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; 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; 1 ½ cups pizza sauce; 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture, whole milk mozzarella preferred); 25 pepperoni slices, or toppings of choice

If you’re craving something seriously delicious but quick to make, this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine golden, crispy bread topped with gooey cheese and all your favorite flavors—all done in under 30 minutes!

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 have to say, this oven-baked French bread pizza quickly became a weeknight favorite in my house. It’s simple, satisfying, and the crispy crust with that buttery garlic herb spread? Game changer.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 28 minutes, perfect for busy evenings or unexpected guests.
Flavor-Packed: The secret garlic herb butter makes every bite bursting with savory goodness.
Customizable: Load it up with pepperoni, veggies, or whatever toppings you love most.
Perfectly Crispy: The French bread base toasts up beautifully, adding the perfect crunch.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients really makes a difference here. Look for a soft, airy French bread loaf and opt for high-quality cheeses and sauce to keep this pizza tasting fresh and delicious every time.

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: Pick a light, airy loaf that’s about 20-21 inches long for the perfect crust texture.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the garlic and herbs infuse beautifully into the bread.
Butter: Creates that irresistible buttery herb spread that crisps up the edges.
Fresh Garlic: Minced cloves bring an aromatic punch that’s hard to beat.
Dried Oregano: Classic pizza herb for that familiar, savory flavor boost.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty layer beneath the mozzarella.
Pizza Sauce: A tangy base that ties all the toppings together perfectly.
Mozzarella Cheese: Low moisture, whole milk shredded mozzarella melts wonderfully and gets deliciously gooey.
Pepperoni Slices: Classic topping that crisps up nicely in the oven; swap with your favorites as you like.

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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 charm of this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe is how easily it bends to your taste buds. Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie fan, or craving a spicy kick, this recipe is your blank canvas for delicious creativity.

Classic Pepperoni: This is my go-to comfort version. The pepperoni crisps up perfectly on the buttery garlic herb bread, adding that nostalgic pizza flavor I crave after a long day.
Vegetarian Delight: Swap out pepperoni for bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and red onions. The garlic herb butter base really enhances the fresh veggie flavors without overpowering them.
Buffalo Chicken Twist: Use shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, topped with mozzarella and perhaps a drizzle of ranch after baking. It’s a zesty change that never fails to impress guests.
Hawaiian Style: For a sweet and savory combo, add diced ham and pineapple chunks. The crispy bread holds up well to the juicy toppings without getting soggy.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free baguette alternative, and follow the same steps for that same crispy, golden result – perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

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 the Oven to 425°F

Start by cranking your oven up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is just right to get that bread wonderfully crispy without drying out the toppings. While it heats, you can prep your bread and garlic herb butter.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange Your French Bread

Cut your loaf of French bread lengthwise into halves, then cut each half into smaller portions—about four pieces per half to make individual pizzas. Place these on a light-colored baking sheet to prevent burning and help even cooking.

Step 3: Whip Up That Garlic Herb Butter

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine olive oil, butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until you see the mixture is fragrant and all the ingredients have blended beautifully. Keep the heat moderate so the garlic softens but doesn’t brown.

Step 4: Brush Bread with Garlic Herb Butter and Parmesan

Use a pastry brush to coat the top and edges of each bread slice evenly with the garlic herb butter mixture. Don’t be shy here — that buttery coating locks in flavor and helps crisp the bread perfectly. Then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the bread slices for an extra cheesy, savory bite.

Step 5: Toast the Bread Slices in the Oven

Bake your prepared bread slices for 6 to 7 minutes. You’re aiming for a light toast here — the bread should start to crisp but not get fully browned yet. Keep an eye on it as ovens vary and you want to avoid burning the garlic butter.

Step 6: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings

Once toasted, take the bread out and spread a generous layer of pizza sauce evenly on each slice. Next, pile on the shredded mozzarella cheese so every bite gets that melty, stringy goodness. Finally, arrange your pepperoni slices or any other toppings you love.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Slide the pizzas back into your 425-degree oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes. This is when the magic happens — the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket and the edges of the bread turn that perfect brown and crisp texture you’re after.

Step 8: Optional Broil for a Perfect Finish

If you like a little extra browning on top, broil the pizzas at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 minute. Watch closely — you want a lovely golden top, not burnt edges. This step is optional but really takes things up a notch.

Step 9: Slice and Serve While Warm

After baking, slice your pizzas if you haven’t already, and serve them warm for the best flavor and texture. The crispy crust, melty cheese, and that garlic-herb kick will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Top Tip

These tips come from plenty of hands-on kitchen time and will help you get that perfect crispy crust and melty cheese every single time with your Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe.

Choosing the Bread: Always pick a light and airy French bread loaf that's nicely rounded rather than super crusty. This texture crisps up just right without becoming too hard or tough to bite through.
Using Fresh Mozzarella Wisely: I learned the hard way that fresh mozzarella doesn’t melt as smoothly on this bread style, so low moisture, whole milk mozzarella shredded fresh from a block is the way to go for that dreamy stretch and golden bubbling.
Garlic Herb Butter Spread: Don’t rush the garlic herb butter mix—stir it gently on low heat until fragrant. This base layer is what elevates the flavor and helps the bread toast evenly to crispy perfection.
Broiling for Browning: If you want a bit of extra color on the cheese, keep a close eye when broiling at 450°F for about a minute. It adds a lovely finish without burning the pizza if you watch carefully.

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

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving to add a fresh herbal pop that complements the garlic herb butter beautifully. A light drizzle of chili oil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes is fantastic if you like a bit of heat. For a touch of indulgence, grated Parmesan dusted on top adds an extra savory layer.

Side Dishes

Pair your French Bread Pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic Parmesan roasted veggies or a simple Caesar salad are also crowd-pleasers. If you want something hearty, consider baked zucchini fries or even a bowl of tomato basil soup alongside for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover French Bread Pizzas to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in foil or storing in an airtight container. They keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days, maintaining their flavor and crispness when reheated properly.

Freezing

You can freeze these pizzas for longer storage. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes until the cheese is melty again and the bread is nicely crisp. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

While French bread works best due to its light and airy texture that crisps up well, you can experiment with other sturdy breads like Italian or ciabatta. Just watch baking times as thicker or denser breads may need adjustment.

What toppings work best on French Bread Pizza?

Classic pepperoni is a favorite, but feel free to get creative! Sliced mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, cooked sausage, or fresh basil all make excellent toppings. Just be mindful not to overload so the bread stays crispy.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

The key is brushing the bread thoroughly with the garlic herb butter and pre-toasting before adding the sauce and cheese. This layers moisture protection and helps maintain a crispy crust.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegetarian-friendly toppings like veggies and plant-based pepperoni. For vegan versions, swap the mozzarella and Parmesan for dairy-free cheese alternatives and use dairy-free butter and olive oil in the garlic spread.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe at home has always been a quick go-to for satisfying cravings without the fuss. There’s something so comforting about that buttery garlic crust paired with melty cheese and savory toppings. It’s a recipe that’s easy to customize, ready in under 30 minutes, and perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to make this delicious homemade pizza your own and enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!