Name: Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French Bread, about 1 lb, 20-21 inches long; 1 ½ cups pizza sauce; 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 25 pepperoni slices; 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

If you’ve ever craved pizza but wanted something quicker and with a satisfyingly crunchy twist, you’re going to love this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe. It’s got that perfect crunch, a buttery garlic herb base, and all your favorite cheesy toppings baked right in under 30 minutes.

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

I seriously can’t get enough of this Crispy French Bread Pizza — it’s become my go-to when I want homemade pizza that’s fast, fun, and just bursting with flavor. Plus, the secret garlic herb butter spread brings it all to the next level.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute snacks.
Buttery Garlic Herb Flavor: The secret spread amps up every bite with rich, savory goodness.
Crispy, Crunchy Crust: Oven-baked bread that’s golden and satisfying to bite into.
Customizable Toppings: Classic pepperoni works great, but you can add whatever you love.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes a huge difference in this recipe. I recommend grabbing a light and airy French bread loaf, plus fresh mozzarella shredded from a block for the best melt and texture.

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, soft loaf rather than something super crusty to get that perfect crispy chew without being too hard.
Olive Oil: Adds a fruity richness to the garlic herb butter spread.
Butter: Brings that luscious, creamy depth that pairs beautifully with garlic.
Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the spread with vibrant, savory flavor.
Dried Oregano: Classic pizza herb that complements the butter and garlic perfectly.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance all the other flavors.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled over the buttered bread for a nutty, golden crust.
Pizza Sauce: I love Rao’s for an authentic taste, but Ragu works great too—choose your favorite!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella shredded fresh guarantees melty, gooey slices.
Pepperoni Slices: Frozen pepperoni keeps fresh longer and adds that classic pizza zing right on top.

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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

The magic of this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to customize! Whether you love a classic pepperoni or want to jazz things up with veggies or spicy sausage, feel free to make it your own.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and black olives. The garlic herb butter spread gives the perfect flavor base that makes veggies shine.
Spicy Twist: I love adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce before topping – it gives just the right kick without overpowering the crispy crust.
Seasonal Variety: During winter, grilled butternut squash and caramelized onions make a cozy, delicious topping combination I return to every year.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free baguette and be sure to check your pizza sauce and cheeses are gluten-free for an allergy-friendly treat.
Protein-Packed: Chicken tossed in buffalo sauce or slices of Italian sausage add some hearty protein, perfect for game day or family dinners.

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, crank your oven up to 425° F. A hot oven is key to getting that deliciously crispy crust. While the oven heats, slice your loaf of French bread in half lengthwise, then cut each half into manageable slices. I like to place the bread on a light-colored, large baking sheet with the cut side facing up to ensure even toasting.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine olive oil, butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, and salt. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until everything melts together and the kitchen fills with that heavenly garlic aroma. Keep an eye so the garlic doesn't brown or burn—you want fragrant, smooth butter perfection!

Step 3: Butter Up and Parm It

Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops and edges of each bread slice with the fragrant garlic herb butter. Don’t be shy—this is what gives the bread that irresistible flavor and crispiness. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each slice, adding that extra cheesy punch.

Step 4: Toast the Bread

Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the bread toast for 6-7 minutes. This step lightly crisps the bread and melts the Parmesan just enough to add a savory layer of goodness.

Step 5: Load On the Toppings

Carefully remove the pan from the oven—you’ll want oven mitts and a steady hand here! Spoon a generous amount of pizza sauce over each slice. Next, sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella cheese and arrange your pepperoni slices or your chosen toppings evenly. This layer turns the toasty bread into a personal pizza ready to bake.

Step 6: Final Bake for Melty, Crispy Perfection

Back into the oven the pizzas go for 10-13 minutes. Watch for the cheese bubbling and turning golden, and the edges of the bread darkening to crispy perfection. For an extra touch, switch your oven to broil at 450° F for about 1 minute to brown the cheese on top—but keep an eagle eye so it doesn’t burn!

Step 7: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy Warm

Once out of the oven, slice your French Bread Pizzas and serve immediately. They’re best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is gooey and the crust is still crispy. Trust me, the buttery garlic herb base pairs perfectly with each bite for an unforgettable flavor experience.

Top Tip

These tips will take your Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe from yummy to unforgettable—helping you get that perfect crunch and flavor every time!

Choose the Right Bread: I’ve found that a large, light, and airy French bread loaf works best — it crisps up perfectly without becoming too hard.
Shred Your Own Mozzarella: Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that affect melting; shredding a block of low-moisture whole milk mozzarella makes a smoother, gooey cheese layer.
Brush Butter Generously: Don’t skimp on that garlic herb butter spread! I always make sure to cover the edges well for a golden, flavorful crust all around.
Watch the Broil: If you choose to broil at the end, keep a close eye — just 1 minute at 450° F is enough to get a beautifully browned top without burning.

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

Fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze can elevate your French Bread Pizza at the table. Adding a pinch of freshly grated Parmesan right before serving adds an extra burst of flavor too.

Side Dishes

Pair your crispy pizza slices with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or serve with a side of roasted garlic Parmesan asparagus. Classic Caesar salad or even a simple bowl of marinara for dipping can be crowd-pleasers as well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover pizza cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover slices wrapped well in plastic wrap and then foil or in freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as below for a fresh-tasting slice.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy crust and melty cheese, reheat your leftover pizza slices on a baking sheet at 350° F for 5 to 8 minutes until warm and bubbly again. Avoid microwaving, which makes the bread soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While a light and airy French bread loaf is ideal for that perfect crispy texture, you can also try baguettes or even thicker sandwich bread slices—but adjust baking time as needed to get a crunchy crust without drying it out.

What toppings work best on this French Bread Pizza?

The classic pepperoni is always a hit, but feel free to experiment! Sliced mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or cooked sausage all make fantastic toppings. Just be mindful of moisture; too many watery ingredients can make the bread soggy.

How can I make the crust extra crispy?

Brushing the bread generously with the garlic herb butter is key! Also, baking at 425° F for the specified times ensures a nicely toasted crust. Finishing with a quick broil at 450° F for about 1 minute adds extra crunch, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the pizzas up to the step before the final bake, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours. When ready, bake as directed. However, for the crispiest bread, it’s best enjoyed freshly baked.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe at home always feels like a little celebration—a simple, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether feeding the family or entertaining friends, it’s a sure-fire hit that comes together quickly and leaves everyone asking for seconds. So, grab your loaf, gather your favorite toppings, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness straight from your oven. Happy cooking!