Oven-Baked French Bread Pizza Recipe

This Oven-Baked French Bread Pizza is everything a quick weeknight dinner should be: fast, customizable, and unbelievably delicious. With a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings, it’s a family-friendly crowd-pleaser that can be ready in about 20 minutes. Perfect for those evenings when cooking feels like a chore, but you still want something warm and satisfying.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Effortless: This is your go-to when you’re short on time. Just assemble and bakeโ€”no dough to knead or wait to rise.
  • Super Customizable: Everyone gets exactly what they want! Half pepperoni, half veggie? Done in one tray.
  • Crispy, Cheesy Perfection: Toasty French bread with golden edges, layered with melty cheese and your favorite toppings? Pure joy.
  • Fun for All Ages: Kids can help choose and add toppings, making dinner a fun family activity.

Ingredients Youโ€™ll Need

  • French Bread: Use a fresh, crusty loaf; slice it lengthwise for the perfect pizza base.
  • Pizza Sauce: A good-quality jarred marinara or homemade sauce works beautifully. Spread generously for bold flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts into that irresistible gooey layer. Donโ€™t be shy with it.
  • Toppings of Choice: Pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, red onions, cooked sausage, fresh basilโ€”go wild.
  • Olive Oil: A light brushing helps the bread crisp up and adds flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle over the top brings everything together with classic pizza flavor.

Variations

  • Margherita Style: Swap mozzarella for fresh slices, add tomato and basil for a fresh twist.
  • Buffalo Chicken: Top with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and red onion.
  • BBQ Delight: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara and add chicken, red onion, and cilantro.
  • Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese and load up on veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.

How to Make Oven-Baked French Bread Pizza

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise and place it cut-side up on a baking sheet. Lightly brush the surface with olive oil.

Step 2: Add the Sauce and Cheese

Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce on each bread half. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, covering all the way to the edges for that perfect cheesy bite.

Step 3: Add Toppings

Top with your favorite ingredients. Mix and match however you likeโ€”this part is all yours to customize.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden and crisp.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Let it cool slightly, slice into portions, and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread crisps up even better in the oven.
  • Pre-Toasting Optional: For extra crunch, pre-bake the bread for 3-4 minutes before adding sauce.
  • Avoid Overloading: Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy. Keep it balanced.
  • Finish Under the Broiler: For extra golden cheese, broil for the last minute.

How to Serve

Standalone Meal:

Serve slices with a fresh side salad or soup for a more balanced dinner.

Party Appetizer:

Cut into smaller pieces for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings.

Dipping Game:

Offer marinara, garlic butter, or ranch for dippingโ€”great for kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

Wrap the assembled but unbaked pizzas in foil and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Reheating:

Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF until warmed through and crispy. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! Ciabatta, hoagie rolls, or even naan bread work well. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold toppings.

Whatโ€™s the best way to keep the bread from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the bread for a few minutes and avoiding too much sauce or wet toppings will keep it crisp.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free baguette or bread of your choice. Keep an eye on the baking time as some GF breads cook faster.

What cheese alternatives can I use?
Feel free to use cheddar, provolone, or even a blend for different flavors. Vegan cheese options work well too.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Baked French Bread Pizza is the answer to “Whatโ€™s for dinner?” on the busiest nights. Quick, delicious, and endlessly adaptable, it turns a humble loaf of bread into something truly special. Try it once and it just might become your favorite last-minute meal!

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Oven-Baked French Bread Pizza Recipe

Oven-Baked French Bread Pizza Recipe

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A quick and delicious twist on pizza using French bread as the crustโ€”perfectly toasty, topped with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 (14 oz) loaf French bread (about 17โ€ณ long)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (or garlic butter)
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (โ‰ˆ7 oz)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Desired toppings (pepperoni, sausage, veggies, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425ยฐF and line a baking sheet.
  2. Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, then into four pieces; place cut-side up.
  3. Brush cut sides (and optionally bottoms) with olive oil or garlic butter.
  4. Bake for 4โ€“5 minutes until lightly toasted.
  5. Remove bread, spread with pizza sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella & Parmesan, add toppings.
  6. Bake 10โ€“13 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly; broil 1 minute if you like it browned.
  7. Let cool slightly; slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use soft, bakery-style French bread (not too crusty) to avoid dryness.
  • Pre-toast bread to prevent sogginess.
  • Customize with any cooked toppingsโ€”meat or veggies.
  • For extra flavor, brush with garlic butter instead of plain oil.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (approx. one bread half)
  • Calories: 607
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 1547 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 63 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 79 mg

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