French Bread Pizza Recipe

Introduction

French Bread Pizza is a quick and delicious meal that combines the crispy texture of fresh French bread with classic pizza flavors. It’s perfect for a casual dinner or a satisfying snack anytime you crave pizza without the wait.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread (Use a fresh loaf for the best results.)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (Or your favorite pizza sauce.)
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (Feel free to add more for extra cheesiness!)
• 0.5 cups diced bell peppers (Any color is fine.)
• 0.5 cups sliced black olives (Optional, can be replaced with your preferred toppings.)
• 0.25 cups sliced red onion
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp olive oil (For drizzling on the bread.)
• to taste Fresh parsley (For garnish, optional.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place it cut-side up on a baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Drizzle olive oil over the bread for added flavor and crispiness.
4. Step 4: Spread marinara sauce generously over each half of the bread.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
6. Step 6: Add diced bell peppers, sliced olives, and red onion on top.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle dried oregano and basil over the toppings.
8. Step 8: Bake in the oven for about 10–12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
10. Step 10: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, toast the bread lightly before adding toppings.
• Swap bell peppers and olives with mushrooms, pepperoni, or cooked sausage for different flavors.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a richer taste.

Storage

Store leftover French Bread Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, or warm gently in a microwave if short on time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this pizza?

Yes, while French bread works best for its crusty texture and size, you can use baguettes, ciabatta, or even sliced sandwich bread for a quicker version.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free loaf or baguette substitute and ensure your pizza sauce and toppings do not contain gluten. This will help accommodate gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor.

French Bread Pizza Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 70 reviews

This French Bread Pizza recipe transforms a fresh loaf of French bread into a delightful and easy-to-make pizza. Topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, diced bell peppers, black olives, red onions, and aromatic herbs, this baked treat offers a crispy crust with gooey cheese and flavorful toppings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual party snack.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 1 loaf French bread (Use a fresh loaf for the best results.)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (For drizzling on the bread.)

Sauce

• 1 cup marinara sauce (Or your favorite pizza sauce.)

Toppings

• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (Feel free to add more for extra cheesiness!)
• 0.5 cups diced bell peppers (Any color is fine.)
• 0.5 cups sliced black olives (Optional, can be replaced with your preferred toppings.)
• 0.25 cups sliced red onion
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

Garnish

• Fresh parsley to taste (For garnish, optional.)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the pizza bread.
2. Slice the Bread: Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and lay the halves cut-side up on a baking sheet to prepare for topping.
3. Drizzle Olive Oil: Evenly drizzle the olive oil over the cut sides of the bread to enhance flavor and help create a crisp crust.
4. Spread Sauce: Generously spread marinara sauce over each bread half, providing the base for your pizza flavors.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced bread to ensure a bubbly, melty topping.
6. Add Vegetables: Distribute diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, and red onions over the cheese layer for added texture and flavor.
7. Season: Sprinkle dried oregano and dried basil evenly on top to infuse the pizza bread with classic Italian herbs.
8. Bake: Place the prepared baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
9. Cool and Slice: Remove the pizza bread from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes to make slicing easier and safer.
10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm for a delicious, easy meal.

Notes

• Use a fresh loaf of French bread to ensure crispiness and good texture.
• Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite vegetables or meats.
• You can add extra cheese if you like it more cheesy and gooey.
• Letting the bread cool briefly after baking helps the cheese set slightly for cleaner slices.
• This recipe is great for quick meals, snacks, or casual gatherings.

Keywords: French Bread Pizza, Easy Pizza Recipe, Baked Pizza Bread, Quick Dinner, Mozzarella Pizza