Name: Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French Bread, about 1 lb, 20-21 inches long; 25 pepperoni slices, or toppings of choice; 1 ½ cups pizza sauce; 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

If you’re craving a pizza night that’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious, this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Think golden, crunchy edges, ooey-gooey mozzarella, and that secret garlic herb spread that ties it all together!

The image shows four slices of bread pizza on a metal baking tray. Each slice has three layers starting from the bottom with a thick, golden-brown toasted bread base. The middle layer is a smooth, red tomato sauce spread evenly on the bread. The top layer is melted white cheese that covers the bread fully, with six circular, red-orange pepperoni slices spaced on the cheese. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top for garnish. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for meals that feel a little special but don’t require hours in the kitchen — this French Bread Pizza hits that sweet spot every time. It’s flavorful, fun to make, and perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner.

Super Simple Prep: Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Irresistibly Crispy Crust: That buttery garlic herb spread ensures every bite has perfect crunch.
Customizable Toppings: Whether you love classic pepperoni or veggies, it’s easy to make your own.
Family-Friendly: Great for kids and adults alike — plus, leftovers reheat beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Picking the right ingredients really makes a difference here. I recommend a nice, airy French bread loaf over a super crusty one—it gives that perfect balance of soft inside and crunchy outside. For cheese, shredding your own low-moisture mozzarella from a block ensures it melts just right without getting soggy.

Flat lay of a whole long loaf of fresh French bread, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with several tablespoons of creamy yellow butter, three peeled fresh garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with dried oregano leaves, a small white bowl containing fine white salt, a small white bowl piled with grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red pizza sauce, a simple white ceramic plate heaped with shredded mozzarella cheese, a neat stack of round red pepperoni slices arranged on a white plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

French Bread: Choose a large, light, and airy loaf around 20 to 21 inches long for ideal texture and portion size.
Olive Oil: Brings richness and helps infuse the garlic butter with flavor.
Butter: Adds that luscious, buttery flavor that guarantees a crispy crust.
Fresh Garlic: Mincing fresh garlic gives a bright, punchy flavor that powder just can’t match.
Dried Oregano: A classic Italian herb that pairs perfectly with pizza toppings.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the garlic herb spread.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory element that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Pizza Sauce: I love Rao’s for a premium option, but Ragu works well for a budget-friendly choice.
Mozzarella Cheese: Use low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella shredded fresh from a block for the best melt.
Pepperoni Slices (or favorite toppings): Keep them frozen until prep to maintain freshness and flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of a Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever you’re craving. Whether you love classic pepperoni or want to jazz it up with veggies or extra cheese, this recipe welcomes all your favorite flavors.

Vegetarian Variation: I often swap out the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and black olives. It’s a colorful, flavorful twist that everyone enjoyed during our last family dinner.
Spicy Kick: Adding red pepper flakes to the garlic herb spread and topping with spicy sausage instead of pepperoni gives the pizza an exciting heat without overwhelming the crispy crust and cheesy goodness.
Cheese Lover’s Delight: Try mixing shredded mozzarella with provolone or adding dollops of ricotta before baking—melty, creamy, and utterly irresistible!
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free French bread loaf if you want to keep enjoying this easy, oven-baked pizza without the gluten. Just watch the bake time as GF bread can crisp up quicker.
Seasonal Toppings: In the fall, I love swapping in caramelized onions and roasted butternut squash to give this recipe a cozy, rich flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the garlic herb spread.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe

The image shows a white oval plate holding nine small square mini pepperoni pizzas arranged in three rows. Each pizza piece has four layers: a thick bread base with a lightly toasted texture in light beige, a thin layer of red tomato sauce, a layer of melted white cheese topped with a slight stretch and light browning, and two shiny, round pepperoni slices with a deep reddish-orange color sprinkled with small green herb bits. In the center of the plate is a small white ramekin filled with chunky red tomato sauce, adding a rich texture contrast. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred jar of grated cheese visible in the background, and some green herbs lie behind the plate. The lighting highlights the textures and colors making the pizza look warm and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven to Perfection

Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is the secret to getting that irresistibly crispy and crunchy crust that defines the Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe. While the oven warms up, you can prep the bread and the signature garlic herb spread.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange Your Bread

Cut the loaf of French bread lengthwise into two halves, then slice these halves into smaller portions about 4 to 5 inches long. I like to place these bread slices on a large, light-colored baking sheet. The light color helps promote even baking and prevents the bottoms from getting too dark too quickly.

Step 3: Whip Up the Buttery Garlic Herb Spread

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons butter, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and well blended. If you notice the garlic starting to brown too fast, lower the heat slightly to avoid bitterness. Then remove the pan from heat.

Step 4: Brush Bread and Sprinkle Parmesan

Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top and edges of each bread slice with the garlic herb butter mixture. Next, sprinkle about ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly across all the slices. This layer adds a savory crust that melts into a golden, slightly crispy finish after baking.

Step 5: Toast the Base to Crispy Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bread slices for 6 to 7 minutes. This step toasts the bread and melts the Parmesan just right, giving you a sturdy and flavorful base perfect for holding those delicious toppings.

Step 6: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spread about 1 ½ cups of pizza sauce evenly over each slice, then pile on 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese for that iconic gooey melt. Top with 25 pepperoni slices or the toppings of your choice—get creative here!

Step 7: Final Bake for Melted, Golden Goodness

Return the loaded bread pizzas to the oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is perfectly melted, bubbling, and the edges of the bread turn a beautiful golden-brown crisp. If you want to turn up the browning, broil at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 minute—watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!

Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Slice your French Bread Pizzas if you haven’t already, then serve them warm. The combination of the crispy crust, buttery garlic spread, melty cheese, and savory toppings is truly irresistible—perfect for a fun weeknight meal or casual gathering with loved ones.

Top Tip

Getting that perfect crunch and ooey-gooey cheese balance in your Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe can be a game changer. Here are some tips to help you nail it every time!

Choosing the Right Bread: I’ve found that picking a light, airy, and round French bread loaf gives the best texture. Avoid crusty baguettes because they can get too hard when baked.
Shredding Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is tempting, but shredded low moisture, whole milk mozzarella melts better and stays gooey without turning watery. Shredding it yourself from a block really makes a difference.
Garlic Herb Spread Magic: Cooking the garlic gently with butter and oil brings out the best flavor without burning it. Brushing the edges well ensures every bite has that buttery, herby goodness.
Watch the Broil: If you choose to broil at the end, keep a very close eye. A minute can go from perfect golden to burnt fast!

How to Serve Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe

The image shows two metal trays on a white marbled surface, each holding four long rectangular pieces of bread. On the left tray, the bread pieces are coated with a shiny layer of olive oil and sprinkled with grated white cheese, giving a textured look. On the right tray, the same bread pieces are covered with a thick, red tomato sauce spread evenly across each slice, with some small visible herbs and seasoning mixed in the sauce, making the surface look slightly bumpy. The trays have a light brown silicone mat underneath the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Crispy French Bread Pizza, consider topping it with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a bright, fresh contrast. A drizzle of chili oil or a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can add a gentle kick. For a creamy touch, a few dollops of ricotta or a quick swirl of garlicky ranch dressing make fantastic finishing touches.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad also complement it well. For a cozy meal, serve alongside a warm bowl of tomato basil soup or a refreshing coleslaw to balance the crispy, cheesy slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your pizzas, wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Store them in the refrigerator where they’ll keep safely for up to 2 days. This helps retain moisture while keeping the crust reasonably crisp.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover French Bread Pizzas as well! Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place them together in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your leftover Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe is to bake it on a baking sheet in a 350° F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. This warms the cheese back to melty perfection while helping the crust regain its crispness without drying out the bread.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread for this French Bread Pizza?

While French bread is ideal because of its soft, airy texture and large size, you can experiment with Italian bread or even thicker sandwich-style bread. Just make sure it’s not too dense or crusty to get that perfect crisp-crunch.

What toppings work best with this pizza?

Classic choices like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives are excellent. Since the bread base is sturdy, you can get creative with meats, veggies, and cheeses, but avoid overly wet vegetables to keep the crust crisp.

How can I make the crust extra crispy?

Pre-toasting the bread slices with the garlic herb spread is key—it gives a great base crunch. Baking at a high temperature (425° F) and using a light-colored baking sheet helps promote even browning. An optional quick broil adds the final golden touch.

Is this recipe freezer friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze leftover French bread pizzas wrapped tightly for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors of homemade pizza without the fuss of dough making. With its buttery garlic herb spread and satisfyingly crunchy crust, it quickly became one of my go-to comfort meals. Whether you're feeding family or entertaining friends, it’s sure to bring smiles and full plates. So preheat that oven, gather your favorite toppings, and get ready for a delicious, crispy slice of joy!