Easy French Bread Pizza: Your Ultimate 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner Solution
Craving pizza but short on time? This incredible French Bread Pizza recipe is your perfect answer! Designed to be a super speedy, delicious 20-minute meal, it’s ideal for those hectic weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast, or for a fun, easy weekend treat that the whole family will love. This recipe stands out because it consistently delivers the BEST French bread pizza: packed with flavor, never soggy, and fantastic for meal prepping!
If you’re a fellow pizza enthusiast always on the hunt for quick and tasty variations, be sure to explore more of our pizza recipes. You’ll especially love our lightning-fast English muffin pizzas and our innovative tortilla pizzas – both are incredibly easy to whip up with minimal effort. And for those moments when you’re in a pinch and need foolproof meals your kids will devour, check out our comprehensive list of 15 easy kid-friendly dinner recipes! It’s brimming with simple, delicious ideas that even the pickiest eaters will gobble up.
Why This French Bread Pizza Recipe Works So Well
This French bread pizza isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver for busy households. It has become one of my absolute go-to weeknight meals, and for good reason! Not only do I adore it, but my kids give it two thumbs up every time – a huge win for any parent. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and efficiency. It demands minimal ingredients, requires very little prep time, and is incredibly budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
The secret to its speed and ease is using a readily available French bread loaf instead of traditional homemade pizza dough. This simple swap dramatically cuts down dinner prep time, transforming a potentially lengthy baking project into a quick assembly task. Beyond its speed, it’s a fantastic meal idea for getting the kids involved in the kitchen. They’ll love helping you spread the sauce, sprinkle the cheese, and, most importantly, choose their favorite toppings, making dinner an interactive and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Moreover, this specific recipe includes a genius trick to prevent the dreaded soggy crust, ensuring every bite is perfectly crispy and delicious. This is a game-changer for French bread pizzas, allowing them to store well and taste fantastic even as leftovers.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect French Bread Pizza
Gathering your ingredients for French bread pizza is straightforward and quick. Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering pizzas:
- French Bread Loaf: The star of our show! Look for a fresh, crusty loaf. Cutting it in half lengthwise provides the perfect base for your pizza. For larger families or if you’re hosting a gathering, consider using two loaves. A single loaf, cut in half, comfortably fed my family of four (two adults and two toddlers), yielding two generous pizza halves. The quality of your bread will significantly impact the final texture of your pizza.
- Pizza Sauce: This is where much of the flavor comes from! You can adjust the amount to your personal preference – I love a saucy pizza, so I tend to add a generous layer to each half. For an unbeatable taste, I consistently use my homemade pizza sauce from tomato paste recipe; it’s by far the best and adds a fresh, vibrant kick. However, any good quality store-bought marinara or pizza sauce will work wonderfully.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Grated mozzarella is classic for a reason – it melts beautifully and offers that satisfying cheesy pull. Feel free to add more or less depending on how cheesy you like your pizza! For best results, grate your own mozzarella from a block, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Pepperoni: A timeless pizza topping, pepperonis add a delicious salty, savory flavor. Adjust the quantity to your liking. You have options here: mini pepperonis are great for even distribution, regular-sized slices offer a bolder bite, and turkey pepperonis are a lighter alternative. The best part? A layer of pepperoni strategically placed on the bread before the sauce acts as a fantastic barrier, preventing the bread from getting soggy.
- Melted Butter & Garlic Powder: While not explicitly a “topping,” this crucial mixture creates a golden, flavorful, and slightly crispy base for your French bread. It’s brushed onto the bread before toasting, infusing it with a delightful garlic butter taste that elevates the entire pizza.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Perfect French Bread Pizza
Follow these simple steps to create delicious, crispy French bread pizzas that will be ready in no time!
- Prepare the Bread: Begin by taking your French bread loaf and carefully slicing it in half lengthwise. This creates two long, flat surfaces for your pizza. In a small bowl, combine your melted butter with garlic powder. Using a pastry brush, evenly spread this aromatic butter and garlic mixture over the cut surfaces of both French bread halves. This step is key to building flavor and achieving a beautifully golden, crispy crust.
- Pre-toast the Bread: Place the buttered French bread halves on a baking sheet. Toast them in your preheated oven (usually 400°F/200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and feels crisp to the touch. If you desire an extra-crispy top, carefully place the bread under the broiler for just a minute or two, watching it very closely to prevent burning (this is what I did for the pizzas pictured!). This pre-toasting step is essential for preventing a soggy crust later on.
- Layer with Pepperoni and Sauce (The Secret to No Soggy Crust!): This is the crucial step for preventing a soggy crust. Place a layer of pepperoni slices directly onto the toasted French bread. These small meat discs act as a delicious barrier, preventing the sauce from soaking into the bread. This simple trick makes a world of difference! Once the pepperoni barrier is in place, generously spread your favorite pizza sauce (I highly recommend using homemade pizza sauce for the best flavor) evenly over the pepperoni layer.
- Add Cheese and Remaining Toppings: Now for the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce. Then, arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top of the mozzarella. This is also the perfect moment to unleash your creativity with any other desired toppings. You can transform it into a “supreme” French bread pizza by adding pre-cooked mushrooms, diced green peppers, cooked sausage crumbles, sliced black olives, or any other favorites.
- Bake and Serve: Return the French bread pizzas to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges. Once baked to perfection, carefully remove from the oven, slice into individual portions, and serve immediately while hot and delicious. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired for a touch of freshness.
Expert Recipe Tips for the Best French Bread Pizza
To ensure your French bread pizza turns out perfectly every time, remember this critical tip: it’s important to toast the bread *without* any toppings first. If you skip this initial toasting step and load it with sauce and cheese right away, the bread will remain too soft and likely get soggy under the moisture of the toppings. A pre-toasted, slightly crispy base is key to a superior French bread pizza experience.
Delicious Topping Variations for Every Taste
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize your French bread pizzas with all your favorite pizza toppings! Here are some ideas to get you started:
You can create a spectacular “supreme French bread pizza” by adding a medley of flavorful ingredients such as fully cooked sausage crumbles, crispy bacon pieces, finely diced green peppers, sliced black olives, and earthy mushrooms. The possibilities are truly endless!
This is an especially fantastic recipe for families, as each kid (and adult!) can personalize their pizza with their preferred toppings. Consider using one half of each French bread slice for a different pizza variation, turning dinner into a fun, interactive buffet. Let everyone be their own pizza chef!
Looking for healthier options? It’s easy to make a nutritious French bread pizza without sacrificing flavor. Opt for a whole wheat French bread loaf for added fiber. Swap out traditional mozzarella for a low-fat or skim mozzarella cheese, or even consider a blend with a lighter provolone. Instead of conventional pepperoni, try turkey pepperoni for a leaner protein. Most importantly, load up on plenty of fresh veggies like spinach, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and broccoli florets to boost vitamins and nutrients.
Additional pizza topping ideas: Expand your pizza horizons with a wide array of toppings. Consider juicy mushrooms, vibrant green peppers, savory black olives, sweet ham chunks, tangy pineapple (for a Hawaiian twist!), sharp Parmesan cheese, briny chopped artichoke hearts, bold Kalamata olives, intense sun-dried tomatoes, fresh slices of tomato (best added after baking for freshness), crispy bacon bits, hearty sausage bites, tender chopped grilled chicken, and so many more! Don’t be afraid to mix and match to discover your perfect combination.
Storing & Reheating Your French Bread Pizza
One of the best features of this French bread pizza is how well it stores, thanks to our special anti-soggy crust trick! Store any leftover pizza halves in an airtight ziplock bag or container in the fridge for 3-4 days. This method ensures your pizza stays fresh and delicious, ready for a quick meal later.
To reheat for optimal crispness, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the pizza directly on a rack or baking sheet until it’s warm throughout and the cheese is perfectly melty and bubbly again. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on your oven. For a quicker option, you can microwave a slice for about 30-60 seconds, though the crust won’t be as crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Bread Pizza
The delightful French bread pizza we know today has an interesting origin story, primarily attributed to Bob Petrillose. In 1960, he operated a popular food truck called “Hot Truck Bob” near Cornell University, where he famously sold sandwiches to hungry students. It was here that he ingeniously began using sub bread as a base for pizzas, offering a quick and satisfying meal. His innovative idea eventually caught the attention of Stouffer’s, a major food company, which later popularized and mass-produced French bread pizzas, making them a freezer aisle staple across the nation. You can delve deeper into the fascinating history of French bread pizza in this article from the Wall Street Journal.
A soggy French bread pizza is a common culinary disappointment, but it’s entirely preventable! The primary culprit is usually the moisture from the pizza sauce soaking directly into the bread. The absolute best trick to combat this – and it makes a world of difference – is to create a barrier. After you’ve pre-toasted the bread open-faced in the oven to give it a head start, place a layer of pepperoni slices directly onto the toasted bread *before* you spread the sauce. The pepperoni acts as a protective shield, preventing the sauce from directly saturating the bread, resulting in a beautifully crispy base every single time. Another factor could be not toasting the bread enough in the initial step; ensure it’s golden and firm before adding wet toppings.
Absolutely! French bread pizzas are excellent for meal prep or freezing. To prepare ahead for later baking, assemble the pizzas as directed, up to the point of baking. Then, instead of baking, wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For freezing, follow the same wrapping procedure, and freeze for up to 1-2 months. When ready to bake from frozen, simply unwrap and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is crisp. You might need a few extra minutes for frozen pizzas.
More Favorite Pizza Recipes to Try
If you loved this French bread pizza, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic pizza-inspired recipes from our collection:
- Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe: Master the basics with our simple recipe for perfect pizza crust every time.
- CPK Club Pizza: Recreate your favorite restaurant-style pizza at home – a super easy dinner idea, especially if you prep the dough ahead of time!
- Pepperoni Pizza Dip: A crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings all the irresistible flavors of pizza into a hot, cheesy dip.
- Homemade Pizza Rolls: Better than store-bought, these savory rolls are perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a fun meal.
- Kale Pizza: A delicious and surprisingly healthy option that combines nutritious kale with savory pizza goodness.
Did you make this recipe? We’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Click here to leave a rating and review. Your feedback helps us improve and inspires others!
Print
SaveSaved!
Review
Classic French Bread Pizza (Quick & Crispy)
Ingredients
- 1 French bread loaf – cut in half lengthwise
- 3 tablespoons butter – melted
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup pizza sauce – more or less to your liking; homemade or store-bought
- 6 oz mozzarella – grated, about 2-2 1/2 cups; for best melt, grate from a block
- 2 oz pepperonis – more or less to your liking; can use mini, regular, or turkey pepperoni
- fresh basil – chopped, for topping (optional, but highly recommended)
Equipment
-
baking sheet
-
Herb scissors
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with tin foil for easy clean-up.
-
Place the French bread halves, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
-
In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the melted butter and garlic powder. Using a pastry brush, spread this savory butter mixture evenly over the entire top surface of the French bread halves.
-
Place the buttered loaves in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread edges are visibly golden brown and feel nicely crisped up. This vital step prevents soggy pizza!
-
Remove the bread from the oven. Now for the secret trick: layer about 3/4 of your pepperonis directly onto the toasted bread. This creates a barrier to prevent the sauce from making the bread soggy. Next, spread your pizza sauce generously over the pepperoni layer. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce, and finally, top with the remaining pepperonis. Don’t hesitate to add any other desired additional toppings at this stage!
-
Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
-
Carefully remove the French bread pizzas from the oven. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of fresh flavor. Slice the pizzas into individual portions and serve immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is still gooey.
Notes
Storing: This French bread pizza stores exceptionally well, largely thanks to the pepperoni barrier that prevents the crust from getting soggy. You can enjoy delicious leftovers several days after making it, and it will still taste amazing! Store leftover pizza halves in an airtight ziplock bag or container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To reheat: For the best crisp crust, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook until the pizza is warm throughout and the cheese is perfectly melty and bubbly. Alternatively, for a quicker reheat, you can microwave a slice for 30-60 seconds or until the cheese has re-melted and it’s heated through (though the crust will be softer).
I first shared this delicious recipe on Recipe Girl where I was a contributor. This updated version includes improved instructions and an enhanced method for making the French bread pizza even better, especially to prevent sogginess!
Nutrition
This recipe for French Bread Pizza was first published on September 19, 2018. It was significantly updated on March 4, 2021, with a new, improved method, specifically incorporating the crucial step of placing pepperonis directly on the toasted crust to prevent over-saturation and ensure a perfectly crisp base every time.