If you find yourself craving piping-hot, cheesy pizza but don’t have pizza dough on hand (or time on your side), then this French Bread Pizza Recipe is your new best friend. It delivers the golden crunch of fresh French bread as the base, rich Italian sauce, gooey, stretchy cheese, and all your favorite customizable toppings—ready to eat in a fraction of the time it takes to order delivery. Whether you’re serving a crowd, feeding your family, or just indulging in a solo comfort meal, this recipe brings the pizzeria home with irresistible flavor and effortless prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This French Bread Pizza Recipe celebrates simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor impact and texture. With just a handful of staple items and your favorite toppings, each bite becomes a harmony of cheesy, saucy, crisp perfection.
- French bread: Sturdy, crusty loaves hold up under toppings for that classic crispy-yet-tender bite.
- Italian pizza sauce: A tangy, herb-kissed base that infuses every slice with rich tomato goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to buttery, stringy bliss—essential for classic pizza appeal.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth, bringing each component together.
- Dried oregano: A quick sprinkle wakes up the sauce with unmistakable Italian flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle layer of savoriness and aroma.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Bring a gentle kick of heat if you love a little spice.
- Olive oil: Brushed on the bread for extra crispness and toasty golden color.
- Your choice of toppings: Pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or sausage—customize each half or slice for everyone’s tastes.
How to Make French Bread Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot when your pizzas go in. Place the halved French bread, cut side up, on a baking sheet. For extra crispiness, you can pop the bread in the oven for 3–5 minutes first—this keeps the toppings from soaking in and making things soggy later on.
Step 2: Brush with Olive Oil
Lightly brush the cut sides of your French bread with olive oil. This step adds richness, helps keep the bread golden and crisp, and acts as a barrier between the sauce and the bread.
Step 3: Sauce It Up
Spoon a generous layer of Italian pizza sauce onto each bread half, spreading it right to the edges. That saucy foundation is where all the magic starts, delivering moisture and flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Add Your Cheeses
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the bread, then add a shower of grated Parmesan. The blend of these two cheeses guarantees maximum meltiness with that signature savory hit.
Step 5: Pile on Toppings and Seasonings
This is your chance to get creative! Arrange your favorite toppings over the cheese—think pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage. Then finish with a sprinkle of dried oregano, a dash of garlic powder, and some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden and the edges of the French bread are crisp. Keep an eye on it—the line between golden delicious and extra-toasty moves fast!
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Let your French Bread Pizza cool for a minute before cutting—this keeps the cheese where it belongs. Slice into thick, satisfying pieces and serve hot!
How to Serve French Bread Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your slices with a flourish! A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley gives a pop of color and herby aroma. For a touch of luxury, drizzle with a little more olive oil or add a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper.
Side Dishes
Pair your French Bread Pizza Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette, or serve alongside garlic knots or roasted veggies for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. Even a bowl of tomato soup transforms this dish into a nostalgic comfort feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pizza sliced into small, shareable “boats” for parties or game night snacks, or offer a variety of topping combos on each piece so everyone can try something new. Try a build-your-own pizza bar—set out sauce, cheese, and toppings, and let friends and family craft their own creations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cool the slices completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 days, making them perfect for lunch or an effortless snack.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange completely cooled pizza slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. This French Bread Pizza Recipe is freezer-friendly for up to 2 months, ready to be reheated straight from the freezer for almost-instant satisfaction.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, warm leftover slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven or toaster oven until the cheese bubbles anew and the bread crisps up—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to soften the bread.
FAQs
What kind of French bread is best for this recipe?
Choose a loaf that’s sturdy and crusty, not too soft or airy, as it holds up beautifully under gooey cheese and generous toppings without turning mushy.
Can I make this French Bread Pizza Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free baguette or loaf—many bakeries and supermarkets carry great options that work perfectly as a base.
Is it possible to make these ahead for a party?
Yes, assemble your French Bread Pizza without baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. When guests arrive, just pop them in the oven and you’ll have hot, melty slices in minutes.
What toppings work best for this French Bread Pizza Recipe?
Classic favorites like pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, and bell peppers are always popular, but don’t be afraid to get creative with leftover roasted veggies, artichokes, or different cheeses.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Give the bread a quick initial toast in the oven, and brush with a bit of olive oil before adding sauce—this creates a barrier and keeps every bite crisp and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fast, endlessly customizable meal that everyone will rave about, this French Bread Pizza Recipe fits the bill. It’s a surefire way to bring big flavors to your table with minimal fuss, and the endless topping options mean it’s perfect for kids, picky eaters, or pizza lovers of all ages. Give it a try and make pizza night a weekly event—your oven (and crew) will thank you!
Print
French Bread Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the delicious flavors of pizza on a crispy French bread crust with this easy French Bread Pizza recipe. Customize with your favorite toppings for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread (cut in half lengthwise)
- 1 cup Italian pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Your choice of toppings such as pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Place the halved French bread cut-side up on a baking sheet. Lightly brush the bread with olive oil.
- Add Sauces and Cheese: Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over each half. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add Toppings and Seasonings: Add your desired toppings and season with oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
- Serve: Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a sturdy, crusty French bread to avoid sogginess.
- To make it extra crispy, toast the bread in the oven for 3–5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Great for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 French bread
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
