If you’re craving a quick, comforting, and utterly delicious meal, this French Bread Pizza Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine crispy, garlic-infused French bread topped with bubbling mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings all baked to golden perfection in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect combination of crispy edges, gooey cheese, and rich flavors that come together to make dinner feel like a special occasion—even on weeknights. Whether feeding the family or impressing friends, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Each component plays a key role in bringing out the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and aromas that make French Bread Pizza so irresistible.
- 1 loaf French Bread (about 1lb, 20-21 inches long): Provides the crispy, chewy base that holds all your toppings perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps create that golden, crisp crust.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Infuses the bread with buttery goodness and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced): Gives an aromatic punch that transforms the bread into a savory delight.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a classic Italian herb flavor that complements the sauce and cheese.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty touch with a slightly crisp finish when baked.
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce: The heart of the pizza that delivers tangy, robust tomato flavor.
- 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create that gooey cheese pull we all adore.
- 25 pepperoni slices (or toppings of choice): For a classic finish or creative personal twists.
How to Make French Bread Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425° F. This high heat is essential to get that beautiful, golden-brown crust while melting the cheese perfectly. Having the oven ready early helps streamline the process for a quick dinner.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Cut your French bread loaf in half lengthwise to create two long halves. Then, slice each half in half again so you end up with manageable pieces about the size of open-faced sandwiches. Placing the bread on a light-colored baking sheet helps prevent burning and allows you to keep an eye on the browning as it bakes.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine olive oil, butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly to meld the flavors without burning the garlic. This fragrant base is going to glove your bread in savory goodness.
Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle
Use a pastry brush to generously coat each bread slice with the warm garlic butter mixture. Make sure to get every edge for full flavor coverage. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the bread—this layer adds a sublime nuttiness plus a bit of texture when toasted.
Step 5: Initial Bake
Place your prepared bread slices into the oven and bake for 6-7 minutes. This step crisps the bread and lightly cooks the seasoning, creating a sturdy yet delicious base for all the toppings to come.
Step 6: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings
Remove the bread from the oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over each piece. Next, pile on the mozzarella, followed by pepperoni or any toppings you love. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-13 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly dream and the edges turn perfectly crisp. For an extra golden top, a quick one-minute broil at 450° F will get it there—just watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 7: Slice and Serve Warm
Once baked, slice your French Bread Pizzas if you want smaller portions or serve just as they are. Serving warm ensures the melting cheese, crunchy bread, and delicious toppings can be enjoyed at their best.
How to Serve French Bread Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped basil, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can elevate your French Bread Pizza Recipe. These touches add a pop of color, fresh herbaceous flavor, and just the right amount of heat for a beautifully balanced dish.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizzas with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette, a refreshing tomato cucumber salad, or even a bowl of warm soup. These sides add freshness and variety, making your meal feel complete without overshadowing the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, arrange the French Bread Pizzas on a wooden cutting board or a colorful platter for inviting presentation. Offering an assortment of toppings lets guests customize their slices, turning the meal into a fun, interactive experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and that’s a great problem to have), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy that homemade pizza goodness without cooking again.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but uncooked French Bread Pizzas by wrapping each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, use a conventional oven or toaster oven set at 350° F to help preserve the crisp crust and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bread from becoming soggy, though it’s a quick option if you’re in a rush.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this French Bread Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread works best due to its sturdy yet airy texture, you can experiment with Italian bread, ciabatta, or even a baguette. Just be sure the bread is thick enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
What are some good alternative toppings for French Bread Pizza?
Beyond classic pepperoni, try mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, cooked sausage, fresh tomatoes, spinach, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is, so go wild with your favorites.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
Pre-shredded mozzarella works fine, but freshly shredded cheese often melts better and has a creamier texture. If you want the best melty results, shred your own from a block.
Can this French Bread Pizza Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free baguette or French bread substitute. Just keep an eye on baking times as gluten-free breads can brown more quickly.
How can I make the recipe more kid-friendly?
Kids often love simple flavors. Stick to mozzarella and mild toppings like plain pepperoni or just cheese. You can also offer a pizza bar style meal where they choose their toppings—that makes it fun and interactive!
Final Thoughts
This French Bread Pizza Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s quick, customizable, and loaded with flavor. Whether you need an easy weeknight meal or a casual party dish, give it a try—you might just find a new favorite on your hands!
Print
French Bread Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 pizzas)
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This French Bread Pizza recipe transforms a classic loaf of French bread into a delicious, easy-to-make pizza loaded with garlic butter, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and pepperoni toppings. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering, this recipe offers crispy edges with a melty cheesy center and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 1 loaf French Bread (about 1lb, 20–21 inches long)
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pizza Toppings
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
- 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 25 pepperoni slices (or toppings of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425° F (218° C) to prepare for baking the pizza slices.
- Prepare French Bread: Cut the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise, then cut each half into smaller slices. Arrange the slices on a large, light-colored baking sheet to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine olive oil, butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, and salt. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and butter is melted. Lower the heat slightly if needed to avoid burning. Remove from heat once ready.
- Brush Bread with Garlic Butter: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the prepared garlic butter mixture onto each bread slice, making sure to cover the edges as well. Evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the brushed slices for added flavor.
- Initial Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bread slices for 6-7 minutes. This step helps to crisp the bread and infuse it with the garlic butter and Parmesan flavors.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Evenly spread pizza sauce over each slice, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni or your choice of toppings. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-13 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crisp. For extra browning on top, broil at 450° F for about 1 minute, keeping close watch to prevent burning.
- Serve: Once baked, allow the French bread pizzas to cool slightly. Slice further if needed and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with any favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or cooked sausage.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or part-skim to reduce fat content.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the garlic butter mixture according to your preference for more or less pungency.
- Broiling is optional and useful for achieving a crispier top layer but requires close attention.
