The Best French Bread Pizza

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Bread Pizza is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a simple yet flavorful pizza fix without the hassle of dough-making. The crispy, buttery bread combined with melty cheese and zesty toppings creates a delightful texture and taste that’s far superior to store-bought frozen versions. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your favorite pizza toppings!

Ingredients

Garlic Butter
4 tablespoon unsalted butter
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Pizza
1 loaf French bread (not a baguette)
1 cup pizza sauce (more or less, to taste)
2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (more or less, to taste)
⅔ cup sliced pepperoni (more or less, to taste)
¼ cup grated or shredded Parmesan cheese (more or less, to taste)
Sprinkle of pizza seasoning (optional)

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

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Set aside.

2. Melt butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Mix melted butter with garlic powder, parsley, and Italian seasoning.

3. Slice French bread in half crosswise, then slice those halves in half again lengthwise, resulting in 4 pieces about 7-8 inches long and 3-4 inches wide.

4. Brush garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Bake for 6-8 minutes.

5. Remove from oven and sprinkle a bit of mozzarella cheese on each piece. Return to oven and bake 4-5 minutes, until cheese is melted.

6. Meanwhile, for crispier pepperoni, microwave pepperoni slices in a single layer on a plate for about 40 seconds (optional).

7. Remove baking sheet from oven. Spread pizza sauce evenly on the bread, then add remaining mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, and pizza seasoning if using.

8. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and starting to brown.

9. If desired, drizzle any leftover garlic butter over the pizzas and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 18 minutes

• Total Time: 33 minutes

Variations

• Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, mushrooms, or veggies like bell peppers and onions for a different flavor.

• Use a blend of cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or fontina for richer taste.

• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.

• Make it vegetarian by using a variety of grilled vegetables and omitting meat.

• Try a white pizza version with garlic butter, ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach instead of tomato sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover French Bread Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, place pizza on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

• For longer storage, freeze assembled but uncooked pizzas wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

FAQs

Can I use regular baguette instead of French bread?

Regular baguette is thinner and crunchier; French bread provides a softer, sturdier base that holds toppings better. For best results, use a loaf of French bread, not a baguette.

What can I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can substitute with equal parts dried oregano, basil, and thyme or use an Italian herb blend you have on hand.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free French bread or sub with gluten-free baguette to accommodate dietary needs.

How do I get the pepperoni crispy?

Microwaving the pepperoni slices for about 40 seconds before adding them helps render some fat and crisps them up during baking.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble the pizzas and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the assembled pizzas.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

You can omit Parmesan or substitute with Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese for similar flavor.

Can I use pre-made garlic butter?

Yes, pre-made garlic butter works well if it has a flavor profile you like.

How do I make the crust crispier?

Bake the bread with garlic butter first as directed, and consider using a baking sheet or pizza stone to promote even crisping.

Is it okay to use more sauce or cheese?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of sauce and cheese to suit your taste preferences.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, add sautéed or fresh veggies like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or olives on top before baking.

Conclusion

This Best French Bread Pizza recipe is a simple, tasty way to enjoy pizza without the wait or fuss of dough. Its crispy, buttery crust paired with melty cheese and savory toppings will quickly become a household favorite. Whether for a quick dinner, snack, or game day treat, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Customize it your way and enjoy a homemade pizza that beats frozen every time.