French Bread Pizza with Garlic Butter

If you’ve been looking for an easy, crazy delicious meal that feels a little special without being complicated, this French Bread Pizza with Garlic Butter is gonna be perfect for you.

It’s cheesy, buttery, crisp but still soft, and so much fun to make. Plus, it’s a total lifesaver on nights when you just want dinner to be easy, fast, and something that the whole family actually gets excited about.

And whether you wanna make it for a simple family night, a movie marathon, or you just want to switch things up from your usual meals, this is gonna be one of those recipes you keep coming back to.

Alright, let’s jump in and get you started.

What You’ll Need

  • 1 loaf of French bread (about 16 inches)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup pepperoni slices (optional)
  • Optional toppings: sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, red onion, fresh basil

Pro Tips

  1. Toast the bread first Before adding sauce or toppings, bake the bread on its own for about 5 minutes. It keeps the bread from getting soggy and makes the final pizza way crispier.
  2. Create a DIY pizza bar Set out all the toppings and let everyone make their own version. It’s super fun for kids and honestly just makes pizza night even better.
  3. Use parchment paper This tiny step saves you a ton of cleanup time, especially when all the melty cheese gets a little wild.
  4. Go light on the sauce Too much sauce might seem like a good idea, but it can actually make your bread super soggy. A thin layer is all you need.
  5. Top it off with fresh herbs Adding some chopped basil or parsley after baking makes it feel a little extra special and gives it a fresh pop of flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Oven

Substitutions and Variations

  • Bread: If you don’t have French bread, you can use ciabatta or even a baguette. Whatever you can get your hands on.
  • Butter: If you need a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil and add a little extra garlic.
  • Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but mixing in provolone or cheddar can be super good too.
  • Toppings: You can totally customize it with whatever you have. Think grilled veggies, leftover chicken, or even pineapple if you’re feeling wild.

Make Ahead Tips

  • Garlic butter: Mix it up a few days ahead and keep it in the fridge.
  • Toppings: Chop all your veggies and prep your meats the day before. It makes putting everything together way faster.

How to Make French Bread Pizza with Garlic Butter

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  2. In a bowl, mix your softened butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan until it’s fully combined.
  3. Slice your French bread in half lengthwise, creating two long pieces.
  4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each piece.
  5. Place the bread on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 5 minutes. This step helps it get nice and crispy.
  6. Take the bread out of the oven and spread the pizza sauce evenly over each piece.
  7. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
  8. Add pepperoni and any other toppings you love.
  9. Bake again for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Optional but highly recommended: Broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end if you want a golden, slightly crispy top.
  11. Let it cool for a few minutes, slice it up, and enjoy.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Note: These numbers can vary depending on toppings and portions.

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g

Leftovers and Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: For the best texture, pop it back into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. It keeps the bread crispy instead of rubbery like the microwave can sometimes do.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual slices in foil and freeze. You can bake them straight from frozen when you need a quick snack or lunch.

FAQs

Can I use garlic bread instead of French bread?

You totally can! Just go easy on any extra garlic butter you add, since garlic bread already has a lot of flavor baked in.

What if I want a vegetarian version?

Skip the pepperoni and load it up with veggies like mushrooms, spinach, peppers, and onions. So good.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Just use your favorite gluten-free bread or baguette. You might want to keep an eye on baking time since some gluten-free breads cook a little faster.

What’s the best way to keep the pizza from getting soggy?

Pre-toasting the bread is your best friend. Also, don’t overload the sauce and use toppings that aren’t super watery.

Is this good for a crowd?

Absolutely. Slice it into smaller pieces for a super easy party snack that everybody can grab and enjoy.

Final Thoughts

French Bread Pizza with Garlic Butter is honestly one of those recipes that makes life a little bit better. It’s cozy, fun, ridiculously customizable, and just crazy good. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on even the busiest days.

So go ahead, try it out, make it your own, and have some fun with it. And when you do, I’d love to hear what toppings you used or if you tried any fun variations. Leave a comment and let’s swap ideas!

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