French Bread Pizza Recipe

French Bread Pizza is the ultimate solution for those pizza cravings that strike when you want big flavor but don’t feel like fussing with dough. This recipe transforms a simple loaf of French bread into a crackly, cheesy, golden masterpiece that’s completely customizable and ready in a flash. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, making a nostalgic weeknight dinner, or looking for something fun and interactive for a casual get-together, French Bread Pizza delivers all the gooey, garlicky, crispy satisfaction a pizza lover could want.

French Bread Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes French Bread Pizza so brilliant is its simplicity—each ingredient is purposely chosen for the best flavor and texture. These aren’t just pantry staples; they’re the building blocks of something truly crave-worthy!

  • French bread loaf: The airy interior and crisp crust create that signature crunchy-but-soft base—better than any pre-made crust.
  • Garlic cloves (minced): Adds intense, aromatic flavor to the buttery base, waking up every bite.
  • Salted butter (melted): Rich and savory, it melds with the garlic for a luxurious, golden layer under the toppings.
  • Pizza sauce: Tangy and herby, a classic tomato sauce gives brightness and the essential “pizza” taste.
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melt factor is huge here—choose low-moisture mozzarella for those perfect strings of cheese.
  • Pepperoni slices (or your favorite toppings): Salty, spicy, or fresh—pick pepperoni or get creative with mushrooms, sausage, veggies, or whatever you love on a classic pizza!

How to Make French Bread Pizza

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect browning. This hot oven is essential for getting that beautifully crisped bread and bubbly cheese topping.

Step 2: Slice the French Bread

Carefully halve your loaf of French bread lengthwise, creating two long pieces. If the bread is extra rounded on the bottom, shave off a thin slice so they sit level and won’t tip—this ensures every inch gets the love it deserves.

Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, stir the melted salted butter with the minced garlic until thoroughly combined. This quick homemade garlic butter brings an irresistible flavor base to your French Bread Pizza.

Step 4: Butter That Bread

Spread your garlicky butter mixture generously over the cut sides of each bread half. Make sure to go edge-to-edge so every bite gets that aromatic kick. This step is non-negotiable for flavor and moisture protection!

Step 5: Toast the Bread

Arrange the bread halves, cut side up, on your prepared baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 5-10 minutes until they’re lightly golden. This is the secret to preventing soggy pizza—it creates a perfect crispy barrier for the toppings.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Once toasted, pull out the bread and slather each piece with pizza sauce. Leave a small border around the edges, just like your favorite pizzeria, for those crispy, sauce-free bites.

Step 7: Cheese and Top

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauced loaves, then layer on pepperoni slices (or any toppings you desire). Customize each half to please all the pizza personalities at your table!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop your dressed-up French Bread Pizzas back in the oven. Bake for 10-14 minutes, until the cheese transforms into melty, bubbling goodness and the bread edges are lusciously golden-brown.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Give your pizzas 2-3 minutes to cool and set up before slicing. It saves you from molten cheese burns and makes for cleaner, gooier slices. Dive in and enjoy!

How to Serve French Bread Pizza

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of torn fresh basil, a scattering of parsley, or a dusting of red pepper flakes makes French Bread Pizza pop with color and fresh flavor. Grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

Balance out the richness with a bright green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or serve your pizza alongside crisp roasted veggies. Garlic knots, Caesar salad, or even a tangy slaw are also perfect partners for a pizza feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut French Bread Pizza into mini rectangles for party-perfect bites. Serve on a wooden board with small ramekins of dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or pesto for interactive fun. Or, let guests top their own halves for a DIY pizza night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover French Bread Pizza, let the slices cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They make an amazing next-day snack or quick lunch.

Freezing

French Bread Pizza is made for meal prep! Cool the baked pizzas, then tightly wrap each piece in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Individual portions mean you can thaw just what you need.

Reheating

To revive the crispiness, bake leftover or thawed French Bread Pizza at 400°F for 6-8 minutes or until hot and bubbly. For an ultra-crisp base, place directly on the oven rack. Microwave in a pinch, but the oven delivers the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free bread for French Bread Pizza?

Absolutely! Whole wheat and gluten-free French bread both work wonderfully. Just make sure your loaf has a sturdy crust so it holds up under the toppings and stays crisp after baking.

What other toppings taste great on French Bread Pizza?

The sky’s the limit! Try mushrooms, olives, onions, bell peppers, cooked sausage, or even pineapple. This recipe is the perfect base for any flavor combo you crave—just don’t overload or the bread can get soggy.

Can I make French Bread Pizza ahead of time and bake later?

Yes, you can easily assemble the pizzas (after toasting the bread and adding toppings), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a couple extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from chilled.

Is French Bread Pizza good for parties or kids?

It’s perfect for both! Kids love to help with assembly, and you can cut the pizzas into smaller bites for easy party snacks. Set up a topping bar and everyone can build their own creation.

How do I keep the bread from getting too hard or tough?

Don’t overbake! Just toast the bread enough to crisp it, layer on toppings, and bake until bubbly. If you’re reheating, use the oven and keep an eye out so the bread warms through but doesn’t dry out.

Final Thoughts

French Bread Pizza is as comforting and satisfying as it is quick and adaptable. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s fun, foolproof, and packed with flavor, you won’t regret adding this recipe to your regular rotation. Grab a loaf, get creative with toppings, and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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French Bread Pizza Recipe

French Bread Pizza Recipe


4.6 from 145 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This French Bread Pizza recipe is the ultimate shortcut to satisfy your pizza craving in a flash. Crispy garlic-buttered bread is topped with rich pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and plenty of pepperoni for an irresistibly easy meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, customizable with your favorite toppings, and ready in less than 30 minutes!


Ingredients

Scale

Bread Base

  • 1 loaf French bread
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup salted butter, melted

Pizza Toppings

  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • About 24 pepperoni slices (or your favorite toppings)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise to create two long pieces. If needed, shave a little off the bottom so they sit flat.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and minced garlic until fully combined. This will infuse the bread with bold, aromatic flavor.
  4. Spread the Garlic Butter: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves, making sure to cover the surface completely.
  5. Toast the Bread: Arrange the bread halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5–10 minutes, until just lightly toasted. This gives you that perfect crisp base.
  6. Add Sauce: Remove the toasted bread from the oven, then spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over each half, leaving a slight border around the edges.
  7. Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices or other desired toppings on top.
  8. Bake the Pizza: Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for 10–14 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
  9. Cool and Slice: Let the pizzas rest for 2–3 minutes after baking to help the cheese set. Then, slice into portions and serve warm.

Notes

  • Toasting the bread first keeps the pizza base crisp and prevents sogginess.
  • Mix and match any toppings you like, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or cooked sausage.
  • Freeze assembled, unbaked French bread pizzas for up to 2 months; bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  • This recipe is a fantastic way to feed a crowd or whip up a super-fast dinner.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 French bread pizza
  • Calories: 375
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg