Oven Baked French Bread Pizza

French Bread Pizza has saved dinnertime in my house on countless busy nights When my kids are starving and we are short on patience this recipe puts a hot crispy cheesy homemade pizza on the table in less than half an hour No need to fuss with dough and everything gets an irresistible crust thanks to the magic of French bread

I love how the toasted bread never turns soggy and the garlicky butter gives every bite big pizzeria flavor One winter night after a long practice my family declared this even better than delivery pizza and I have been hooked since

Ingredients

• One loaf French bread: Choose a loaf with a crisp crust and soft inside This forms the pizza base and gives the perfect crunch
• Two garlic cloves minced: Fresh garlic infuses the bread with big taste
• One quarter cup salted butter melted: Salted butter adds richness and helps the bread toast evenly
• One cup pizza sauce: Go for a good quality jarred or homemade sauce for best results
• Two cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Low moisture mozzarella melts best and gives classic stretch
• About twenty four pepperoni slices: Use thick cut pepperoni for more meaty flavor or your own favorite toppings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Slice the Bread:

Cut your French bread loaf in half lengthwise For stability shave a bit off the rounded bottom so each half sits flat on your baking sheet This will help your pizza bake evenly with no sliding around

Prepare the Garlic Butter:

In a small bowl combine the melted butter and minced garlic Stir until fully mixed Use a brush or spoon to generously coat the cut sides of both bread halves Make sure every piece gets plenty of garlicky butter to build flavor

Toast the Bread:

Arrange bread halves cut side up on your baking sheet Place them in the preheated oven and bake for five to ten minutes until just lightly golden Watch carefully to avoid burning This not only browns the bread but protects it from getting soggy under the sauce

Add Sauce and Toppings:

Remove bread from the oven Let it cool for one minute then spread each half evenly with pizza sauce Be generous so every bite is saucy but do not flood the bread Sprinkle shredded mozzarella all over the top Add your pepperoni slices or any desired toppings

Bake the Pizza:

Return your topped bread halves to the oven Bake for ten to fourteen minutes until cheese is melted bubbly and starting to brown and the edges of the bread are crisp

Cool and Serve:

Let your pizzas rest for two to three minutes after baking before slicing This helps the cheese set up and keeps toppings from sliding off Slice and serve while warm

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I always look forward to the moment I brush on that garlic butter because it fills the whole kitchen with the smell of my childhood pizza nights My youngest always grabs the cheesiest piece and we laugh about who gets the corner slices

Storage Tips

Leftover French bread pizza keeps well in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge Reheat on a baking sheet in a hot oven to bring back the crispness Freezing is simple too Assemble unbaked pizzas and solid freeze then wrap tightly to store for two months Bake from frozen with no thawing needed

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap in whole wheat or sourdough for the French bread Try different cheeses like cheddar provolone or Monterey Jack Vegan cheese and gluten free bread both work great for dietary needs Customize toppings with veggies olives sausage or whatever you love

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a big salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal These are great for game nights or cut into strips for party appetizers Leftovers make a perfect lunchbox addition with a quick blast in the toaster oven

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A Quick Look at French Bread Pizza History

French bread pizza became popular as a shortcut for classic pizza when time and ingredients were short The crisp chewy crust and easy prep made it a favorite in school cafeterias and home kitchens alike It is proof you do not need a pizza stone to make something delicious fast

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep the bread from getting soggy?

Lightly toasting the bread halves before adding toppings helps prevent sogginess and keeps the base crisp.

→ Can you make it ahead and freeze?

Yes! Assemble, freeze until firm, wrap well, and store up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F until heated through and bubbly.

→ Are there topping variations?

Absolutely. Try different cheeses, cooked sausage, bell peppers, olives, cooked mushrooms, or any favorite pizza toppings.

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

While French bread works best for its size and texture, Italian bread or baguette can also be used for variation.

→ What's the best way to serve and slice?

Let the pizzas cool a few minutes before slicing with a serrated knife for clean portions. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.