Pin it
This oven baked French bread pizza became my lifesaver when I needed something that felt like real pizza but could be ready in 25 minutes without ordering delivery. Using a crusty French bread loaf as the base creates this amazing crispy foundation that's way better than regular pizza crust, and you can load it up with whatever toppings everyone actually wants. I discovered this recipe during one of those nights when everyone was hungry for pizza but I didn't have the time or energy to make dough from scratch.
My kids went absolutely nuts for these the first time I made them. They said it was like having pizza and garlic bread at the same time, which is basically their dream meal. Now they specifically request these instead of regular pizza because they love how crispy and garlicky the bread gets.
Ingredients
- Good French bread: Get a crusty loaf from the bakery section for the best results
- Garlic butter base: This is what makes them taste special instead of just bread with sauce
- Quality pizza sauce: Whatever brand you like for regular pizza works perfectly
- Plenty of mozzarella: Don't skimp on the cheese, it's what makes pizza pizza
- Classic pepperoni: Or whatever toppings your family actually eats
Pin it
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepping the bread
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and slice the French bread in half lengthwise. If the bottom is too rounded and won't sit flat, carefully shave a little bit off so it doesn't roll around on the baking sheet.
- Making the garlic butter
- Mix melted butter with minced garlic in a small bowl and spread it evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves. This step is what transforms regular bread into something amazing.
- Pre-baking the base
- Put the bread halves cut-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes until lightly toasted. This prevents the bread from getting soggy once you add all the wet toppings.
- Adding the toppings
- Take the bread out and spread pizza sauce over each half, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese. Add your pepperoni slices or whatever toppings everyone wants.
- Final baking
- Put them back in the oven for 10-14 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown. Let them cool for just a few minutes before slicing so the cheese doesn't run everywhere.
I learned that the pre-baking step is absolutely crucial. My first attempt without it resulted in soggy, disappointing pizza because the sauce soaked into the bread. Now I always toast the garlic bread first and get perfect results every time.
Perfect Serving Ideas
These are substantial enough to be dinner on their own, but they're great with a simple side salad or some fresh fruit. The rich, cheesy flavors pair really well with something light and fresh. Cold soda, iced tea, or beer all work perfectly with these flavors.
Making Them Different
You can customize these with different cheese combinations like a pizza blend or add some parmesan for extra flavor. Different toppings work great too - mushrooms, bell peppers, Italian sausage, or whatever your family likes. Sometimes I make half with just cheese for the kids and half loaded with toppings for the adults.
Make-Ahead Magic
These are perfect for meal prep because you can assemble them completely and freeze them before baking. Just skip the initial toasting step, wrap them well, and freeze for up to two months. Bake straight from frozen at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Pin it
This French bread pizza has become one of those brilliant dinner solutions that makes everyone happy without requiring any special skills or ingredients. It takes the concept of pizza and makes it faster, easier, and somehow even more satisfying than the original. Sometimes the best comfort food comes from taking something familiar and finding a simpler way to make it even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
- Toast the garlic buttered bread first for 5-10 minutes before adding toppings. This creates a barrier that prevents the sauce from soaking in.
- → Can I use different toppings on French bread pizza?
- Absolutely! Try mushrooms, bell peppers, sausage, olives, or any of your favorite pizza toppings. Just don't overload it or it might get soggy.
- → Can I make this ahead and freeze it?
- Yes! Assemble the pizzas (skip the initial toasting step), freeze until firm, then wrap and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- → What type of French bread works best?
- A crusty French baguette or Italian bread works perfectly. Look for bread that's not too soft so it can hold up to the toppings.
- → How do I know when the pizza is done?
- The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread should be golden brown. Usually takes 10-14 minutes at 425°F.