Garlic Butter French Bread Pizza
A whole loaf of French bread brushed with garlic butter, topped with sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni, and baked until bubbly.
French bread pizza is pizza night without making dough. Toasting the bread with garlic butter first keeps it crisp under the sauce, so the middle never turns soggy.
It's easy to customize, too. Kids can top their own pieces with whatever they like.
Garlic Butter French Bread Pizza
Per serving, estimated: 470 calories · 21 g protein · about $1.74 How we estimate
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, about 1 lb (450 g)
- 3 tbsp (42 g) butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup (250 g) pizza sauce
- 2 cups (225 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- ¼ cup (22 g) grated Parmesan
- 3 oz (85 g) sliced pepperoni
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
- Cut the loaf in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3 pieces. Place them cut side up on the baking sheet.
- Stir the garlic into the melted butter and brush it over the cut sides of the bread.
- Bake for 5 minutes, until the edges are lightly toasted.
- Spread the pizza sauce over the bread, then top with the mozzarella, Parmesan and pepperoni. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges are crisp.
Tips for success
- Choose a soft-crusted supermarket French loaf. A very hard, crusty baguette is hard to bite through once baked.
- Spread the sauce thinly. Too much makes the bread soggy.
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes to keep the bread crisp.
Equipment you'll need
- Large baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Questions
Can I make it ahead?
Toast the garlic bread ahead of time, then add the toppings and bake just before serving.
What other toppings work?
Cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers or ham and pineapple all work. Keep wet toppings light.
Calories, protein and cost are estimates calculated from the main ingredients and typical US supermarket prices. They will vary with the brands you buy, where you shop and your portion size. Measurements are given in US cups and spoons with approximate metric weights. Oven temperatures can vary, so check doneness using the signs described in each step. Always check labels if you are cooking for someone with a food allergy.
