French Bread Pizza Recipe
If you’re craving a fun, delicious twist on classic pizza night, this French Bread Pizza Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. Imagine the crispy, golden crust of a crusty French baguette topped with rich tomato sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, all baked until perfectly bubbly. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and absolutely irresistible—perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or treating yourself to an indulgent snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This French Bread Pizza Recipe shines because of its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the crisp texture of the French baguette to the melty, stretchy mozzarella that melts beautifully, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply mouthwatering.
- 1 large French baguette (or Italian bread): The sturdy base that crisps up beautifully in the oven to hold all those toppings.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Whether store-bought or homemade, this adds that classic tangy, herby tomato flavor every pizza needs.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty magic that pulls apart in delicious strings.
- 20 slices of pepperoni (or your favorite toppings): Adds a savory, slightly spicy punch, or swap in your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushed on the bread for a golden, crispy crust and rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall aroma and taste.
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor right at the end.
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat): Sprinkle on top if you like a little spicy kick.
How to Make French Bread Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Get things started by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is a small step that makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking, making the whole cooking experience more enjoyable.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Slice your French baguette in half lengthwise so you get two sturdy, ready-to-hold-your-toppings halves. Placing them cut side up on your baking sheet and brushing with olive oil helps the crust crisp up while the Italian seasoning infuses the bread with those mouthwatering Mediterranean flavors that scream pizza night.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Toppings
Spread the pizza sauce generously over each bread half, ensuring every bite is bursting with that rich tomato taste. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly for that perfect cheese pull. Arrange your pepperoni slices on top, or get creative with mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers—whatever you love!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your French bread pizzas into the oven for 10-12 minutes. In that time, watch the cheese melt, bubble, and turn slightly golden—a sure sign it’s ready. The bread’s edges should crisp up beautifully to hold all the delicious toppings without becoming soggy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil over your pizzas for a bright, herbal finish. If you like some heat, red pepper flakes are the perfect addition. Slice them into portions and serve warm for the ultimate comfort food experience.
How to Serve French Bread Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped basil brings not only vibrant color but also a burst of fragrant freshness to cut through the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. For an extra zing, lightly drizzle with good-quality olive oil or sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes to brighten the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Pair your French Bread Pizza Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or perhaps a bowl of roasted vegetables to keep things light and balanced. Garlic breadsticks or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad also make fantastic companions for a full meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving French bread pizzas on a rustic wooden board adds a charming touch perfect for casual dinner parties. You can also make sliders using smaller bread slices for a fun appetizer option or arrange multiple mini pizzas on a platter for sharing at game night or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French bread pizza keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Setting the slices on a plate separated by parchment paper prevents them from sticking together, making reheating a breeze.
Freezing
If you want to save French Bread Pizza Recipe for later, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen pizza slices can last up to 2 months—perfect for quick meals on busy days.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your leftover French bread pizza in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes to revive its crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy instead of delightfully crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a French baguette is ideal for its crunch and sturdiness, Italian bread or a thick sandwich loaf will also work well. Just make sure the bread can hold up to the toppings without getting too soggy.
What other toppings can I add besides pepperoni?
The beauty of French Bread Pizza Recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to customize with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, sausage, onions, or even fresh tomatoes. The sky’s the limit when it comes to your favorite pizza toppings.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply swap out pepperoni for veggies like grilled zucchini or spinach. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and check that your pizza sauce contains no animal products.
How do I keep the crust crispy when reheating?
The oven is your best friend here. Reheating in an oven or toaster oven helps maintain that crisp crust. Microwaving can make it soggy, so try to avoid it whenever possible.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely assemble the French bread pizzas a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready, and enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
Final Thoughts
This French Bread Pizza Recipe is pure joy on a plate—easy to make, fully customizable, and always crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner, a casual party snack, or a fun meal to make with kids, it’s bound to bring smiles all around. Give it a try and see just how quickly French bread can become pizza night’s new star!
Print
French Bread Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy and delicious French Bread Pizza recipe transforms a classic baguette into a tasty homemade pizza. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun snack, it features a crisp bread base topped with rich pizza sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and savory pepperoni slices, all baked to perfection in under 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 large French baguette (or Italian bread)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20 slices of pepperoni (or your favorite toppings)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French baguette in half lengthwise to create two long bread bases. Place the cut sides facing up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops evenly with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning to add flavor and help crisp the bread.
- Add the Sauce and Toppings: Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over each bread half. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices across the cheese for balanced coverage.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted thoroughly, bubbly, and has developed a slightly golden color, ensuring the bread is crisp and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven and immediately sprinkle with freshly chopped basil for a burst of fresh herb flavor. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick. Slice the French bread pizza into portions and serve warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for added nutrition.
- If you prefer a softer crust, wrap the bread halves in foil during baking, removing the foil in the last few minutes to brown the cheese.
- Using freshly grated mozzarella yields better melting results than pre-shredded cheese that may contain anti-caking agents.
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container and reheat in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free baguette or bread.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
