French Bread Pizza

Craving a fast, flavorful twist on traditional pizza? Let me introduce you to French Bread Pizza — the perfect solution for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or spontaneous pizza cravings.

This recipe delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of your favorite pizzeria pie, but with the rustic crunch and comfort of golden, toasted French bread. It’s quick, customizable, and irresistibly satisfying.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a fun, hands-on dinner with the kids, French Bread Pizza is a winning option. From classic cheese to pepperoni, or even veggie-loaded versions, it’s all about bringing pizza night home with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything I used to create this irresistible French Bread Pizza. These amounts yield four hearty pieces—perfect for sharing (or not).

Main Ingredients

• 1 (24-inch by 4-inch) loaf of soft French bread
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) salted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ – 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce (adjust to taste)
• 12 ounces (about 3 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Toppings

• 1–2 ounces sliced pepperoni
• Other toppings like sliced olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked sausage

Required Kitchen Tools

Making French Bread Pizza is as simple as it gets, but having the right tools makes prep quicker and cleanup easier. Here’s what I used:

1. Rimmed Baking Sheet: Keeps everything contained and prevents mess.
2. Chef’s Knife or Serrated Bread Knife: For slicing through the bread cleanly.
3. Pastry Brush: Ideal for spreading olive oil and garlic butter evenly.
4. Small Mixing Bowl: For whisking the butter mixture.
5. Aluminum Foil: Makes cleanup a breeze.
6. Oven Mitts: Because we’re working with high heat, safety first!

With these essentials ready to go, you’re all set to make French Bread Pizza in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Preparing the Bread Base

The beauty of French Bread Pizza lies in the crispy, buttery base that holds up all that melty cheese and savory sauce. Prepping the bread right is what makes this recipe a total game-changer.

Step 1: Slice the Bread

Start with a 24-inch loaf of soft French bread. Cut it in half crosswise, and then slice each half horizontally. You’ll end up with 4 flat pieces, each the perfect size for an individual pizza. If you prefer smaller, snackable pieces, you can cut each section once more for mini French bread pizzas.

Step 2: Toast the Crust

Place the pieces cut-side down on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Brush the crust side with olive oil—this step crisps up the bottom and adds great flavor.

Now, flip the bread over so the cut side is facing up. In a small bowl, mix together:

• 4 tablespoons melted salted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Brush this garlic butter mixture generously over the soft interior of each piece. This step infuses the bread with buttery garlic flavor and creates that irresistible golden base once baked.

Step 3: Pre-Bake for Crispiness

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and position the rack in the upper-middle position for optimal browning. Place the bread in the oven (cut-side up this time) and bake for 5 minutes—just long enough to toast the edges lightly.

This pre-baking step keeps the bread from turning soggy once the sauce and cheese go on. Think of it as setting the stage for a crisp, sturdy pizza crust.

Assembling Your French Bread Pizza

Now that your bread base is perfectly toasted, it’s time to build your pizza masterpiece with all your favorite flavors.

Step 1: Add the Sauce

Spread 1½ to 2 cups of marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the toasted bread pieces. I like to be generous here because the sauce brings that classic tang and moisture. Feel free to adjust the amount depending on how saucy you want your pizza.

Step 2: Layer the Cheeses

Next, sprinkle about 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives you that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves.

On top of the mozzarella, add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan adds a lovely salty, nutty kick and helps develop a golden crust on top as it bakes.

Step 3: Add Optional Toppings

If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the moment to get creative. I often top mine with:

• Sliced pepperoni
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Bell pepper slices
• Black olives
• Cooked Italian sausage

Feel free to customize your pizza however you like — the beauty of French Bread Pizza is in its versatility!

Step 4: Final Bake

Return the assembled pizzas to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 450°F, or until the cheese is fully melted and starts to turn golden brown.

You’ll want to keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid over-browning, but that bubbly, golden cheese is the ultimate signal that your French Bread Pizza is ready to come out.

Serving, Storing, and Final Tips

Resting and Serving

Once your French Bread Pizza is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This little pause allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice and enjoy without the toppings sliding off.

Serve warm, paired with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic breadsticks for a complete, satisfying meal.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (though it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop your pizza slices in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to revive that crisp crust and melty cheese.

Pro Tips for Perfect French Bread Pizza

• Use a soft French bread loaf for the best texture; a crusty baguette can be too hard.
• Don’t overload with sauce or toppings to avoid sogginess.
• Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for unique flavors.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano after baking for a fresh finish.
• Keep an eye on the cheese in the last minutes of baking to avoid burning.

Conclusion

French Bread Pizza is my go-to recipe when I want a quick, delicious meal without compromising on flavor.

Its crispy, buttery bread base paired with melty cheese and savory toppings hits all the right notes, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Whether you’re making a simple cheese pizza or piling on your favorite toppings, this recipe is easy to customize and always satisfying.

Next time you crave pizza but want something faster and fuss-free, try this French Bread Pizza. You won’t be disappointed!