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If you haven’t made homemade French Bread Pizza before, you are in for a treat. Crispy crust with a chewy center, soft and fluffy on top, it’s easy to make and a perfect quick dinner.
Featured with this recipe
- Ingredients in French Bread Pizza
- Tips for Avoiding Soggy French Bread Pizza
- Follow These Steps for the Best Pizza Bread
- French Bread Pizza Cook Time (and Temperature)
- Fun Variations
- Perfect Pairings
- Tips for Making French Bread Pizza
- Frequently Asked Questions about French Bread Pizza
- More Delicious Pizza Recipes
- How to Make French Bread Pizza
- How to Make French Bread Pizza Recipe
This French Bread Pizza recipe is one of those quick and easy suppers that I turn to often, especially on busy weeknights. As quickly as you can defrost and heat up a frozen pizza, you can have fresh pizza with all your favorite pizza toppings on light, fluffy bread with loads of cheese and delicious sauce. This is one of my favorite recipes because it is fast, easy to make and so fun for your kids to dress up any way they like.
Ingredients in French Bread Pizza
The beauty of homemade pizzas is how versatile they are! All kinds of pizza toppings, cheeses, marinara sauce and crust options. For the easiest French bread pizza, here’s what you need:
- Loaf of French bread – one large loaf of French bread will feed 4-6 people, easily.
- Butter – about six tablespoons butter, melted (you can also use olive oil if desired)
- Fresh parsley – finely chopped
- Garlic powder – about a teaspoon
- Pizza sauce – use your favorite bottled sauce, homemade sauce or other marinara sauce. Add more to taste.
- Pepperoni – as much as you like!
- Mozzarella cheese – about two cups or more.
- Optional Toppings: Peppers, olives, onions, pineapple, sausage, parmesan cheese, mushrooms, red peppers, spinach, red pepper flakes, ham, fresh basil, artichokes, or ground beef.
Tips for Avoiding Soggy French Bread Pizza
I love using French bread when making pizza but for a long time I didn’t understand why it was always soggy and not crispy and cheesy. Here are some tips I found that really help:
- Layer on some of your toppings FIRST, then add the sauce.
- I like to do a layer of pepperoni and then spread the sauce over it.
- Pre-baking the bread also helps so it doesn’t get soggy. You will get lightly crisp French bread pizza every time!
Follow These Steps for the Best Pizza Bread
- First, spread on some garlic butter and bake. This gives the pizza an AMAZING flavor.
- Next, add a layer of pepperoni. This helps the bread from getting soggy.
- Then, add the sauce.
- Add cheese and some more pepperoni.
- Last of all, bake and serve.
French Bread Pizza Cook Time (and Temperature)
Before adding toppings, bake French bread at 400-degrees F for 5-8 minutes. This ensures that you get a nice golden crust to work with. After baking the first time, reduce heat to 350-degrees F and bake for another 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. This makes for the perfect French bread pizza!
Fun Variations
- Margherita French Bread Pizza: Classic and simple, top the French bread with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves for a taste of Italy.
- Combo Pizza Style: To make a “combination” pizza, add pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage, green bell peppers, black olives, mushrooms, onions, and a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza: Swap traditional pizza sauce for barbecue sauce, add cooked chicken, red onions, and cilantro, then finish with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Buffalo Chicken French Bread Pizza: Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and layer it on the bread with blue cheese or ranch dressing, diced celery, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar.
- Pesto Veggie French Bread Pizza: Spread pesto sauce on the bread and top with a colorful mix of sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and shredded mozzarella.
- Hawaiian French Bread Pizza: Create a tropical flair with ham, pineapple chunks, and mozzarella cheese for a sweet and savory combination.
- Caprese French Bread Pizza: Combine sliced fresh tomatoes, basil leaves, and fresh mozzarella on the bread, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a delightful Caprese-inspired pizza.
- Loaded Cheesy French Bread: Want try something new? Try our Loaded Cheesy Garlic French Bread (image below).
Perfect Pairings
This French bread pizza recipe is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with many different recipes. For a well-rounded meal, serve your French bread pizza with a crisp and refreshing side salad. The combination of the savory pizza bread and the light salad creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. If you’re looking for something heartier, try serving your pizza with a warm and comforting bowl of Zuppa Toscana Soup or Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. If serving for an appetizer night or family party, serve with buffalo chicken wings, lil’ smokies, and/or cheese dip!
Tips for Making French Bread Pizza
- Choose the Right Bread: Use fresh, sturdy French bread or baguettes with a crispy crust for the best results. Avoid using bread that is too soft or doughy, as it may become soggy during baking.
- Toast the Bread: For extra crispiness, lightly toast the French bread slices before adding the toppings. This step ensures a sturdy base that can hold the sauce and toppings without becoming soggy.
- Don’t Overload with Sauce: Apply a thin layer of pizza sauce to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy. Remember that the other toppings will also contribute to the overall flavor.
- Customize the Toppings: Get creative with your toppings and tailor them to your preferences. Experiment with various combinations of vegetables, meats, and cheeses to find your favorite.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Sprinkle some sea salt, dried oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Mind the Cheese: Place the cheese on top of the other toppings to act as a protective layer, preventing the ingredients from drying out or burning.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Bake the French bread pizzas until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the baked French bread pizza to rest for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions about French Bread Pizza
Yes! Follow steps 1-7 in the recipe. Instead of baking the pizzas a second time, place the pizza in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until frozen. After it’s completely frozen, place slices in individual freezer bags and keep frozen for up to 6 months.
To reheat frozen pizza, preheat oven to 400-degrees. Place pizza slices on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until cheese has melted.
Most toppings can be frozen. The only ingredient we’ve found doesn’t freeze well is fresh tomatoes. They can make the bread soggy. Other than that, throw on all of your favorite toppings and freeze away!
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More Delicious Pizza Recipes
If you’re the type to eat pizza every night of the week, you should definitely try these delicious pizza recipes: Thai Chicken Pizza, Gino’s Deep Dish Pizza, Turkey Bacon Avocado Pizza, and Easy Healthy Pizza.
How to Make French Bread Pizza
How to Make French Bread Pizza
Video
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter
- fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 loaf French Bread
- 1 cup pizza sauce (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni (or to taste)
- 2 cup Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400-degrees. In a small bowl, melt butter. Add garlic powder and fresh parsley. Slice French bread lengthwise and brush garlic butter mixture onto the bread.
- Place French bread on a large baking sheet, open-side up. Bake 5-8 minute or until bread is nice and golden-brown.
- Remove bread from oven and reduce oven heat to 350-degrees. Place half of the pepperoni in a layer over the bread.
- Spread pizza sauce over the pepperoni.
- Add cheese and remaining pepperoni.
- Bake for another 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and oregano. (optional)
- Cut into slices and serve immediately.
Notes
- To avoid soggy pizza, layer on some of your toppings FIRST, then add the sauce.
- I like to do a layer of pepperoni and then spread the sauce over it.
- Pre-baking the bread also helps so it doesn’t get soggy. You will get lightly crisp French bread pizza every time!
Looking very delicious and very healthy. I will definitely try this recipe and I will definitely let you know. Thank you for sharing this post.
Thanks for the great tips and oregano on top and made the garlic butter with fresh garlic!
Excellent! I made it with hot pepper cheese and exactly to the recipe. Very good!
Best French bread pizza I’ve ever made according to 4/4 eaters tonight. The garlic butter sent it over the top! Also easy to customize with toppings after the basic idea of toast, non-sauce layer, sauce, and then toppings. Appreciate the basic ratios, too! Thanks so much! Will definitely make again!
This recipe worked perfectly, though I ended up putting the finished pizzas under the broiler for about 1 1/2 minutes. The temp suggestions and all the preparation tips were spot on. Fabulous. Crispy exterior to the bread, nice interior texture. Perfect. Don’t ever buy frozen and nuke it again.
This French bread pizza is great! I used just a little less garlic powder, I used a box grater to shred my cheese, and Prima Della Pepperoni from Walmart. I used French bread from King Soopers. Follow the directions and you will not be disappointed. It is great reheated.
This is the right way! My family loved it. Thank you for a great and easy recipe!
This is a total family favorite! I love how this method keeps it crisp and delicious, no sogginess here!
Yum!! I love french bread pizza and so does my family! It’s perfect because we can all pick our favorite toppings!
Yum! We love French bread piazza for lunch after church. My husband always asks for wings with his pizza, any chance you have a recipe for buffalo wings? ??
Yes, we do! Boneless Buffalo Wings
I read that it is better if you place down the toppings first, than the sauce and cheese. kepsthem from burning or drying out
I haven’t tried your recipe yet but, the pictures appear that you hollowed out your French Bread first. Can you tell me if that’s what you did?
I actually just pressed down on the soft part of the bread so I could fit more toppings. I didn’t remove any bread from the middle. Hope this helps!
This is by far the easiest and best recipe! Thank you!!!
Thanks Jayson! So glad you liked it!
I love your technique! I’m thinking it’s the perfect dinner after a busy Monday. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad you like it, Sarah! Thanks you for the 5 stars! 🙂
Enjoy your recipes . I love to cook . Please keep them coming .
Comments like this make all the work worth it! Thank you so much!