French bread pizza isn’t just a quick weeknight fix—it’s pure nostalgia on a crunchy, cheesy loaf. And let me tell you, once you try the best French bread pizza recipe we’re diving into today, you’ll never look at frozen pizza the same way again.
Back in the day, I’d toss a frozen French bread pizza into the oven and call it dinner. It was quick, kinda tasty, and kid-me thought it was fancy. Fast forward a few years (okay, decades), and I’ve finally cracked the code on what makes French bread pizza go from “meh” to downright crave-worthy. This version is inspired by the OG legend Bob Petrillose and his Hot Truck at Cornell University, but with a serious upgrade.
Jump to
- Why This Is the Best French Bread Pizza Recipe
- Choosing the Right Bread for Your French Bread Pizza
- How to Make Garlic Butter for Pizza Base
- Making the Pizza Sauce (It’s Worth It!)
- Layering Like a Pro: No More Soggy Pizza
- Flatten the Bread: Prevent the Curl
- Final Assembly and Baking
- What You’ll See (And Taste)
- Ingredient List for the Best French Bread Pizza Recipe
- Full Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tips, Tricks, and Variations
- Final thoughts
Why This Is the Best French Bread Pizza Recipe
We’re not just slapping sauce on bread here. There’s a method to this delicious madness, and that’s why this is truly the best French bread pizza recipe out there.
- We’re using soft, supermarket-style French bread—not a crusty baguette that’ll rip your gums.
- We pre-toast and flatten the bread to avoid that weird soggy middle and curly ends.
- We layer cheese before the sauce (yup, in that order) to keep things crisp.
- And let’s not forget the garlic butter base. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
This technique borrows a few tricks from the genius minds at Serious Eats and culinary nerd Kenji Lopez-Alt. It’s fast, it’s cheesy, and you’ll have it on the table in about 20 minutes.
Choosing the Right Bread for Your French Bread Pizza
Step away from the baguette. I know it’s tempting, but a crusty loaf just isn’t right for the best French bread pizza recipe. You want a soft, wide, supermarket-style French or Italian loaf—the kind you’d find in a plastic bag near the rolls.
The reason? Soft loaves soak up the garlic butter beautifully and toast up with a tender crunch, not a shrapnel-like crust. Plus, the crumb is even and solid, perfect for holding that mountain of cheese and sauce we’re about to pile on.
Need help making your own bread from scratch? Check out our Homemade Italian Bread for a soft and pillowy option.
How to Make Garlic Butter for Pizza Base
This is where the magic starts. For the best French bread pizza recipe, garlic butter is the base layer that brings everything together.
Here’s what you need:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
Melt everything together in a small saucepan until the garlic just begins to sizzle. Don’t brown it—just let those flavors mingle. This garlicky, herby butter gets brushed onto the bread before anything else happens.
Looking for other ways to use garlic butter? These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are an easy, flavorful hit.
Making the Pizza Sauce (It’s Worth It!)
You could open a jar, sure—but this quick homemade sauce will blow your mind and make this truly the best French bread pizza recipe you’ve ever tasted.
In a saucepan, combine:
- 1 tablespoon garlic butter (from earlier)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper
- A pinch of sugar (optional)
- Fresh chopped basil or parsley (optional)
Simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. The crushed tomatoes cook down into a rich, tangy base that pairs perfectly with gooey cheese and garlicky bread.
Layering Like a Pro: No More Soggy Pizza
Here’s how we layer it up for maximum crunch and melty goodness:
- Split your bread in half lengthwise.
- Brush generously with garlic butter.
- Sprinkle on a light layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. This acts as a barrier and keeps the bread from getting soggy.
- Toast the bread (with cheese) at 425°F for 8 minutes.
Then:
5. Add a layer of your homemade pizza sauce.
6. Top with more mozzarella (yes, more!).
7. Add toppings if you like: pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, whatever your heart desires.
8. Bake again for 10 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
If you’re into creative breakfast spins on pizza, check out our Easy Breakfast Pizza Recipe!
Flatten the Bread: Prevent the Curl
Here’s a quick hack: Before toasting, press a baking sheet down on the bread to flatten it slightly. This stops the ends from curling up like mini pizza canoes.
Flattened, garlic-buttered, and pre-toasted French bread is the secret to the best French bread pizza recipe that doesn’t flop around like a wet noodle.
Final Assembly and Baking
With your bread perfectly prepped and your layers built like a pro, slide your pizza back into the oven. Bake at 425°F for another 10 minutes until everything is bubbly and golden. Once it’s out, finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh parsley or basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Let it cool for a few minutes so you don’t scald the roof of your mouth. Then slice and serve.
What You’ll See (And Taste)
You’ll know you’ve nailed the best French bread pizza recipe when:
- The bottom is crisp and golden
- The cheese is melted and browned in spots
- The sauce is rich and fragrant
- The crust holds up when you pick it up
It smells like garlic bread and pizza had a love child. And the taste? Sharp cheese, tangy sauce, herby butter, and that crunchy-yet-tender bread.
Ingredient List for the Best French Bread Pizza Recipe
- 1 soft French or Italian loaf
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Toppings of choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, etc.)
Full Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cut bread in half lengthwise.
- Make garlic butter: melt butter + olive oil with garlic, oregano, chili flakes, and salt.
- Brush bread with garlic butter.
- Sprinkle a light layer of mozzarella on top.
- Place another baking sheet on top to gently flatten.
- Toast in oven for 8 minutes.
- Simmer sauce ingredients for 10 minutes.
- Add sauce to toasted bread.
- Top with more cheese and desired toppings.
- Bake 10 more minutes.
- Garnish and serve.
Pair it with a side of Crispy Breakfast Potatoes or Savory Italian Sliders for a complete meal.
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic to your sauce.
- Want it spicy? Slice up some jalapeños or use spicy pepperoni.
- Vegan? Use dairy-free butter and cheese—it still works great.
- Leftovers? Wrap in foil and reheat in a toaster oven for max crispiness.
The Best French Bread Pizza Recipe You’ll Ever Try
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A nostalgic, cheesy, and crunchy French bread pizza that’s lightyears beyond the frozen kind. Quick, flavor-packed, and ready in 20 minutes—your new go-to weeknight hero.
Ingredients
- 1 soft French or Italian loaf
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Toppings of choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cut bread in half lengthwise.
- Make garlic butter: melt butter + olive oil with garlic, oregano, chili flakes, and salt.
- Brush bread with garlic butter.
- Sprinkle a light layer of mozzarella on top.
- Place another baking sheet on top to gently flatten.
- Toast in oven for 8 minutes.
- Simmer sauce ingredients for 10 minutes.
- Add sauce to toasted bread.
- Top with more cheese and desired toppings.
- Bake 10 more minutes.
- Garnish and serve.
Notes
Use soft, supermarket-style French bread for best results. Flattening the bread prevents curling. Layer cheese under sauce to avoid sogginess. Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza half
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Final thoughts
This isn’t the soggy, half-frozen stuff of your childhood. The best French bread pizza recipe takes those same humble ingredients—bread, sauce, cheese—and makes them shine. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up in 20 minutes and still feel like you cooked something amazing.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a loaf, fire up your oven, and make the best French bread pizza recipe you’ll ever try. And when you do? Tag us at #virilerecipes and show off that cheese pull!
Hungry for more pizza-style recipes? Don’t miss our Easy Breakfast Pizza Recipe or browse Crescent Roll Breakfast Ideas for fun, flaky options.
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