French Bread Pizza turns one crusty loaf into two long pizza halves with garlic butter, red sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Toasting the bread before topping is the crucial step that keeps the base crisp beneath the sauce and melted cheese.
The recipe serves 4 and makes exactly 2 pizza halves in 25 minutes, with 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking. Use a 425°F oven, pre-toast for 5–10 minutes, then bake the topped bread for 10–14 minutes.
French Bread Pizza Ingredients
The bread base needs 1 loaf French bread, exactly 2 minced garlic cloves, and ¼ cup melted salted butter. Choose a loaf with a sturdy crust and an interior wide enough to hold sauce without folding.
For topping, measure 1 cup pizza sauce, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, and about 24 pepperoni slices. The recipe allows favorite toppings in place of pepperoni, but the classic version uses those stated quantities.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Air Fryer Grilled Cheese.
How to Make French Bread Pizza
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment.
- Cut one French loaf lengthwise into two long halves and level rounded bottoms if needed.
- Mix ¼ cup melted salted butter with two minced garlic cloves.
- Spread garlic butter over both cut faces and toast for 5–10 minutes.
- Divide 1 cup sauce and 2 cups mozzarella across the toasted halves.
- Arrange about 24 pepperoni slices over the cheese.
- Bake 10–14 minutes until bubbly and golden, then cool 2–3 minutes before slicing.
Preheat to 425°F
Split One Loaf Lengthwise
Mix the Garlic Butter
Cover Both Cut Sides
Toast for Five to Ten Minutes
Divide One Cup of Sauce
Add Two Cups Mozzarella
Arrange About Twenty-Four Pepperoni
Bake for Ten to Fourteen Minutes
Cool for Two to Three Minutes
Slice Into Four Servings
Customize Without Overloading
Make Ahead and Freeze
Store and Reheat for Crispness
Conclusion
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Split one French bread loaf lengthwise into two halves. Mix ¼ cup melted salted butter with two minced garlic cloves, spread it over the cut sides, and toast for 5–10 minutes. Divide 1 cup pizza sauce, 2 cups mozzarella, and about 24 pepperoni slices over the two halves. Bake 10–14 minutes until bubbly and golden, then cool for 2–3 minutes before slicing into four servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why toast the bread before adding sauce?
Pre-toasting for 5–10 minutes creates a crisp surface that resists sogginess.
- → What temperature should I use?
Bake both stages at 425°F.
- → How many pizza halves does one loaf make?
One loaf makes exactly two long pizza halves and serves four.
- → Can I change the toppings?
Yes. Use favorite pizza toppings, but keep the layer light and control excess moisture.