Get ready to fall in love with pizza night all over again! This French Bread Pizza Recipe is the ultimate combination of simplicity and irresistible flavor. With its crisp-edged bread, gooey cheese, bright tomato sauce, and endless topping possibilities, it delivers everything we crave about homemade pizza—without the fuss of making dough. Whether you need a speedy weeknight meal, a quick lunch, or a fun family cooking project, this recipe brings convenience and comfort to your table, plus plenty of room for creativity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this French Bread Pizza Recipe is how it takes just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and transforms them into something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need, along with quick tips to guarantee success.
- French bread: The foundation of our pizza—look for a loaf with a chewy interior and crusty outside for the best texture and crunch.
- Pizza sauce or marinara (1 cup): A flavorful, tomato-rich sauce brings the classic pizza flavor; go with your favorite jarred sauce or homemade.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melty, stretchy, and so satisfying—this is a non-negotiable for cheesy, bubbly pizza.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A sprinkle of herbs gives your French Bread Pizza Recipe an unmistakable pizzeria aroma.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle kick; just enough to make everything pop without overpowering.
- Pepperoni or other toppings (1/2 cup): Personalize to your liking! Try mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a fresh twist, but don’t overload, or the bread may get soggy.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, optional): Brushing a little oil on the bread before baking gives it an irresistibly crisp bite.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley: For a vibrant finish, sprinkle over your hot French Bread Pizza Recipe just before serving.
How to Make French Bread Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cleanup a breeze. Take your loaf of French bread, slice it in half lengthwise, and lay both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. If you want an extra touch of crispiness (and really, who doesn’t?), lightly brush the cut sides with a bit of olive oil.
Step 2: Toast for Perfect Crunch
Pop the bread in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes before adding any toppings. This step lets the bread get a little toasty, helping to keep it from turning soggy later on. When you pull it out, your kitchen will already smell amazing, and your bread will be primed for all the saucy, cheesy goodness to come.
Step 3: Sauce, Season, and Cheese
Take the toasted bread and spread a generous layer of pizza sauce or marinara over each half. Sprinkle on the garlic powder and Italian seasoning—these little touches are what set this French Bread Pizza Recipe apart from the rest. Next, grab your shredded mozzarella and give each half a heavy snowfall of cheese.
Step 4: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Now comes the fun part! Scatter on your favorite toppings (think pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or whatever your heart desires). Just remember, restraint is key: too many toppings can weigh the bread down, so a light hand ensures your pizza stays crisp and easy to eat.
Step 5: Bake to Melty, Golden Bliss
Slide the topped bread back into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the cheese bubbly and golden, with the edges of the bread just starting to brown. If you like it extra toasted, set it under the broiler for a minute, but keep a close eye—it can brown quickly!
Step 6: Garnish and Slice
As soon as your French Bread Pizza Recipe bursts from the oven, sprinkle it with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Let it cool just a minute or two, then slice into pieces while the cheese is still gooey and serve hot.
How to Serve French Bread Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs are the finishing touch for French Bread Pizza Recipe—think ribbons of fresh basil or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they bring a burst of garden-fresh flavor that really lifts the whole dish.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza slices with a crisp green salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or crunchy carrot sticks to round out the meal. These sides add a refreshing contrast and make dinner feel extra satisfying without a lot of extra effort.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Slice the pizzas into smaller strips or rectangles for party platters, and arrange them on a big wooden board with bowls of dipping sauce (think ranch or spicy marinara). It’s also perfect for game nights—just serve with napkins and let everyone grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra slices, let them cool completely before storing. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or place in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. The bread will stay surprisingly crisp, and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Freezing
Want to stash a few slices for future cravings? Go ahead and freeze your French Bread Pizza Recipe! Arrange fully cooled slices on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and make an amazing grab-and-go lunch or emergency dinner.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftover pizza in the oven or toaster oven at 375°F until hot and the cheese is bubbling again, about 8 to 10 minutes from chilled (add a couple of minutes if frozen). This gives you back that perfect, crispy bottom—microwaving works too, but the bread will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or multigrain bread instead of French bread?
Absolutely! The French Bread Pizza Recipe is super forgiving—whole wheat or multigrain bread will add a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber. Just check that your loaf has a sturdy enough crust to hold up to sauce and cheese.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy bread?
Pre-toasting the bread before adding sauce is essential. It creates a barrier, so even juicy toppings won’t soak through. Also, avoid piling on too many wet veggies—less is more for structural integrity and maximum crispiness!
Can I make this French Bread Pizza Recipe in a toaster oven?
Definitely! This recipe is made for small-batch cooking, and a toaster oven works like a charm. Just follow all the same steps, adjusting the bake time down slightly since toaster ovens run hotter and heat up faster.
Is there a way to make this pizza ahead for parties?
Yes! You can assemble the pizzas, cover, and refrigerate up to 4 hours before baking. When ready to serve, just pop them in the oven as directed—this trick is a lifesaver for entertaining.
What are some unique topping ideas for this French Bread Pizza Recipe?
Get creative! Try slices of roasted eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, crumbled feta, or even a drizzle of pesto. Kids love classic pepperoni, but adults might enjoy spicy Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried this French Bread Pizza Recipe yet, I can’t encourage you enough—once you taste that crackly crust and melty cheese, you’ll be hooked. It’s quick, versatile, and almost too easy to love. Let your creativity run wild with toppings, get the whole family involved, and enjoy the ultimate comfort meal that’s ready in minutes!
Print
French Bread Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a quick and delicious meal with this French Bread Pizza recipe. Crispy French bread topped with savory sauce, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
French Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread (halved lengthwise)
Pizza Sauce:
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or other toppings (optional: mushrooms, olives, bell peppers)
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Toast the Bread: If desired, lightly brush the bread with olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake for 5 minutes to slightly toast.
- Assemble: Remove from oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over each half. Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and toppings.
- Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped basil or parsley. Slice and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Customize with favorite toppings, but avoid overloading to prevent soggy bread.
- Great for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
- Use a toaster oven for smaller batches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 loaf
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
