French Bread Pizza Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Crispy, Cheesy Perfection

Craving pizza but short on time? Look no further than the French Bread Pizza—a quick, customizable, and utterly delicious alternative to traditional pizza.

With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and endless topping possibilities, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even a solo indulgence.

Why French Bread Pizza?

French Bread Pizza offers the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. Using a loaf of French bread as the base eliminates the need for dough preparation, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals.

Plus, its sturdy structure holds up well under generous layers of sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Ingredients

To craft the perfect French Bread Pizza, gather the following ingredients:

1 loaf of French bread (approximately 20-21 inches long)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1½ cups pizza sauce
2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably low moisture, whole milk)
25 slices of pepperoni or toppings of your choice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Slice the French bread in half lengthwise, then cut each half again to create four equal pieces.
Place the bread pieces on a large, light-colored baking sheet, cut side up.

2. Create the Garlic Butter Spread

In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, butter, minced garlic, oregano, and salt.
Heat the mixture over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant.
Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Toast the Bread

Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides of the bread, ensuring even coverage.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered bread.
Bake in the preheated oven for 6-7 minutes, or until the edges are lightly toasted.

4. Add Sauce and Toppings

Remove the toasted bread from the oven.
Spread pizza sauce evenly over each piece.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by pepperoni slices or your preferred toppings.

5. Final Bake

Return the assembled pizzas to the oven.
Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
Optional: For a crispier top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

6. Serve

Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best French Bread Pizza

Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a soft, airy French bread loaf rather than a crusty baguette. This ensures a tender interior with a crispy exterior.

Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered alternatives.

Shred Your Own Cheese: Shredding mozzarella from a block results in better melt quality and flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

Customize Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings—think sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even pineapple for a sweet twist.

Avoid Soggy Bread: To prevent sogginess, ensure the bread is adequately toasted before adding sauce and toppings.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Allow leftover French Bread Pizza to cool completely. Wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and heat for 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty.

Variations to Try

1. Veggie Delight

Toppings: Sliced bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, black olives, and spinach.
Cheese: Mozzarella and feta.

2. Meat Lover’s

Toppings: Pepperoni, cooked sausage, bacon bits, and ham.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar.

3. Margherita

Toppings: Fresh tomato slices and basil leaves.
Cheese: Fresh mozzarella.

4. BBQ Chicken

Sauce: Barbecue sauce instead of traditional pizza sauce.
Toppings: Cooked, shredded chicken, red onions, and cilantro.
Cheese: Mozzarella and gouda.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 775 kcal
Carbohydrates: 61g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 46g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 97mg
Sodium: 2033mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 9g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Conclusion

French Bread Pizza is a versatile and satisfying meal that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Its quick preparation time and customizable nature make it a go-to option for many households. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a solo dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bread is best for French bread pizza?

Soft, wide French bread loaves work best. Avoid crusty baguettes as they can become too hard when baked. The bread should be soft inside and slightly crispy outside to hold all your toppings without crumbling.

Can I make French bread pizza ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the pizza (toast the bread, add toppings) and refrigerate it for up to a day. When ready, just pop it in the oven and bake until hot and bubbly. It’s perfect for meal prep or make-ahead party food.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Toast the bread with garlic butter before adding the sauce. This creates a barrier that prevents sogginess. Also, use a thick pizza sauce rather than a watery one.

Can I freeze French bread pizza?

Absolutely. Assemble the pizza (without baking), wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella melts beautifully and delivers that classic pizza flavor. You can mix in cheddar, provolone, or gouda for extra flavor, depending on your toppings.