Who doesn’t love pizza? Now, imagine all the gooey, cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza, but with an even better twist: French bread as the base. Yes, you heard that right. French bread gives you a crispy, slightly chewy crust that’s perfect for holding all your favorite toppings. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, which means you can enjoy homemade pizza in minutes. Trust me, you’re going to love this one! Whether you’re feeding your family, entertaining friends, or just indulging in a fun meal for yourself, French Bread Pizza is a total game-changer.
Why You’ll Love French Bread Pizza
This recipe isn’t just about slapping toppings on a slice of bread—it’s about convenience, flavor, and that satisfying crunch you only get from toasted French bread. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and only a few ingredients, you can have this pizza ready in no time. It’s the perfect last-minute meal when you’re craving pizza but don’t want to deal with dough.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite toppings, whether you love classic pepperoni, veggies, or a mix of everything. The sky’s the limit when it comes to personalization.
- Fun to Make: If you’ve got kids or a group of friends around, this recipe is a great one to make together. Everyone can customize their own slice and have fun while doing it!
- Crispy and Delicious: The French bread gives you the perfect crispiness on the outside while still being soft on the inside. Plus, the melted cheese and sauce are the perfect combo.
- Budget-Friendly: With just a few basic ingredients, this dish is light on your wallet but heavy on flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible French Bread Pizzas:
- French Bread Loaf: The sturdy base that’s going to carry all your toppings. Choose a fresh loaf that’s firm enough to hold everything.
- Tomato Sauce: A classic pizza sauce to spread over the bread for that tangy, savory layer of flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that pulls apart in all the right ways. You can’t go wrong with mozzarella!
- Pepperoni: A traditional topping that adds a nice salty bite. You can also swap it for sausage, ham, or any other protein you love.
- Green Bell Pepper: For a little sweetness and color. You can use any veggie you prefer, though!
- Onions: Sautéed or raw, onions add a delicious depth of flavor to your pizza.
- Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this gives your pizza that authentic Italian touch.
- Olive Oil: For drizzling over the top to add a little extra richness and a glossy finish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get this pizza party started! Follow these simple steps to create the best French Bread Pizza:
1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to get a crispy crust and melt the cheese to perfection.
2. Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, creating two long, open-faced halves. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. If you like extra crispy crust, drizzle a bit of olive oil on the cut side before you start topping them.
3. Add the Sauce: Spread a generous amount of tomato sauce on each half of the bread. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, covering the entire surface. If you love a saucy pizza, feel free to add more sauce.
4. Top with Cheese: Pile on the shredded mozzarella cheese. Don’t be shy—more cheese equals more melty goodness. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the sauce.
5. Add Toppings: Here’s where you can get creative! Add your desired toppings—pepperoni, green bell peppers, onions, or any other favorites you have on hand.
6. Season It: Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning on top of the cheese and toppings for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Bake: Place the pizzas in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn, but enjoy that mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen.
8. Slice and Serve: Once the cheese is melted and the edges of the bread are crispy, remove the pizzas from the oven. Slice them into pieces and serve hot.
How to Serve French Bread Pizza
French Bread Pizza is perfect on its own, but here are a few side dishes to make the meal even more satisfying:
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pizza.
- Garlic Bread: If you can’t get enough of bread, serve this alongside some garlic bread for the ultimate carb lover’s meal.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots make a great accompaniment to this pizza.
- Fruit Salad: For a lighter, refreshing side, a fruity salad with seasonal fruits is the way to go.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you make the most of your French Bread Pizza:
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with different sauces—barbecue sauce, pesto, or even a creamy white sauce can all work wonderfully on this pizza.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free bread loaf as your base, and enjoy!
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for the best results.
- Double the Batch: Make extra and store them for a quick, easy meal later in the week.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of bread?
A1: Yes! If you don’t have French bread, you can use baguette slices, Italian bread, or even pita for smaller pizzas.
Q2: Can I make French Bread Pizza ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the bread and toppings ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
Q3: Can I freeze French Bread Pizza?
A3: Yes! Assemble the pizzas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
Q4: How do I make the crust extra crispy?
A4: Drizzle a bit of olive oil on the bread before adding the toppings. This will help get the edges nice and crispy while the inside stays soft.
Q5: Can I use different cheese?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Q6: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A6: No worries! Use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme to get that Italian flavor.
Q7: How do I reheat leftover French Bread Pizza?
A7: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes to get the crust crispy again.
Q8: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A8: Yes! Just load it up with vegetables like mushrooms, olives, onions, and peppers instead of meat.
Q9: How can I make these pizzas spicier?
A9: Add some sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to give your pizza a spicy kick.
Q10: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A10: Use dairy-free cheese options like vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free version.
Conclusion
French Bread Pizza is the ultimate quick and easy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With its crispy crust, melty cheese, and endless topping options, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. So grab a loaf of French bread and get ready to enjoy a pizza experience like no other—because life’s too short for bland meals!
Print
French Bread Pizza
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This French bread pizza is topped with sausage, thinly sliced onions, and black olives for a savory twist. Easy to make and ready in less time than ordering takeout, it’s a perfect weeknight meal or appetizer!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed and torn into pieces (or use bulk sausage, mild or hot)
- 1 loaf French bread (about 18 inches long)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 to 1 cup pasta sauce (use a meatless variety or pizza sauce)
- 7–8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons white onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons black olives, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Crushed red pepper, for serving (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Sausage:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring frequently to break up large pieces. Remove the sausage and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare Bread:
- Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, creating two pieces. Brush the inside of each piece with olive oil.
- Assemble Pizzas:
- Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on each of the 4 bread pieces.
- Divide 3/4 of the shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/2 cups) among the bread pieces, reserving about 1/2 cup of cheese for later.
- Top with sausage, onions, olives, and the reserved cheese. Sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder.
- Bake:
- Place the pizzas on a baking sheet lined with a cooling rack (if available). Bake for 15-20 minutes, checking after 12 minutes for doneness. The cheese should be melted and the bread toasted.
- Serve:
- Serve with crushed red pepper and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier pizza, use hot sausage and add more crushed red pepper.
- You can use pizza sauce instead of pasta sauce for a more traditional pizza flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg