This easy French bread pizza is a nostalgic family favorite made better: crusty French bread brushed with garlicky butter, layered with savory pizza sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and your favorite toppings.
If you enjoy making pizza at home, try crescent roll pizza or air fryer pizza rolls for other quick options. This version is a grown-up twist on the French bread pizzas many of us remember from childhood.
Leftover pepperoni from other recipes inspired this quick meal, but this French bread pizza stands on its own. A toasted loaf becomes the perfect base for an easy dinner or a sharable appetizer—just cut into smaller slices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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- French bread (or Italian bread)
- Butter (softened)
- Seasonings – garlic powder and Italian seasoning to make a quick garlic butter
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella (shredded)
- Pepperoni or other desired toppings
This recipe is essentially garlic bread turned into pizza—simple to prepare and endlessly customizable.
French Bread Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, or Italian bread
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- pepperoni (or other toppings)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 450ºF (232ºC).
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Slice the loaf in half lengthwise. Spread softened butter evenly across each half, then sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Bake 7–8 minutes, until the butter has melted and the bread is lightly golden.
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Remove the bread from the oven and spread pizza sauce over each half. Top with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni or desired toppings.
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Return to the oven and bake 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Optionally broil for a minute or two to brown the top—watch closely to avoid burning.
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Remove, slice, and serve. For a main course, cut each half into two pieces (4 servings). Slice smaller for appetizers.
Notes
- Slice each half in two to create four main-dish portions, or cut into smaller pieces for appetizers.
- Use any pizza toppings you like; pre-cook meats and watery vegetables to avoid soggy pizza.
- Mini or regular pepperoni both work well—use what you have on hand.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Additional Info
How to Make French Bread Pizza
To get a fresh-from-the-oven pizza with a crisp bread base, bake the bread first to set the garlic butter, then add toppings and bake again. The double-bake method prevents soggy bread and yields a crisp, flavorful crust.
- Prepare the bread. Slice the loaf lengthwise, spread with butter, sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and bake at 450ºF for 7–8 minutes to melt the butter and lightly toast the bread.
- Assemble the pizzas. Spread pizza sauce across the toasted bread, add mozzarella and pepperoni or other toppings.
- Bake. Bake 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Slice for serving—larger pieces for a meal, or smaller pieces for appetizers.
Air Fryer Option
If using an air fryer, cut the loaf into four pieces so they fit the basket. Prepare the garlic bread according to the instructions for air fryer garlic bread, add cheese and toppings, then return to the fryer for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the garlic butter. It crisps the bread and helps prevent sogginess. Olive oil can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Save time with pre-shredded cheese. It’s convenient and still tastes great when you’re short on time.
- Use the broiler for extra color. Broil briefly after baking to brown the cheese and pepperoni—watch closely to avoid burning.
Pizza Variations
Mix and match toppings to create many variations. Pre-cook proteins and moisture-heavy vegetables to keep the bread crisp. Ideas include:
- Protein options: sausage, ham, chorizo, bacon, ground beef, or leftover chicken.
- Vegetables: bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables.
- Hawaiian: ham and pineapple (drain canned pineapple well).
- Greek: olives, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta with an optional drizzle of pesto.
- Mexican: a Mexican cheese blend, taco meat, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and typical taco toppings.
- Breakfast: white gravy, eggs, and breakfast sausage or bacon for a breakfast-style pizza.
Serving Suggestions
Serve French bread pizza with a simple salad—Caesar, tomato-cucumber, or a grinder salad work well. Add breadsticks or garlic knots for a fuller meal. For kids, include raw veggies with ranch and a sweet dessert like brownies.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat. Warm slices in a 350ºF oven until heated through and the cheese is melty. The microwave also works for a quick reheat.
- Freeze. Wrap cooled slices tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
More Homemade Pizza Recipes
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Pizza Bread
- Pizza Sliders
- Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Pizza Quesadilla