Looking for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly dinner idea? French Bread Pizza is the perfect solution! This easy meal is not only affordable (just $1 for a loaf of French bread from Walmart!), but it’s also super customizable—everyone in the family can add their favorite toppings.
All you need is French bread, pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Simply slice the bread in half, spread on the sauce, load it up with cheese and toppings, and bake at 475°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
The best part? Kids love making their own pizzas! This meal turns dinner into a fun, interactive experience, perfect for picky eaters and family pizza nights.
Why Make This Recipe?
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Budget-Friendly: A $1 loaf of French bread makes multiple servings.
- Customizable: Everyone can add their favorite toppings.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
- Crispy & Cheesy: The French bread gives the perfect crunchy yet soft texture.
How to Make French Bread Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread (sliced in half)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni (or other toppings)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Directions:
1️⃣ Preheat Oven to 475°F (245°C).
2️⃣ Prepare Bread: Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet.
3️⃣ Add Sauce & Toppings: Spread pizza sauce on each half, sprinkle with cheese, and add desired toppings.
4️⃣ Bake: Place in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5️⃣ Serve Hot & Enjoy!
How to Serve French Bread Pizza
- Serve hot with a side of ranch, marinara, or garlic butter for dipping.
- Pair with a simple side salad or soup for a complete meal.
- Slice into smaller pieces for party appetizers or game-day snacks.
How to Store French Bread Pizza
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Tips to Make the Best French Bread Pizza
1️⃣ Use fresh French bread for a crispy yet soft texture.
2️⃣ Toast the bread first for extra crunch before adding sauce.
3️⃣ Use high-quality pizza sauce for better flavor.
4️⃣ Try different cheeses like provolone or cheddar.
5️⃣ Brush with garlic butter before baking for extra flavor.
6️⃣ Don’t overload with toppings to avoid soggy pizza.
7️⃣ Bake on a wire rack to keep the bottom crispy.
8️⃣ Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
9️⃣ Use a mix of shredded and fresh mozzarella for the best melt.
🔟 Drizzle with balsamic glaze or pesto for gourmet flavor.
Variations of French Bread Pizza
1️⃣ BBQ Chicken Pizza – Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and add shredded chicken.
2️⃣ Buffalo Chicken Pizza – Use buffalo sauce, ranch drizzle, and shredded chicken.
3️⃣ White Pizza – Use alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and spinach.
4️⃣ Margherita Pizza – Use fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato slices.
5️⃣ Meat Lovers – Add pepperoni, sausage, and bacon.
6️⃣ Veggie Lovers – Load up with mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
7️⃣ Hawaiian Pizza – Add ham and pineapple.
8️⃣ Breakfast Pizza – Use scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
9️⃣ Taco Pizza – Use salsa instead of pizza sauce, add taco meat, and top with lettuce after baking.
🔟 Pesto Pizza – Swap pizza sauce for pesto and add fresh mozzarella.
FAQs About French Bread Pizza
General Questions
1️⃣ Can I use a different type of bread? → Yes! Try ciabatta, Italian bread, or a baguette.
2️⃣ What’s the best sauce for this? → Classic pizza sauce, marinara, or even Alfredo sauce.
3️⃣ How do I prevent soggy pizza? → Toast the bread lightly before adding toppings.
4️⃣ Can I make this in an air fryer? → Yes! Air fry at 370°F for 6-8 minutes.
5️⃣ How do I make it extra crispy? → Bake directly on the oven rack.
Storage & Reheating
6️⃣ Can I freeze it? → Yes, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
7️⃣ How do I reheat it? → Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes.
8️⃣ Can I refrigerate leftovers? → Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
9️⃣ Should I store it with or without toppings? → It’s best to store without toppings for freshness.
🔟 How do I keep the bread from getting too hard? → Cover with foil while reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
1️⃣1️⃣ Can I use whole wheat bread? → Yes, but it will be denser.
1️⃣2️⃣ What cheese works best? → Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or feta work too!
1️⃣3️⃣ Can I make this dairy-free? → Use dairy-free cheese and butter alternatives.
1️⃣4️⃣ What’s a good gluten-free option? → Use gluten-free bread or a cauliflower crust.
1️⃣5️⃣ Can I use leftover garlic bread? → Absolutely! It adds extra flavor.
Customizing the Recipe
1️⃣6️⃣ Can I add fresh veggies? → Yes! Just sauté them first to prevent excess moisture.
1️⃣7️⃣ What’s the best meat topping? → Pepperoni, sausage, chicken, or bacon.
1️⃣8️⃣ Can I make this a meal prep dish? → Yes! Assemble ahead, freeze, and bake when needed.
1️⃣9️⃣ What herbs can I add? → Basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
2️⃣0️⃣ How do I make it healthier? → Use whole wheat bread, low-fat cheese, and lean protein toppings.