Craving pizza but short on time? French Bread Pizza is the ultimate quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. With a crispy French bread base, savory marinara sauce, rich garlic butter, and your favorite toppings, it’s hard to beat. Perfect for a casual dinner or a fun family meal, this recipe is easy to customize, and you can have it ready in just minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
French Bread Pizza is a great alternative to traditional pizza. It offers a crunchy, golden crust that holds up well under layers of cheese, pepperoni, and seasonings. Not only is it fast and convenient, but it’s also adaptable, making it perfect for any taste preference. Let’s dive into this simple, mouthwatering recipe.
French Bread Pizza
Ingredients
To make French Bread Pizza, you’ll need:
- 1 large French bread loaf, halved lengthwise
- 2 tbsp garlic butter (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (for added flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices, or your favorite toppings
- Extra Italian seasoning for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
Begin by cutting your French bread in half lengthwise to create two long sections. These will serve as your pizza crusts.
2. Add Garlic Butter Base
Spread a thin layer of garlic butter evenly over each bread half. The garlic butter adds depth of flavor and prevents the bread from becoming too soft when topped with sauce.
3. Spread the Marinara Sauce
Spoon marinara sauce over the garlic butter base. Spread it evenly, ensuring every bite will have a taste of savory tomato goodness. You can add extra sauce if you prefer a saucier pizza.
4. Season the Sauce
Sprinkle a generous amount of Italian seasoning over the marinara sauce. This will enhance the flavors of the sauce and complement the toppings.
5. Add Mozzarella Cheese
Pile on shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the sauce completely. Cheese is key for that gooey, melted texture, so don’t skimp on it!
6. Top with Pepperoni and Seasoning
Arrange pepperoni slices or your preferred toppings over the cheese. Add a final sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
7. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared bread pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once done, remove the French Bread Pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best French Bread Pizza
- Use Fresh Bread: The fresher the bread, the crispier and more flavorful the pizza base will be.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or any favorite pizza toppings.
- Garlic Butter for Extra Flavor: If you love garlic, you can add an extra sprinkle of garlic powder on the buttered bread before adding marinara.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair your French Bread Pizza with marinara, ranch, or garlic dipping sauce for added flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use different types of bread?
Yes, you can use baguettes or any thick, crusty bread for this recipe.
Q2: Can I make French Bread Pizza ahead of time?
You can assemble the pizzas in advance, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed.
Q3: What other cheeses work well with French Bread Pizza?
Try provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor twist.
This easy French Bread Pizza recipe combines all the best pizza flavors in a quick, simple, and satisfying form. With a crispy bread base, melty mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings, it’s a guaranteed hit. Make this as a family dinner or party snack—it’s sure to disappear fast!
