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; 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; 1 ½ cups pizza sauce; 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture, whole milk recommended); 25 pepperoni slices, or toppings of choice

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a pizza with a crunchy crust and gooey cheese, right? That’s why I’m so excited to share this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe with you—it’s a guaranteed hit any night of the week, especially when you want something quick but totally satisfying.

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

Honestly, French bread pizza has been my go-to comfort food for years—it’s simple, delicious, and always hits the spot. Plus, the secret garlic herb butter spread? Chef’s kiss for that perfect crispy crunch!

Super Quick to Make: Ready in just 28 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
Perfectly Crispy Crust: Thanks to a buttery garlic herb spread that adds flavor and crunch.
Customizable Toppings: Use pepperoni, veggies, or whatever you love on your pizza.
Family-Friendly: Makes 4 large pizzas, so there’s plenty to share.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, I want to highlight a few things about the ingredients that really make this recipe shine. Picking the right bread and cheese is key, and the garlic herb spread is what pulls everything together into one unforgettable bite.

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: Look for a large, airy loaf with a soft crust—not too crusty—so it crisps perfectly without getting too hard.
Olive Oil & Butter: Combining both gives you richness and helps the garlic and herbs infuse into the bread crust beautifully.
Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic adds that punch of flavor you want, making the spread irresistible.
Dried Oregano: A classic pizza herb that complements the garlic perfectly in the butter mixture.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top before the first bake, it creates a golden, savory crust layer.
Pizza Sauce: Pick your favorite store-bought version; Rao’s is great if you want premium, but Ragu is a delicious budget-friendly option.
Mozzarella Cheese: Low moisture whole milk mozzarella shredded from a block melts the best—stay away from fresh mozzarella here for a better melt and texture.
Pepperoni Slices: Frozen pre-sliced pepperoni works perfectly straight from the freezer, making prep even easier.

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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 easy it is to personalize. Whether you love a classic pepperoni or want to pile on veggies, the options are endless and always delicious!

Vegetarian Variation: I love swapping pepperoni for an assortment of colorful veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. It’s fresh, flavorful, and keeps the pizza hearty yet lighter.
Seasonal Toppings: During summer, I add fresh basil and cherry tomatoes after baking for a burst of garden-fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy bread and gooey cheese.
Cheese Swap: For a smokier twist, try mixing provolone with mozzarella. It melts beautifully and adds a subtle depth that has quickly become a family favorite.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking or add sliced jalapeños along with your other toppings. It really wakes up the flavors!

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 and Prep the Bread

First things first, preheat your oven to 425° F. This temperature is the sweet spot for toasting the bread to crispy perfection without drying it out. Next, slice your French bread loaf lengthwise and then cut each half into two large slices, so you end up with four generous pieces. Lay them cut-side up on a large, light-colored baking sheet — this helps keep the crust from browning too much underneath.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Herb Spread

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine olive oil, butter, fresh minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant but not browned—if it starts to get too hot, turn down the heat. This buttery garlic herb spread is the secret to that irresistible crispiness and savory flavor packed into every bite.

Step 3: Brush, Sprinkle, and Toast

Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over every slice of bread, making sure to coat the edges too so they get beautifully golden and crisp. Then sprinkle each piece evenly with grated Parmesan cheese — it melts and toasts to add a lovely nutty richness. Pop these onto your prepared baking sheet and bake for 6-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you see the edges turning light golden and the garlic aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 4: Layer the Toppings

Remove the toasted bread from the oven and spread about 1 ½ cups of your favorite pizza sauce evenly over the four slices. Next, generously sprinkle the shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese—2 ½ cups total—making sure it covers the sauce well for that perfect melty layer. Finally, add 25 pepperoni slices or whatever toppings you love best.

Step 5: Bake to Melty, Crispy Perfection

Return the topped bread to the oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes. Keep an eye out for the cheese bubbling and melted all the way through, with edges starting to brown and get nice and crispy. If you want an extra golden top, switch your oven to broil at 450° F for about 1 minute—but watch it closely here, as pizza can burn quickly under the broiler!

Step 6: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy Warm

Once your French Bread Pizza is baked to crispy, cheesy bliss, slice it up while it’s still warm. The combination of that buttery garlic crust, gooey mozzarella, and zesty sauce is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that pairs well with a simple green salad or your favorite beverage.

Top Tip

These tips will help you perfect your Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe every time, ensuring maximum flavor and that irresistible crunch!

Choose the Right Bread: I learned that picking a large, airy French bread loaf instead of a harder crusty loaf gives the perfect soft inside with that crisp outside — it makes all the difference.
Garlic Herb Spread: Don't skip heating the garlic and butter mix gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. It’s my little secret for deep flavor that really soaks into the bread.
Watch Your Bake Times: Baking the bread first for 6-7 minutes before adding toppings ensures a sturdy, crispy base that won't get soggy.
Broil Carefully: If you want to broil for extra browning, keep a close eye for about a minute to avoid burning your delicious creation — I almost learned this the hard way!

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

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or some crushed red pepper flakes right before serving to elevate your Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a handful of fresh arugula leaves also adds a bright, fresh touch that complements the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your pizza alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, garlic parmesan roasted broccoli, or even some classic garlic knots for an extra indulgent pizza night. A chilled glass of sparkling water or a bold red wine pairs wonderfully too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your delicious French Bread Pizza has cooled completely, wrap the leftovers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

This pizza freezes well! After cooling, wrap each piece individually with plastic wrap and then foil, or use freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy crust and melty cheese, reheat your leftovers on a baking sheet at 350° F for 5-8 minutes. This gently warms the pizza and revives that fresh-baked texture and flavor without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! While a light, airy French bread loaf works best for a perfect crispy crust, you can experiment with Italian bread or baguettes. Just keep in mind the texture and thickness will affect baking time and crust crispiness.

How do I make sure my French bread pizza is crispy, not soggy?

The key is to bake the bread with the garlic herb spread and Parmesan cheese first for 6-7 minutes before adding sauce and toppings. This toasts the bread and creates a crisp base that resists sogginess when you add the sauce.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any toppings you love—veggies, meats, or different cheeses like provolone or cheddar. Just keep in mind the additional moisture toppings might bring to adjust baking time accordingly.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with vegetarian-friendly toppings like mushrooms, olives, peppers, or artichoke hearts to keep it flavorful and vegetarian-friendly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe — it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor from that secret buttery garlic herb spread. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or indulging in a cozy solo dinner, this pizza never disappoints. It brings together the best of crispy bread, melty cheese, and savory toppings in every bite. I hope it becomes one of your go-to recipes just like it is mine!