Learn how to make The Best French Bread Pizza at home from scratch using less than 10 ingredients! Enjoy when you need a quick weeknight meal or a fun snack!
Pizza comes in many different shapes and forms. French bread pizza is unique in that it's made with a loaf of French bread as the crust, which gives it a crunchy texture and makes it super delicious!
What makes this French bread pizza recipe the best? For starters, it's made with just seven simple ingredients you may already have on hand, which makes it easy to whip up when you're out of time and out of ideas.
It takes just minutes to assemble, and it's ready for the oven. You can also add your own unique toppings to make it your own. And it cooks in less than 15 minutes! Once you place it in the oven, it's done before you know it!
Serve this slice of deliciousness alongside a simple salad, and you've got yourself an easy weeknight meal. Or serve it as a fun snack or appetizer at your next gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It's an easy way to involve kids in the kitchen, as assembling a custom pizza is easy!
- The topping ideas are endless. Make this pizza new and different every time.
- No need to make a crust! A loaf of French bread can easily be picked up at most grocery stores.
- The ingredient list is small, and so is the time it takes to cook. A win-win!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- French Bread - A good-quality French bread is key for making the perfect french bread pizza. Look for a crispy, lightly-baked loaf that is not overly soft or too chewy.
- Butter - This ingredient adds a garlic butter layer of flavor to the French bread that enhances the flavor.
- Seasonings - A mix of garlic powder and Italian seasonings is the perfect combination of pizza flavor to add to the bread along with the butter.
- Pizza Sauce - To get the classic pizza flavor, it's important to use a high-quality pizza sauce. Try making your own with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices for an even better taste.
- Cheese - One of the best things about french bread pizza is the cheese. Choose a good-quality mozzarella, or experiment with different types like parmesan, cheddar, or feta for a unique flavor.
- Toppings - You can top your French bread pizza with whatever toppings you like. Popular choices include olives, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
How To Make Homemade French Bread Pizza
Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 425°. Then, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Set it aside while preparing the ingredients.
Slice the french bread: Using a serrated knife, cut the french bread carefully lengthwise, making two even pieces. Place the bread cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the garlic butter: Add softened butter to a small bowl along with the garlic powder and Italian seasonings. Mix until fully combined, then spread out evenly on the top of both sides of the bread.
Bake the bread: Add the buttered bread into the oven and let it bake for 5 minutes or until the butter is melted completely.
Assemble the pizza: Spread the pizza sauce on the buttered bread halves evenly. Then top with cheese and toppings.
Bake and serve: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crunchy. Serve while hot, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- When choosing French bread, you'll want to make sure it's fresh, as a slightly stale piece of bread will be harder to cut properly.
- The best knife to use for cutting French bread is a serrated knife. This will help make sure that the slices are even and hold up during baking.
- To ensure your French bread pizza cooks all the way through, pre-bake it for a few minutes before topping it with the sauce and cheese. This will ensure that the bottom is nice and crispy when it's finished baking.
- How long it takes to cook French bread pizza is determined by your oven and the type of toppings. Keep an eye on the pizza periodically to ensure it doesn't burn. You may need a few minutes longer cooking time or a few minutes less.
French Bread Pizza Topping Ideas
The toppings for pizza are endless! Enjoy this list of topping ideas to change up your pizza every time you make it.
- Margherita Style - Fresh sliced tomatoes and basil
- Pepperoni and sausage
- Chicken and mushrooms
- Spinach and garlic
- Caramelized onions, red peppers, and feta cheese
- Pineapple and bacon
- Bell Peppers and black olives
- Tomatoes and basil
- Ham, artichokes, and roasted red peppers
- Jalapeno and sausage
- Grilled zucchini and feta cheese
- BBQ chicken and cheddar cheese
Storage
Storing: Once cooked, this pizza will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap the pizza in foil or store it in an airtight container.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the whole pizza into a preheated 350°F oven. It should take 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy again. You can also reheat it in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-6 minutes.
FAQ
French bread can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you plan on keeping it longer, it's best to store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Yes, French bread pizza can be a healthier option depending on how many toppings and how much cheese is used.
While we think that homemade is best, you can purchase frozen French bread pizzas from popular brands like Digiorno, Ellio's, Red Baron, and more!
More Easy Dinner Recipe Ideas
- Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Healthy Turkey Sloppy Joes
- Easy Instant Pot Baked Ziti with Meat
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French Bread Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup pizza sauce (divided in half)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- desired toppings (see notes for topping ideas)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°. Then, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Evenly cut the French bread in half lengthwise, creating two pieces. Place on baking sheet cut side up.
- Mix softened butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Mix until well combined. Evenly spread on the cut side of the bread.
- Bake for 5 minutes or until the butter is completely melted.
- Remove from the oven and evenly spread pizza sauce on the French bread.
- Top with cheese, and add your favorite toppings.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted.
- Serve while hot, and enjoy!
Notes
- Margherita Style - Fresh sliced tomatoes and basil
- Pepperoni and sausage
- Chicken and mushrooms
- Spinach and garlic
- Caramelized onions, red peppers, and feta cheese
- Pineapple and bacon
- Bell Peppers and black olives
- Tomatoes and basil
- Ham, artichokes, and roasted red peppers
- Jalapeno and sausage
- Grilled zucchini and feta cheese
- BBQ chicken and cheddar cheese
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
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