Name: Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter softened; 6 garlic cloves finely minced or pressed; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 pound French bread or Italian bread; ½ cup pizza sauce; 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese shredded; 15 pepperoni slices; 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese; Red pepper flakes optional; Chopped fresh parsley to garnish, optional

There’s something downright irresistible about taking classic garlic bread and turning it into a pizza feast — crispy, buttery, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. That’s why I’m excited to share my favorite Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe with you, a simple way to elevate two comfort-food favorites into one amazing meal.

The image shows four slices of pepperoni pizza on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. Each slice has two or three red pepperoni circles on top. The pizza has a thick layer of melted yellowish-white cheese with some browned spots from baking. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled across the cheese on every slice. The crust is golden brown and crispy around the edges. A small clear glass bowl with red chili flakes is visible at the right edge of the image. 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 Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe because it combines simple ingredients in a way that feels decadent without being complicated. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food that actually feels special and homemade. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that both kids and adults will happily eat together.

Super Easy: You don’t need any fancy equipment or dough making; it comes together in about 25 minutes.
Flavor Bomb: The garlic butter infused into the bread adds a rich, savory backdrop for the cheese and pepperoni.
Flexible Toppings: You can easily swap out pepperoni or add veggies — personalize it your way.
Kid-Approved: This recipe is a hit with little ones but grown-ups love it too, making it great for family dinners.

Two oval-shaped bread bases are topped with a thick layer of melted white cheese that covers each base fully, bubbling slightly with a golden edge. On top of the cheese, five bright red pepperoni slices are evenly spaced in one bread and six in the other, each slice sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and light brown seasoning. The bread edges are golden brown and crispy, with some parts puffed up. The bread rests on a light wooden board with a small clear bowl of red chili flakes next to it. To the right, there is a clear glass of light-colored drink and a white cloth with black stripes on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines because it uses simple, quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. The garlic butter brings incredible richness, while the fresh bread makes for a crispy base that holds all the toppings just right. When shopping, look for fresh garlic and bakery-style bread for best results.

Flat lay of sliced French bread with a soft crust, a generous curl of softened salted butter mixed with finely minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley, bright red pizza sauce dollops, shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese heaps, thin round pepperoni slices, small piles of grated Parmesan cheese, vibrant red pepper flakes scattered lightly, and fresh green parsley leaves for garnish, all beautifully arranged and placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Salted Butter: Softened butter so it mixes easily with garlic and parsley, creating that luscious spread we all crave.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh is key here—minced or pressed garlic really packs the punch you want in garlic bread.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright herbaceous note that lifts the garlic butter, making it fresher tasting.
French or Italian Bread: A soft crust loaf works best to soak up the butter but still crisp up nicely in the oven.
Pizza Sauce: Classic tomato base adds that familiar pizza flavor, with just the right tang and sweetness.
Mozzarella Cheese: Low-moisture shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, giving you that gooey, stretchy texture.
Pepperoni Slices: The topping classic—spicy, salty, and utterly delicious.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra layer of cheesy flavor and slight nuttiness.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Perfect if you want to add a smidge of heat at the end.
Additional Parsley for Garnish: Fresh herbs brighten the finished dish and make it pretty too.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I love swapping toppings based on what’s in the fridge or what my guests prefer. Feel free to keep it classic or go wild with veggies, different cheeses, or even some cooked sausage.

Variation: I once made a version using sliced black olives, mushrooms, and green peppers—my family loved the extra veggies sneaking in there!
Cheese Swap: Using a blend of mozzarella and provolone adds a deeper cheese flavor if you want to try something richer.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes under the cheese for a subtle heat that surprises your taste buds.
Quick Shortcut: Try this with frozen garlic bread when you’re short on time—skip the garlic butter and dive right in with sauce and toppings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prep your oven and garlic butter

Start by preheating your oven to 400℉—hot enough for crispy edges and bubbly cheese. While the oven warms, mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. The garlic releases all its fragrant oils when mixed well, creating that rich spread that makes the bread sing.

Step 2: Slice your bread and apply garlic butter

Cut your French or Italian bread lengthwise to create two long ‘boat’ slices—just like you would for garlic bread. Spread that garlic butter generously on both halves, making sure to reach every corner. This is where the magic starts, so don’t be shy with the butter.

Step 3: Bake for a quick toasting

Pop your buttered bread, cut side up, onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 5 minutes—this just sets the butter and warms the bread so it’s ready for toppings without getting soggy.

Step 4: Add sauce, cheese, and pepperoni

Take the bread out and spread ¼ cup of pizza sauce evenly over each piece. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella, lay down pepperoni slices, and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Trust me, this layered approach keeps everything balanced and cheesy.

Step 5: Bake until bubbly and golden

Return the pizza to the oven for 15 to 18 minutes. You want the cheese to bubble up and the bread edges to turn golden brown. Watching it cook is the hardest part because the smell is pure heaven, so keep an eye—but not too close! Let it sit a couple minutes after baking so the cheese sets a bit before slicing.

Top Tip

Having made this garlic bread pizza dozens of times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make all the difference—whether it’s crispy crust or perfectly melty cheese.

Use Freshly Shredded Mozzarella: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting—a fresh shred makes cheese melt smoother and stretch better.
Don’t Overload Sauce: Too much sauce can make the bread soggy, so stick to that ¼ cup per half slice for just the right moisture.
Watch Your Oven Temperature: Ovens vary, so keep an eye for those golden edges; you might want to rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
Let It Rest: Patience pays off—letting pizza rest 2-3 minutes after baking keeps everything from sliding off when you slice.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a little bit of zingy freshness. Adding a dusting of extra parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes gives that final pop of flavor that really rounds it all out.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like to keep it simple with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. A light coleslaw or even some fresh carrot sticks work great if you want something crunchy and fresh alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, try making mini garlic bread pizzas using baguette slices. Arrange them on a wooden board for a rustic, shareable appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick reheat lunch or snack.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover garlic bread pizzas by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat in the oven for best texture.

Reheating

To keep your leftovers crisp and melty, I recommend reheating in a 375℉ oven on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes instead of the microwave, which sometimes makes the bread soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread for the Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe?

Absolutely! Although I recommend a bakery-style French or Italian bread for the best texture, you can experiment with ciabatta or sourdough for a different twist. Just keep in mind that denser breads might need a slightly longer bake time.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap out pepperoni for plenty of veggies like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or even some artichokes. You can also add extra cheese or a drizzle of pesto to keep it flavorful and satisfying without meat.

Can I prepare the garlic butter in advance?

Yes! The garlic butter can be mixed a day ahead and kept covered in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before spreading on the bread for easier application and the best flavor release.

What’s the best way to melt the cheese evenly?

Using low-moisture, freshly shredded mozzarella helps with even melting and that classic stringy texture. Spreading the cheese in an even layer avoids clumping and ensures every bite has a perfect cheesy pull.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so simple yet hits all the right comfort food notes. It’s one of those dishes I recommend to friends who want an easy but impressive meal. Give it a try—you’re going to love how quick and delicious dinner can be with just a few pantry staples!