Delicious Homemade French Bread Pizza Recipe

Craving a quick and tasty dinner that everyone will love? Look no further than this mouthwatering French Bread Pizza recipe! Using a crusty French bread loaf as the base, this dish offers a crispy twist on traditional pizza that’s ready in just 25 minutes. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

I stumbled upon this oven-baked French Bread Pizza on a busy night when pizza cravings hit but time was of the essence. The combination of garlicky bread, savory sauce, gooey cheese, and your preferred toppings creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you may find yourself ditching regular pizza for good!

Pre-baking the garlic bread is the secret to achieving that perfect crispy texture, ensuring each bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Whether you enjoy it solo or paired with a light salad or refreshing fruit, this French Bread Pizza is a versatile and satisfying meal option. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary creation that brings the best of both pizza and garlic bread to your table.

Quick Benefits

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, a faster alternative to traditional pizza without compromising on taste or quality.
• Customizable: Versatile recipe allows for endless topping options and cheese combinations to suit everyone’s preferences.
• Crispy & Flavorful: Using French bread as the base creates a crispy foundation with a rich garlicky flavor that combines the best of pizza and garlic bread.
• Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, assemble and freeze before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal option that can be enjoyed later.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Homemade French Bread Pizza Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this French bread pizza recipe is perfect for busy nights when you crave homemade pizza without the wait or hassle of making dough from scratch.
• Crispy Crust: Using a crusty French bread loaf creates a crispy foundation that elevates the pizza experience, making it better than regular pizza crust.
• Customizable: You can load up the French bread pizza with your favorite toppings, whether it’s classic pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, Italian sausage, or a combination of cheeses.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the crispy and garlicky bread base of this French bread pizza, making it a hit with the whole family. It’s like having pizza and garlic bread at the same time, fulfilling their dream meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, you can assemble these French bread pizzas ahead of time, freeze them, and bake straight from frozen for a convenient and delicious meal.
• Versatile Pairings: Pair these French bread pizzas with a simple side salad, fresh fruit, or your favorite beverage like cold soda, iced tea, or beer for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
• Satisfying and Comforting: This recipe takes the concept of pizza and simplifies it to create a comforting and satisfying meal that requires no special skills or ingredients, making it a brilliant dinner solution for everyone.

Ingredients for Delicious Homemade French Bread Pizza Recipe

Bread Base

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup salted butter, melted
• 1 loaf French bread

Pizza Toppings

• 1 cup pizza sauce
• About 24 pepperoni slices (or your favorite toppings)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Delicious Homemade French Bread Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Cut the French bread in half lengthwise to make two long pieces. Trim the bottoms if necessary to ensure they lie flat on the baking sheet.

Step 3: Make Garlic Butter

Combine melted butter and minced garlic in a small bowl until well mixed.

Step 4: Apply Garlic Butter

Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over both cut sides of the bread halves to cover the entire surface.

Step 5: Toast the Bread

Arrange the bread halves with the cut-side facing up on the baking sheet. Bake for 5-10 minutes until lightly toasted to prevent sogginess.

Step 6: Add the Sauce

Take the bread halves out of the oven and generously spread pizza sauce on each, leaving a small border.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Toppings

Evenly sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange pepperoni slices on top. Add additional favorite toppings as desired.

Step 8: Final Bake

Bake for 10-14 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and bread edges are golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the pizzas to cool for 2-3 minutes before cutting into slices to allow the cheese to set and avoid burns.

Storage Tips

To store the finished French bread pizza, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature first. If there are any leftovers, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. The pizza will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, and you can reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

If you want to prepare the French bread pizzas ahead of time for meal prep, assemble them completely but skip the initial toasting step. Wrap the assembled pizzas well and store them in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove them from the freezer, unwrap, and bake straight from frozen at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. This make-ahead option allows for a convenient and quick meal solution whenever you need it.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have French bread on hand, a baguette or Italian bread can be a suitable substitute for the base of the pizza. These bread varieties also have a crispy crust that works well for this recipe. Additionally, if you prefer a whole wheat option, using a whole wheat baguette or bread can add a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the dish.

For a healthier alternative, you can opt for olive oil instead of melted butter to brush on the bread before adding the toppings. Olive oil adds a delicious flavor and helps keep the bread crispy. You can also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorites to customize the flavor profile of your French bread pizza. Feel free to swap out the pepperoni for cooked chicken, turkey, or a variety of vegetables to suit your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive meal, consider setting up a French Bread Pizza bar where everyone can customize their own mini pizzas on slices of French bread. Provide various toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, and different cheeses for a personalized pizza experience. Kids and adults alike will love getting creative with their toppings and enjoying their unique creations straight from the oven.

To elevate the French Bread Pizzas, serve them alongside a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing. The combination of crispy garlic bread, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings dipped in a savory sauce will take this meal to the next level. It’s a great way to add extra flavor and fun to the dining experience, making it a memorable meal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

FAQs for Delicious Homemade French Bread Pizza Recipe

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

You can try using other types of bread, like Italian bread or baguette, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the traditional French bread pizza.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the pepperoni or any other meat toppings and load the French bread pizza with vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even pineapple for a vegetarian version.

Can I make these French bread pizzas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the French bread pizzas ahead of time 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.

How can I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the garlic bread before adding the toppings is crucial to prevent the sauce from soaking into the bread and making it soggy. Toasting the bread ensures a crispy foundation for your French bread pizza.

Conclusion

I hope you give this French Bread Pizza recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy French bread, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes, making it a perfect option for family dinners or casual gatherings. The ease of preparation and the incredible flavors make it a go-to recipe that will surely become a staple in your meal rotation.

So gather your loved ones around, whip up a batch of this fantastic French Bread Pizza, and savor the joy of homemade comfort food that brings smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this recipe is a winner that never disappoints. Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of French Bread Pizza, and let it become a beloved favorite in your household. Bon appétit!