French Bread Pizza

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Bread Pizza is the ultimate quick and customizable comfort food. With a crispy, golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, it delivers all the flavors of traditional pizza in a fraction of the time. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or a fun family activity, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

French breadloaf (cut lengthwise)marinara or pizza sauceshredded mozzarella cheeseolive oilgarlic powderItalian seasoningoptional toppings: pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, fresh basil, red pepper flakes, grated parmesan

directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, then again crosswise to create four pieces.

Place the bread on the baking sheet, cut side up, and lightly brush with olive oil.

Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the bread for extra flavor.

Toast the bread in the oven for about 5 minutes until lightly crisped.

Remove from oven and spread a layer of pizza sauce on each piece.

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the sauce.

Add your choice of toppings.

Return to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes if you prefer a golden, bubbly top.

Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesInitial toasting time: 5 minutesBaking time: 8-10 minutesTotal time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Use pesto or Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a different flavor profile.

Try different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or feta.

Make it vegetarian with spinach, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Use whole wheat or gluten-free French bread for dietary needs.

Turn it into breakfast pizza with scrambled eggs and bacon.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the bread and toppings in advance, but assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.

Can I freeze French Bread Pizza?

Yes, assemble the pizzas, freeze them unbaked, and bake directly from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes.

Is it okay to use stale bread?

Yes, slightly stale bread works well and crisps up nicely in the oven.

What type of sauce should I use?

Any pizza sauce, marinara, or even tomato paste with seasonings will work.

Can I make mini versions?

Yes, use smaller bread rolls or baguettes for individual servings.

Do I need to toast the bread first?

Toasting before adding toppings prevents sogginess and ensures a crispy crust.

How do I make it spicy?

Add crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or spicy sausage.

Can I use sandwich bread?

You can, but it won’t be as sturdy or crisp as French bread.

What’s the best cheese?

Mozzarella is classic, but a blend with provolone or parmesan adds flavor depth.

Is this good for parties?

Absolutely—cut into smaller pieces for a crowd-friendly snack.

Conclusion

French Bread Pizza is a fast, family-friendly recipe that delivers classic pizza flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or a shareable snack, this customizable favorite is sure to please. Get creative with toppings and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness in every bite!

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