Name: Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter softened; 6 garlic cloves finely minced or pressed; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 pound French bread or Italian bread; ½ cup pizza sauce; 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese shredded; 15 pepperoni slices; 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese; Red pepper flakes optional; Chopped fresh parsley to garnish, optional

There’s something about the smell of toasted garlic butter mixed with bubbling cheese that just pulls you right in. That’s exactly why I can’t get enough of this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe. It’s comfort food turned up a notch—simple, satisfying, and perfect for those moments when you want pizza but also crave garlic bread’s buttery goodness.

The image shows four slices of pepperoni pizza on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. Each slice has two or three red pepperoni circles on top. The pizza has a thick layer of melted yellowish-white cheese with some browned spots from baking. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled across the cheese on every slice. The crust is golden brown and crispy around the edges. A small clear glass bowl with red chili flakes is visible at the right edge of the image. 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 Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly make this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe whenever I have friends over or just want a quick dinner that feels a bit special. It’s such a crowd-pleaser! Plus, you don’t have to fuss with dough or complicated steps—just layers of flavor that come together fast and taste fantastic.

Quick and Easy Prep: You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Double the Deliciousness: Combines the buttery garlic bread base with classic pizza toppings for a flavor pairing that hits all the right spots.
Customizable: Whether you’re a pepperoni fan, veggie lover, or cheese-only person, you can easily tailor this recipe to your tastes.
Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy this, making it a go-to for casual dinners or game nights.

Two oval-shaped bread bases are topped with a thick layer of melted white cheese that covers each base fully, bubbling slightly with a golden edge. On top of the cheese, five bright red pepperoni slices are evenly spaced in one bread and six in the other, each slice sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and light brown seasoning. The bread edges are golden brown and crispy, with some parts puffed up. The bread rests on a light wooden board with a small clear bowl of red chili flakes next to it. To the right, there is a clear glass of light-colored drink and a white cloth with black stripes on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe really lies in the basics: a soft French bread for that perfect chew, garlicky butter that makes the crust unforgettable, and quality cheeses that melt beautifully. Using fresh parsley adds a lovely brightness, while pepperoni brings a hint of spice and meatiness.

Flat lay of sliced French bread with a soft crust, a generous curl of softened salted butter mixed with finely minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley, bright red pizza sauce dollops, shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese heaps, thin round pepperoni slices, small piles of grated Parmesan cheese, vibrant red pepper flakes scattered lightly, and fresh green parsley leaves for garnish, all beautifully arranged and placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Salted Butter: Softened butter blends easily with garlic and herbs, giving that rich, flavorful base to your bread.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic minced or pressed brings an aromatic punch that’s far superior to powder.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the butter mixture and works as a fresh garnish at the end.
French or Italian Bread: A softer crust loaf is key—it soaks up that garlic butter without getting too tough.
Pizza Sauce: Adds that classic tangy, savory layer to balance the butter and cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese: Low-moisture and freshly shredded melts perfectly for gooey, stringy goodness.
Pepperoni Slices: Adds a salty, smoky bite that complements the garlic butter beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish that intensifies overall flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who like a little kick to contrast the richness.
Extra Parsley (Optional): Garnish for a pretty touch and fresh herbiness.

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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 fun parts about this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is how flexible it is. I love experimenting with different toppings and tweaks—sometimes I add mushrooms or swap pepperoni for sausage, and sometimes I throw in extra herbs for more flavor. You can make it as simple or as loaded as you like.

Variation: Once, I made a spin with spinach and artichoke hearts—turned out to be a hit for a lighter green twist. Try swapping toppings based on what you have for a quick, no-fuss meal.
Dietary Modifications: For a vegetarian version, simply skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies and cheeses.
Cheese Choices: Mixing mozzarella with a little sharp cheddar or gouda adds a delicious depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Garlic Butter

I start by softening the butter just enough so it mixes easily without melting. Then, I finely mince or press my garlic cloves—fresh garlic is key here! Toss in the chopped parsley and mix everything thoroughly. This garlicky butter is what makes the bread base so irresistible.

Step 2: Slice and Butter the Bread

Cut your French bread lengthwise just like you’re prepping garlic bread. Spread half of your garlic butter mixture generously on each piece, making sure to cover every inch for that perfect flavor layer. Place them cut side up on your lined sheet pan, ready for the oven.

Step 3: Start Baking

Pop the buttered bread into a 400℉ oven for about 5 minutes. This melts the butter into the crumb and starts to toast the edges without crisping the bread too much. Keep an eye to prevent any burning.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Toppings

Once the bread comes out, spread ¼ cup of pizza sauce on each half—think even but not overloaded. Then sprinkle on your shredded mozzarella, layer on the pepperoni, and finish with a dusting of parmesan. This combo makes every bite a perfect balance of garlicky, cheesy, and savory.

Step 5: Final Bake and Serve

Return the pizzas to the oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust edges turn golden brown. Let them rest a few minutes before slicing—that way, the cheese sets just enough so it’s easier to handle but still melty. If you like heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes and parsley before serving.

Top Tip

After making this a dozen times, I realized a few tweaks make all the difference in nailing the perfect Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe every time.

Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. This helps it blend perfectly with the garlic and parsley for even spreading.
Bread Choice: I prefer bakery-style loaves with soft crusts—too crusty and it’s tough to slice and chew; too soft and it turns soggy.
Cheese Blend: Freshly shred your mozzarella rather than using pre-shredded—it really melts better and has a cleaner taste.
Don’t Overdo the Sauce: Too much sauce can make the bread soggy. A thin, even spread keeps the crust crisp and perfectly balanced.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my finished Garlic Bread Pizzas with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll dust on a little extra parmesan and red pepper flakes for some heat. It’s those final touches that make it feel like a restaurant dish at home.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this with a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or a simple bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Roasted veggies or a light pasta salad also work beautifully if you're feeding a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try slicing the bread pizza into bite-sized pieces and serving it on a wooden board with toothpicks—perfect finger food! You can also arrange mini versions using small baguette slices for a fun appetizer option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap leftover slices tightly in foil or airtight containers and store them in the fridge. Garlic bread pizza reheats well, so leftovers are just as enjoyable the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen a batch before by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to keep that crust crispy and the cheese melty.

Reheating

To bring leftover garlic bread pizza back to life, reheat it in a 350℉ oven for about 10 minutes. This crisps the crust and warms the cheese beautifully without drying it out like a microwave might.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?

While you can experiment, I recommend using French or Italian bread with a soft crust that’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy. Very crusty or very soft bread can affect the texture.

What’s the best way to keep the garlic flavor fresh?

Fresh minced or pressed garlic is key. Mixing it into softened butter helps disperse the flavor evenly. To keep it bright, add fresh parsley into the butter and as a garnish after baking.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free spread or olive oil mixed with garlic and parsley. Use vegan cheeses that melt well and select your favorite toppings that fit your dietary needs.

How long does Garlic Bread Pizza stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this pizza stays fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy and cheese perfectly melted.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is basically my go-to comfort food that ticks all the boxes—quick to make, bursting with flavor, and endlessly adaptable. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do; it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try next time you want something delicious but fuss-free—you won’t be disappointed!