchen since they can customize their own slices with their favorite toppings. Plus, it’s an ideal dish for game nights, parties, or late-night cravings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Additionally, this toast can be prepped in advance and stored for later use. If you want to make a batch ahead of time, simply assemble the toast and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a fresh, cheesy treat in minutes.
Conclusion
Pizza Lava Toast is the ultimate cheesy, crispy, and flavorful snack that’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable. With its golden garlic butter base, gooey melted cheese, and savory pizza toppings, this dish is perfect for satisfying any pizza craving in just a few minutes. Whether you make it for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Its viral popularity is no surprise—after all, who can resist a dish that combines the best elements of pizza and toast into one delicious bite? Try it today and see why everyone is raving about this fun and easy-to-make recipe!