Easy Homemade French Bread Pizza - I Heart Naptime (2024)

Easy French Bread Pizza

If I ever ask my kids what they want for dinner, it’s PIZZA! We usually end up making it, ordering it or doing something different like this pizza bread, sheet pan pizza or pizza chicken roll ups. On Valentine’s we make heart shaped pizza!

We love to make French bread pizza recipe with my homemade French bread recipe. It’s much easier than making homemade pizza dough and the best part is customizing it. I make one half caprese bread style and the other half with cheese and pepperoni.

Homemade French Bread Pizza Ingredients

The base of pizza with French bread requires only 5 simple ingredients. Then you can add any desired toppings that you prefer!

Find the fullprintable recipewith specific measurements below.

• French bread: You can definitely buy french bread from the store, but I love to use homemade French bread or French baguette. My French bread recipe makes two loaves, so this pizza bread is absolutely perfect for using leftovers.
• Butter: I like to spread butter and garlic on top of the bread, then bake it in the oven for a few minutes prior to adding the toppings. This helps keep it crispy and also adds extra flavor.
• Garlic: I usually use garlic powder, but fresh minced garlic would absolutely work too. Just sprinkle it on top of the butter.
• Pizza sauce: I make my own pizza sauce because it’s super quick and easy and there’s no cooking involved. Just mix the ingredients together! If buying from the store, I love the DeLallo brand.
• Cheese: You can’t have pizza without the cheese! My go-to is freshly shredded mozzarella.

Pizza Topping Ideas and Variations

Below are a few variation ideas and pizza toppings that would be delicious.

• Classic: Pizza sauce, cheese and pepperoni make the best pepperoni pizza recipe!
• Caprese: Pizza sauce, cheese, tomatoes, basil and balsamic glaze
• Alfredo: Alfredo sauce, cheese and chicken
• Pesto: Pesto sauce, cheese and other toppings like chicken, tomatoes or spinach
• Spinach and artichoke: White pizza sauce, cheese, spinach and artichokes
• BBQ chicken: BBQ sauce, cheese, chicken and other toppings like peppers, onions or bacon
• Ham & pineapple: Pizza sauce, cheese, ham and pineapple
• Buffalo chicken: Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cheese and chicken
• Veggie: Pizza sauce, cheese and any of your favorite veggies
• Cooked meats: Sausage, chicken, meatballs, ham or Canadian bacon.
• Produce: Banana peppers, olives, spinach mushrooms, red onions, red bell peppers and tomatoes.
• Garnish: Fresh basil, balsamic glaze, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil.

How to Make French Bread Pizza

Now I know that you can buy this pizza bread in the frozen freezer section (I definitely have before), but it is so much more delicious to make your own.

1. Toast the bread. First, cut the loaf of french bread in half. Spread the butter on top of the bread and then sprinkle the garlic powder on top to make a garlic bread base. Bake for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.
2. Add toppings. Top with your favorite sauce, cheese and toppings.
3. Bake. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
4. Slice and enjoy. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Then cut into slices and enjoy while warm!

Best Pizza Bread Tips

To prevent sogginess and create the best pizza bread, follow these tips for a pizza night win!

• Pre-bake the bread. Lightly toasting the bread first is my main tip to prevent the bread from getting soggy. Spread on the butter and garlic and bake the bread in the oven for about 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
• Don’t overdo it on sauce. Adding too much sauce can cause the bread to get soggy as well. I add about 1/4 cup sauce per French bread half. Use the back of a spoon to evenly spread it on and leave about 1/2 inch room from the edges.
• Prep toppings. If needed cook your meat first and if your veggies contain a lot of moisture, like mushrooms, cook them first or pat any wet ingredients dry.
• Time saving. If in a hurry, quickly broil your bread, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn or get too crispy.

Recipe FAQS

Want more great pizza recipes? Check out my crescent roll veggie pizza or any of best homemade pizza recipes. You may also love these French bread rolls!

Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, 5 Ingredients Or Less, Dinner, Italian, Pizza

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