This French bread pizza is super easy to make and packed with flavor! Just grab some fresh French bread, your favorite toppings, and cheese for a cheesy delight.
It’s the perfect meal for busy nights or when you’re craving a quick snack. I’ve made it countless times, and my kids love picking their own toppings. It’s always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread: A good loaf is essential for this pizza! Look for crusty French bread that’s about 12 inches long. If you’re in a pinch, a ciabatta loaf or even a baguette can work. Just keep in mind that different breads may alter the texture slightly.
Pizza Sauce: While you can use store-bought pizza sauce, I recommend making your own if you have time! A simple blend of crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and seasonings can really brighten up the flavor. In a hurry? Marinara sauce is a great substitute too.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice here for its melty goodness. If you prefer a bolder flavor, mix in some provolone or cheddar. Vegan cheese is an option if you need a dairy-free alternative – just check that it’s designed for melting!
Pepperoni: This tasty topping is a must for many, but don’t feel limited! You can swap it for cooked sausage, diced ham, or even veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for a lighter pizza.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning is fantastic, but you can spice it up with dried oregano or basil instead. If you love heat, definitely leave in the red pepper flakes, or even add jalapeños for extra kick!
How Do You Ensure the Cheese is Perfectly Melted?
The key to achieving perfectly melted cheese is keeping an eye on your baking time and temperature. Too long in the oven can make your cheese rubbery. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so everything cooks evenly.
- Sprinkle enough cheese to cover the sauce fully. This encourages a great melt.
- Keep an eye on it while baking! The ideal time is around 10-12 minutes. Look for that bubbly, golden cheese – this means it’s ready!
Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing to help the cheese set, making serving easier. Enjoy your delicious bread pizza!
How to Make the Best French Bread Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pizza:
- 1 loaf of French bread (about 12 inches)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious French bread pizza can be ready in about 20 minutes! You’ll need about 5 minutes to prep the ingredients and assemble your pizza, and then just 10-12 minutes to bake it until it’s perfectly hot and crispy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping The Oven and Bread:
First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, take your loaf of French bread and cut it in half lengthwise to create two long pieces. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, ready for toppings!
2. Spreading The Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the flavor! Spread the pizza sauce evenly over each half of the bread. Use a spoon for easy spreading to ensure every bit of bread gets a nice layer of sauce.
3. Adding Cheese and Toppings:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, covering it completely. Next, arrange the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese so every slice gets a little meaty goodness. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and if you like a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes evenly over all the toppings.
4. Baking The Pizza:
Now, pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown. Keep an eye on it; we want it just right!
5. Serving Up Deliciousness:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. This will make it easier to slice. Cut it into individual pieces and, if you wish, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Bread Instead of French Bread?
Yes, whole wheat bread can be a healthier alternative! Just keep in mind that it may not have the same crispy texture as French bread. You might need to bake it a bit longer to ensure the cheese melts perfectly and the edges get nice and golden.
What Other Toppings Can I Add or Substitute?
Feel free to customize your pizza! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. For protein, try cooked sausage or even cooked chicken. Just make sure to pre-cook any raw toppings before adding them to the pizza.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French bread pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, or heat in the microwave for a quick option, although the crust won’t be as crispy.
Can I Freeze French Bread Pizza?
Absolutely! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
