Name: Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French Bread, about 1 lb, 20-21 inches long; 25 pepperoni slices, or toppings of choice; 1 ½ cups pizza sauce; 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

If you're craving a quick, satisfying meal with a perfect crunch, this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s oven-baked, loaded with melty cheese, and features a buttery garlic herb spread that takes it to the next level. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

The image shows four pieces of toasted bread pizza placed on a baking sheet with a light brown baking mat. Each piece has a base layer of thick, crispy golden-brown bread. On top, there is a red tomato sauce layer, covered by a smooth, melted white cheese layer that stretches evenly to the edges. Scattered on the cheese are bright red pepperoni slices, some slightly shiny with oil, arranged mostly in pairs or threes, with flecks of green herbs sprinkled lightly over everything. The edges of the cheese have a slight golden-brown toast, and the baking sheet sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this French bread pizza countless times when I’m short on time but still want something delicious and satisfying. The best part? It’s easy to customize with whatever toppings you have on hand, so it’s never boring.

Super quick prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Perfectly crispy crust: The French bread base crisps up beautifully while staying tender inside.
Buttery garlic flavor: The garlic herb spread adds a rich, savory boost that pairs perfectly with melted cheese.
Versatile toppings: Pepperoni, veggies, or whatever you like—this pizza adapts to your cravings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to French bread pizza, using the right ingredients makes all the difference. I always suggest picking a light, airy loaf and fresh toppings to ensure every bite is deliciously crispy and flavorful.

Flat lay of a whole loaf of fresh French bread, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow butter, three uncracked cloves of fresh garlic, a few dried oregano leaves scattered naturally, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl filled with grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red pizza sauce, a small white ceramic bowl overflowing with shredded mozzarella cheese, and a neat stack of bright red pepperoni slices, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

French Bread: Choose a loaf that’s large, light, and airy rather than dense to get that perfect crispy crust.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps blend the garlic and herbs into a luscious spread.
Butter: Gives the spread that indulgent, savory depth you want on your bread slices.
Fresh Garlic: Minced cloves bring sharp, aromatic flavor that infuses the bread during baking.
Dried Oregano: A classic herb that complements the pizza’s Italian-American vibe beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors in the garlic butter mixture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on before baking to develop a slightly crispy, cheesy crust.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade; it adds a tangy, tomatoey base for the toppings.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: I recommend low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella for that perfect melt and stretch.
Pepperoni Slices: Classic pizza topping that crisps up nicely and adds a spicy kick—feel free to swap for other favorites.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Feel free to get creative and make it uniquely yours!

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and olives for a colorful, veggie-packed pizza. I love this twist for a lighter, garden-fresh option that still has tons of flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter spread or top your pizza with sliced jalapeños and spicy sausage for a bold, fiery bite. It really wakes up your taste buds!
Seasonal Favorite: In the fall, I like swapping pepperoni for crumbled cooked sausage and topping with caramelized onions and fresh sage—such a cozy, comforting combo that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter base.
Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free baguette or French bread substitute. Just watch the baking time carefully since the texture may vary a bit, but the cheesy, garlicky goodness remains the star.
Swap the Cheese: Try mixing shredded mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a richer cheese experience. I found a blend gives an irresistibly gooey and flavorful melt every time.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe

The image shows a white oval plate with ten small square pizza slices arranged neatly. Each slice has three layers: a thick, golden-brown bread base with a soft texture, a layer of red tomato sauce just visible under the cheese, and melted white mozzarella cheese covering most of the surface. On top of the cheese, two shiny, reddish-brown pepperoni slices are placed on each piece. There are small green herb sprinkles scattered over the pizza slices. A small white ramekin filled with red marinara sauce is placed on the plate beside the pizza pieces. A jar of grated cheese and some green parsley blurred in the background sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the Oven for a Perfect Crisp

Start by preheating your oven to 425° F. This high temperature is key to getting that lovely crispy crust on the French bread while gently melding all the flavors together. While it warms up, you can prep your bread and toppings.

Step 2: Prep the Bread for a Crispy Base

Cut your loaf of French bread in half lengthwise, then slice each half into smaller pieces about the size of an open-faced sandwich. Arrange these slices on a large, light-colored baking sheet—this helps ensure even cooking without burning. A lighter baking sheet reflects heat better and gives the bread a nice, uniform crispiness.

Step 3: Whip Up That Irresistible Garlic Butter Spread

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons butter, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and hot. Be careful to lower the heat if the garlic starts to brown too fast, because burnt garlic will add bitterness. Once ready, remove from heat.

Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle for Flavor Layers

Using a pastry brush, gently coat the top and edges of each bread slice with your garlic butter mixture. This layer infuses every bite with buttery, herbaceous goodness. Then, sprinkle each slice evenly with ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a nutty depth and helps build a savory crust as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Bread Base until Crispy

Pop those prepared slices into your preheated oven for 6-7 minutes. You'll start to see the edges turn golden and the Parmesan just begins to melt into the bread. This step ensures your base is perfectly crisp and ready to hold all those delicious pizza toppings.

Step 6: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings

Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spread about 1 ½ cups of pizza sauce over each slice—feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. Next, sprinkle 2 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, followed by 25 pepperoni slices or any other toppings you prefer. This layering sets the stage for that gooey, melty cheese and flavorful combo.

Step 7: Final Bake for Melty, Golden Perfection

Return your loaded bread slices to the oven and bake for 10-13 minutes. Watch for the cheese to fully melt and bubble, and for the bread edges to turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp up even more. If you want a slightly browned, bubbly cheese top, switch the oven to broil at 450° F and broil for about 1 minute. Be sure to keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

Step 8: Slice and Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, let your French bread pizza cool just enough to handle safely, then slice if you haven’t already. Serve warm to enjoy the perfect crispy crust with melty, cheesy toppings—and get ready for some happy faces around the table.

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe, ensuring that each pizza slice is perfectly crunchy, flavorful, and ready to impress every time.

Choosing the Right Bread: I always look for a light and airy loaf rather than a dense crusty one. It makes a huge difference in getting that ideal crispy, yet tender bite.
Garlic Butter Spread: When heating the garlic butter mixture, stirring continuously and keeping the heat moderate prevents burning the garlic and keeps the flavors fresh.
Even Baking: Using a large, light-colored baking sheet helps cook the bread slices evenly without over-browning the bottoms.
Cheese Selection: Using shredded low moisture mozzarella from a block, instead of fresh or pre-shredded cheese, delivers the perfect cheese melt and that classic pizza stretch I've grown to love.

How to Serve Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe

The image shows two metal trays with pieces of bread on a white marbled surface. On the left tray, there are four long slices of bread spread with a yellow layer of oil or butter and sprinkled with a white powdery topping, likely cheese, giving it a slightly textured look. On the right tray, the same bread slices are covered with a smooth red tomato sauce layer, evenly spread across each piece, with some small herbs or spices visible in the sauce. The bread pieces are aligned neatly on both trays. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves or a pinch of red pepper flakes right on top after baking for an extra pop of flavor and color. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a few fresh oregano sprigs can also add a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your crispy French bread pizzas with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, garlic parmesan roasted vegetables, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. For a heartier meal, a bowl of comforting minestrone or classic Italian wedding soup complements the pizza beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your crispy French bread pizza slices have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping each slice individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back the original crispy texture and melted cheese, reheat your leftovers on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350° F for 5-8 minutes. This method warms the pizza evenly and revives that delicious buttery garlic-infused bread base.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread for this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe?

You can try other breads, but for the best crispy texture and classic taste, a large, light, and airy French bread loaf works best. Denser or drier breads may not crisp up as nicely.

What’s the secret to getting the bread super crispy without drying it out?

The buttery garlic spread brushed generously all over the bread edges and top, plus baking at a high 425° F temperature initially, creates that crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside tender.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings — veggies, meats, or different cheeses. Just be mindful of moisture-heavy toppings that might make the bread soggy.

How long does it take to make this recipe from start to finish?

The entire process, including prep and baking, takes about 28 minutes. It’s a fantastic quick meal option for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic pizza with the ease and crunch of French bread. It’s versatile, quick, and endlessly customizable, making it a go-to for casual dinners or sharing with friends. I hope you find joy in baking it as much as I do in making and sharing it—bon appétit!