Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Easy and fast: Ready in under 30 minutes.
-
Customizable toppings: Perfect for using whatever you have on hand.
-
Crunchy crust: The French bread gives a satisfying crisp base.
-
Kid-friendly: Fun to make and eat for all ages.
-
Great for leftovers: Uses leftover bread or pizza ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
French bread loaf
-
Tomato pizza sauce or marinara
-
Shredded mozzarella cheese
-
Pepperoni slices or other preferred toppings (vegetables,, olives, etc.)
-
Olive oil (optional)
-
Italian seasoning or dried oregano (optional)
Directions
-
Preheat oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Prepare bread: Slice French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Optionally brush cut sides with olive oil.
-
Add sauce: Spread a generous layer of tomato sauce evenly over the bread halves.
-
Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then add pepperoni or your favorite toppings.
-
Bake: Place bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden.
-
Serve: Slice into individual pieces and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4-6
-
Prep Time: 5 minutes
-
Cook Time: 15 minutes
-
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
-
Vegetarian: Load with bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives.
-
Cheese blends: Use mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan.
-
Sauce alternatives: Try pesto or Alfredo sauce for a different flavor.
-
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
-
Mini versions: Use French bread baguettes for individual servings.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
-
Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked bread for up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen with extra time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
Yes, baguettes, Italian bread, or even sandwich rolls work well.
How do I prevent soggy bread?
Use a light layer of sauce and bake until crust is crisp.
Can I make this ahead?
Assemble and refrigerate; bake when ready to eat.
What toppings are best?
Choose your favorites; classic combos include pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded melts better.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s simple and fun for kids to customize.
Can I make gluten-free French bread pizza?
Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.
How do I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat bread and load with veggies.
Can I freeze cooked leftovers?
Freeze cooked pizza slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap tightly or keep in airtight containers in the fridge.
Conclusion
French Bread Pizza is a quick, easy, and customizable meal that brings the joy of pizza with minimal effort. Its crispy bread base and endless topping options make it a perfect solution for busy nights or casual gatherings. Whether for kids or adults, this simple dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

French Bread Pizza
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French Bread Pizza is a quick, easy homemade pizza made on a halved French bread loaf. Topped with savory tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings, this crispy and cheesy dish makes a perfect weeknight meal or snack. Customize with veggies, meats, or whatever you have on hand for a fast and delicious pizza fix.
Ingredients
-
1 French bread loaf
-
1 cup tomato pizza sauce or marinara
-
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices or other preferred toppings (vegetables, olives, etc.)
-
Olive oil (optional, for brushing)
-
Italian seasoning or dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Prepare bread: Slice French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Optionally brush cut sides with olive oil for extra crispiness.
-
Add sauce: Spread a generous layer of tomato sauce evenly over the bread halves.
-
Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then add pepperoni or your choice of toppings.
-
Bake: Place bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
-
Serve: Slice into pieces and serve hot.
Notes
Vegetarian option: Load with bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives.Try different cheese blends like cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan.Swap tomato sauce for pesto or Alfredo for variety.Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.Use smaller baguettes for mini, individual pizzas.