Save I stumbled onto this while scrolling through my phone at midnight, half-hungry and fully committed to making something ridiculous work. The TikTok version looked fun but thin, almost apologetic—so I decided to layer it like I actually cared. Thick sourdough, cheese piled high enough to feel indulgent, and a broiler that does all the work while you stand there watching the magic happen. It's become my go-to when I want something that tastes like effort but requires almost none.
My roommate came home just as I pulled the first batch out of the oven, and the smell hit them before they even took off their shoes. They didn't ask questions, just grabbed a plate. We ended up making another round because one slice somehow turned into four, and we were both too invested in the melted cheese situation to stop.
Ingredients
- Thick slices sourdough or country-style bread: The foundation matters here—go for bread with actual structure, something that won't collapse under the weight of cheese and toppings.
- Good-quality marinara sauce: This is where garlic and olive oil transform something simple into something worth remembering.
- Minced garlic clove: Fresh matters more than you'd think; it sharpens the sweetness of the tomato and cuts through all that cheese.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: A tablespoon does the work of making the sauce silky and binding everything together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The workhorse—melts beautifully and gets those golden bubbles.
- Shredded provolone cheese: Adds depth and a slight tang that makes you wonder why you don't use it more often.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The finisher that adds a salty, nutty complexity.
- Pepperoni or salami: Optional, but they crisp up at the edges and become little flavor bombs.
- Red onion, black olives, and bell pepper: Any or all of these add texture and keep things from feeling one-dimensional.
- Fresh basil leaves: A handful at the end elevates the whole thing from satisfying to memorable.
- Dried oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes: Season generously—this is not the time to hold back.
Instructions
- Get your broiler ready:
- Turn it to high and let it heat while you prepare everything else. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment to make cleanup painless.
- Make the garlicky sauce:
- Mix the marinara, minced garlic, and olive oil in a bowl and let it sit for a moment so the garlic flavor wakes up. Taste it—adjust garlic if you're bold.
- Toast your bread:
- A quick pass under the broiler or in a toaster gives the bread enough structure to hold everything without getting soggy. You're aiming for pale golden, not crispy.
- Build the first cheese layer:
- Spread the garlicky sauce generously over each slice, then sprinkle half the mozzarella and provolone. This layer sets everything in place.
- Add your toppings:
- Whatever you choose—pepperoni, onions, olives, peppers—scatter them now. Don't overcrowd or they won't cook evenly.
- Top with the final cheese:
- Distribute the remaining mozzarella, provolone, and all the Parmesan across both slices. This is where the visual magic happens.
- Season and broil:
- Sprinkle oregano and black pepper, then slide under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch through the oven window—you'll know it's done when the cheese bubbles and turns golden at the edges.
- Finish and serve:
- Pull it out, tear a few basil leaves over top, add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want heat, and eat it while the cheese is still pulling. Seriously, don't wait.
Save The moment when the cheese hits that perfect bubbly stage, when it's golden and threatening to brown at the edges, that's when you know you've nailed it. It's one of those rare foods that looks as good as it tastes.
Why Sourdough Changes Everything
Sourdough has enough tang and chew that it doesn't disappear under the weight of cheese and toppings. Any thick-cut bread works, but sourdough or country bread specifically has that structured crumb that stands up to broiling without turning into toast crumbs. The slight sourness also plays beautifully against the sweetness of marinara and the richness of three cheeses.
Cheese Layering Is a Strategy
Using three cheeses isn't overthinking it—it's architecture. Mozzarella melts and creates that pull-apart quality, provolone adds complexity, and Parmesan brings salt and nuttiness that keeps it from tasting one-note. The mozzarella and provolone go on in two rounds so they distribute evenly, while Parmesan goes on top because it does the browning work that makes everything look restaurant-quality.
Beyond the Basics
This is a template, not a rule. Once you've made it once, you'll start experimenting—sautéed mushrooms disappear into the cheese beautifully, fresh arugula wilts from the heat and tastes green and peppery, and a drizzle of hot honey creates this sweet-spicy contrast that shouldn't work but absolutely does. The only thing that doesn't work is holding back on seasoning or using cold toppings straight from the fridge.
- Try adding crispy bacon or sausage if you're in a meat mood.
- A few capers or sun-dried tomatoes add briny intensity that cuts through richness.
- Swap provolone for smoked gouda if you want everything to taste slightly campfire-adjacent.
Save This is the kind of food that proves you don't need hours or a long ingredient list to make something worth eating. It's a reminder that sometimes the best meals are the ones you throw together when you're hungry and slightly impatient.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of bread works best for this toast?
Thick sourdough or country-style bread provides sturdy support and a hearty texture that holds up well under toppings and broiling.
- → Can I customize the cheese layers?
Yes, combining mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan creates a rich, melty blend, but you can adjust to taste or dietary needs.
- → How long should I broil the toast?
Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, ensuring perfect texture and flavor.
- → What are some recommended toppings?
Slices of pepperoni, red onion, black olives, bell peppers, or fresh basil provide great flavor contrasts and texture variety.
- → Is there a vegetarian option?
Omit meat toppings and use vegetarian cheeses to keep it meat-free while preserving the rich cheesy and garlicky notes.
- → Any tips for a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free bread slices as the base to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing the toast’s integrity.