Garlic Toast Deep Dish Meatball Pizza

Ingredients

• 16 slices Furlani Garlic Parm Texas Toast
• 3 cups (759 mL) shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup/125 mL)
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced, divided
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) dried oregano, divided
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) tomato paste
• 28 oz (796 mL) can diced tomatoes with Italian spices
• 28oz (796 mL) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) hot pepper flakes, divided (optional)
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) 2% milk
• 1 lb. (454 g) lean ground beef
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 tsp (10 mL) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh basil, finely minced
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) small basil leaves