Name: Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter softened; 6 garlic cloves finely minced or pressed; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 pound French bread or Italian bread; ½ cup pizza sauce; 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese shredded; 15 pepperoni slices; 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese; red pepper flakes optional; chopped fresh parsley to garnish, optional

There's something instantly comforting about warm, cheesy bread that melts in your mouth, right? That’s exactly why the Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe has become one of my go-to treats. It’s the best mix of crispy garlic buttered bread topped with melty mozzarella and pepperoni that just hits the spot every time.

The image shows four slices of pepperoni pizza arranged on a wooden board, stacked slightly on top of each other in a vertical line. Each slice has a golden-brown crust with melted, stretchy white cheese covering the surface. Bright red pepperoni slices are placed evenly on top of the cheese, with small green herb sprinkles scattered across for garnish. The cheese is bubbling and toasted with some darker golden spots, and the crust edges look crispy. A small glass dish with red chili flakes is partly visible at the right side on the white marbled surface beneath the board. 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 Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless pizza and garlic bread combos, but this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe stands out because it’s super fast, uses simple ingredients, and still feels like an indulgent comfort food. It’s perfect for casual dinners or feeding a hungry crowd quickly.

Quick & Easy: Ready in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Double Flavor Boost: Garlic butter base plus classic pizza toppings deliver layers of savory goodness.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or spices to make it just your style.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from picky eaters to pizza lovers will devour this.

The image shows two pieces of bread topped with melted cheese that looks creamy and slightly browned on the edges. On top of the cheese, there are six round slices of pepperoni on each piece, sprinkled with red chili flakes and small bits of green herbs. The bread is placed on a wooden board with a clear glass of a light yellow drink on the right side and a small white bowl with red pepper flakes near a white cloth with black lines, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together everyday ingredients in a way that’s approachable yet incredibly tasty. Each element works harmoniously to build layers of flavor—from the garlicky buttery bread to gooey cheese and the punch of pepperoni.

Flat lay of minced garlic cloves, softened salted butter, chopped fresh parsley, a long loaf of French bread with a soft crust, vibrant red pizza sauce, shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced pepperoni, and grated Parmesan cheese, all beautifully arranged with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley leaves, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Salted butter: The rich base for that irresistible garlic butter spread; salted adds depth, but you can use unsalted and adjust seasoning.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic minced or pressed delivers that bright, punchy aroma and flavor you want in garlic bread.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness and brightens every bite.
French or Italian bread: Look for a softer crust baguette style; it crisps up nicely without being too tough.
Pizza sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or homemade—tomato-based with herbs is best for that classic flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: I recommend low-moisture, freshly shredded for melt and stretch; pre-shredded tends to have additives.
Pepperoni slices: Adds that spicy, meaty bite; keep the slices even for balanced topping coverage.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra cheesy, slightly nutty finish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Great if you want a little heat at the end.
Chopped parsley (optional garnish): Adds color and freshness when serving.

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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 fun things about this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I like to switch up the toppings depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Variation: Sometimes I swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or veggies like roasted bell peppers and mushrooms, which makes it a little lighter but just as delicious.
Dietary modifications: Use gluten-free bread and dairy-free cheese alternatives to enjoy a version that fits your needs without losing that garlic bread charm.
Seasonal tweaks: Add fresh tomatoes, basil, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze in summer for a fresh twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Garlic Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 400℉—this temp crisps the bread nicely without burning it. Next, mix softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. The garlic butter is where the magic begins, so make sure your butter is soft for easy spreading!

Step 2: Split and Butter the Bread

Cut your French or Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise, giving you two “boats” of bread. Spread the garlic butter generously and evenly across the cut side of each piece. This ensures every bite is infused with that buttery garlic flavor.

Step 3: Quick Bake for Garlic Toast

Place the bread cut side up on a parchment-lined sheet pan, then bake for about 5 minutes until the butter melts and the bread just starts to toast. This step locks in the garlic flavor and gives the base a gentle crisp.

Step 4: Add Sauce, Cheese & Toppings

Pull the bread from the oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over each half—don’t overload it, or the bread will get soggy. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, layer pepperoni slices, and finish with parmesan cheese for that perfect golden finish.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly & Golden

Bake for 15-18 minutes, checking that the cheese is melty and bubbling and the edges of the bread have turned a beautiful golden brown. Resist the urge to overcook—it’s all about that perfect balance of crisp and gooey.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

After baking, sprinkle red pepper flakes for kick, fresh parsley for color, and extra parmesan if you like. Let it rest a couple of minutes before slicing so the cheese sets a bit. Then dig in and enjoy!

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe over and over, and I’ve learned a few tricks that help it come out perfectly every time. These tips will save you from soggy bread and guarantee a delicious, crispy pizza bread every time you make it.

Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic from a jar just won’t cut it here—the fresh stuff provides that sharp and fresh punch that makes this garlic bread pizza sing.
Don’t Overload Sauce: Too much sauce can weigh down the bread and make it soggy, so spread evenly but sparingly.
Low-Moisture Mozzarella: This gives a gorgeous melt without releasing too much liquid, keeping the bread crisp.
Toast Bread First: That quick 5-minute bake before toppings is key for avoiding soggy bread and keeping a great crunch.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this with a little extra fresh chopped parsley because it adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes brings nice heat if you like some spice, and a dash more parmesan is never a bad idea.

Side Dishes

Pair your Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe with a crisp green salad to keep it fresh, or some roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. A bowl of tomato soup also makes a nostalgic and cozy combo that I often go for on chilly evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I slice the bread into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with colorful dips like ranch or spicy marinara. You can also cut the garlic bread pizza into strips and serve as an appetizer with toothpicks – always a hit with kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or airtight containers and keep them in the fridge. When wrapped well, the bread stays reasonably fresh for about 2 days. Just beware that the bread might lose some crispness over time.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing garlic bread pizzas works great when pre-baked only to the garlic toast stage. Freeze the buttered bread halves wrapped in foil, then when you want to make the recipe, add toppings and bake fresh. This keeps the garlic flavor bright and bread texture better.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I recommend using the oven or toaster oven to crisp up the bread again—about 10 minutes at 350℉ works well. Avoid microwaving since it can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While French or Italian bread works best because of its texture, you can use sourdough, ciabatta, or even a sturdy sandwich loaf. Just make sure it’s not too soft or it might get soggy under the toppings.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach. You can also add different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for more flavor variety.

What’s the best way to avoid soggy garlic bread pizza?

The biggest key is baking the garlic buttered bread alone first for 5 minutes to toast it lightly before adding sauce and toppings. Also, avoid adding too much sauce and use low-moisture mozzarella cheese to keep moisture down.

Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix the garlic butter a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before spreading on the bread for easy application.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it combines simplicity with comfort perfectly. Whether you're feeding the family or putting together a quick, satisfying meal, you’ll appreciate how easy and delicious it is. Try it out, tweak it your way, and I bet it will become a favorite in your kitchen, too!