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; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 ½ cups pizza sauce; 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 25 pepperoni slices, or toppings of choice

If you’re craving a quick, satisfying meal that’s loaded with cheesy goodness and crunchy, buttery bread, you’re in for a treat. This Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe hits all the right notes with a secret garlic herb butter spread and your favorite classic toppings—perfect for a busy weeknight or casual snack.

The image shows four slices of bread pizza on a metal baking tray. Each slice has three layers starting from the bottom with a thick, golden-brown toasted bread base. The middle layer is a smooth, red tomato sauce spread evenly on the bread. The top layer is melted white cheese that covers the bread fully, with six circular, red-orange pepperoni slices spaced on the cheese. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top for garnish. The tray 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 can’t get enough of how easy it is to pull together these French bread pizzas and still impress everyone around the table. It’s hands-down one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want that perfect mix of crunchy, cheesy, and garlicky without any fuss.

Super simple prep: This recipe only takes about 15 minutes of prep before it’s in the oven.
Crispy & buttery crust: The secret garlic herb butter makes the bread golden and irresistibly crunchy.
Customizable toppings: Load it up with pepperoni, veggies, or whatever you love.
Perfect for any occasion: Great as a quick dinner, snack, or party pleaser.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference here. I like to start with a light, airy French bread and use simple pantry staples for the flavorful garlic herb butter base. Plus, picking good-quality mozzarella and pizza sauce really elevates the final result.

Flat lay of a whole long loaf of fresh French bread, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with several tablespoons of creamy yellow butter, three peeled fresh garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with dried oregano leaves, a small white bowl containing fine white salt, a small white bowl piled with grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red pizza sauce, a simple white ceramic plate heaped with shredded mozzarella cheese, a neat stack of round red pepperoni slices arranged on a white plate, all placed 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 loaf that’s about 20–21 inches long, light, and airy rather than crusty for the ideal texture.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps blend the garlic butter mixture smoothly.
Butter: Gives that indulgent, creamy base for the garlic herb topping.
Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the mixture that aromatic punch.
Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb flavor to brighten the butter spread.
Salt: Balances and enhances the flavors perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese: A salty finish on the buttery bread before toppings go on.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade—Rao’s or Ragu both work well!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella from a block ensures perfect melting.
Pepperoni Slices: Or swap in any toppings you love for a personalized pizza.

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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 parts about this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to customize it to your own taste. Whether you prefer meaty, cheesy, or loaded with veggies, this recipe is super forgiving and invites creativity.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and spinach. I love how the garlic herb butter base pairs beautifully with fresh veggies, giving a vibrant and satisfying meat-free option.
Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a gentle kick, or top with sliced jalapeños before baking. It adds a wonderful warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Seasonal Variation: In the fall, try topping with roasted butternut squash cubes, caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of sage for a cozy seasonal flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free baguette or French bread alternative and follow the same steps to enjoy this crispy, cheesy treat without gluten worries.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe

The image shows a white oval plate holding nine small square mini pepperoni pizzas arranged in three rows. Each pizza piece has four layers: a thick bread base with a lightly toasted texture in light beige, a thin layer of red tomato sauce, a layer of melted white cheese topped with a slight stretch and light browning, and two shiny, round pepperoni slices with a deep reddish-orange color sprinkled with small green herb bits. In the center of the plate is a small white ramekin filled with chunky red tomato sauce, adding a rich texture contrast. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred jar of grated cheese visible in the background, and some green herbs lie behind the plate. The lighting highlights the textures and colors making the pizza look warm and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Prep the Bread

First things first, preheat your oven to 425° F. It’s important to get it hot so the bread crisps perfectly. Then, take your 1 lb French bread loaf and cut it lengthwise in half. To make a perfect snack-sized pizza, cut each half in half again. Lay these slices on a large, light-colored baking sheet—this helps the bottoms brown evenly without burning.

Step 2: Whip Up the Secret Garlic Herb Butter Blend

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons butter, 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until everything smells fragrant and the garlic is softened but not browned. This step infuses your base with incredible flavor that will shine through after baking.

Step 3: Brush, Sprinkle, and Toast the Base

Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top and edges of each bread slice with your garlic herb butter mixture. Don’t be shy here — this is what gives you that irresistible crispy, buttery crust! Then sprinkle about ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over all the slices. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 6-7 minutes. You’ll see the Parmesan melt slightly and the bread edges start to turn a lovely golden brown.

Step 4: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings

Take the baking sheet out carefully (it’s hot!). Spoon 1 ½ cups of your favorite pizza sauce evenly over each piece. I love using Rao’s for a rich flavor, but Ragu works great, too, especially on a budget. Sprinkle a generous 2 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce — make sure it’s low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella shredded from a block to get that perfect melt and stretch. Top with 25 pepperoni slices or any toppings you love.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Crispy

Return the pizzas to the oven for 10-13 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown and crispy. If you want an extra touch of golden-brown perfection, switch to broil at 450° F for about 1 minute—but watch carefully to avoid burning. This step is the final flourish that makes this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe truly irresistible.

Step 6: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy!

Let the pizzas cool just a little, so that molten cheese isn’t too hot, then slice them up and serve warm. Crunchy edges, melty cheese, and that secret garlic butter flavor create pizza magic every time!

Top Tip

Getting that perfect crispy crust and melty, flavorful topping is what makes this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe a true crowd-pleaser. Here are some insider tips to help you nail it every time:

Choose the Right Bread: I’ve found that a large, light, and airy loaf that's nice and round works best — it crisps up beautifully without being too dense or crusty.
Garlic Herb Butter Magic: Don’t rush the garlic herb butter mixture. Heating it gently for 2-3 minutes releases amazing aromas that infuse into the bread, making every bite savory and rich.
Use Low-Moisture Mozzarella: Shredding your own mozzarella from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese prevents excess moisture and gives you that gooey melt you want.
Watch the Bake Time: Baking the bread first before adding sauce and toppings ensures it stays crispy. Also, broiling for just about a minute at the end can add a beautiful golden-brown finish — but keep a close eye on it!

How to Serve Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe

The image shows two metal trays on a white marbled surface, each holding four long rectangular pieces of bread. On the left tray, the bread pieces are coated with a shiny layer of olive oil and sprinkled with grated white cheese, giving a textured look. On the right tray, the same bread pieces are covered with a thick, red tomato sauce spread evenly across each slice, with some small visible herbs and seasoning mixed in the sauce, making the surface look slightly bumpy. The trays have a light brown silicone mat underneath the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your French Bread Pizza, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or oregano on top right before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely touch of freshness and a little heat. For a tangy kick, try a dash of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Side Dishes

Pair your crispy French bread pizzas with a crisp side salad — think mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Roasted garlic green beans or a simple antipasto platter with olives, artichokes, and marinated veggies make wonderful companions. And of course, don’t forget a refreshing beverage like iced tea or sparkling water with lemon to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your French Bread Pizza has cooled to room temperature, wrap each piece tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep that crispy yet tender texture intact.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover French bread pizzas by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them fresh for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat and restore that crispy crust, bake leftover slices on a baking sheet at 350° F for 5-8 minutes until the cheese is melted and the pizza is warmed through. Avoid the microwave as it can make the bread soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

While French bread is ideal due to its light, airy texture and ability to crisp up well, you can experiment with Italian bread or focaccia. Just be mindful that denser breads might affect the crispiness.

What toppings work best on French Bread Pizza?

Classic toppings like pepperoni and mozzarella are always winners, but feel free to get creative! Sautéed veggies, cooked chicken, mushrooms, or even pineapple can all make delicious variations.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

To keep the crust crispy, toast the bread with the garlic herb butter and Parmesan first before adding sauce and toppings. Also, avoid using too much sauce bright on the bread.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the pepperoni and load up on your favorite veggies and extra cheese for a tasty vegetarian French bread pizza.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and fun about a Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe — it brings together the best of crispy bread, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings in a flash. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or craving a quick snack, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to make your own delicious version and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!