French Bread Pizza
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.
Equipment
- Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Chef’s Knife or Serrated Bread Knife
- Pastry Brush
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Aluminum Foil
- Oven Mitts
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Preparing the Bread Base
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Assembling Your French Bread Pizza
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.