Name: Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 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 irresistibly cozy about a warm, cheesy slice with a garlicky twist—that’s exactly why this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe stands out in my kitchen. It combines the crispy, buttery goodness of garlic bread with classic pizza flavors, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

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 can't wait to share why this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It’s simple yet feels like such a special treat every time I make it—and the best part is how fast you can throw it together! You’ll appreciate the crispy edges married with melty cheese every single time.

Perfect combination: Blends garlic buttery bread with your favorite pizza toppings for a mouthwatering twist.
Super quick to make: Ready in about 25 minutes—great for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Customizable: Easy to swap toppings or cheeses, so you can make it your own masterpiece.
Kid-friendly: A guaranteed way to get even picky eaters excited about dinner.

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

This Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe shines because of simple, familiar ingredients that complement each other perfectly. The garlic butter seeps into the bread for rich flavor, while the sauce, cheese, and pepperoni bring the classic pizza vibe to life. When shopping, fresh garlic and a bakery-style loaf really elevate the final dish.

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: The base for the garlic butter gives richness and moisture to the bread.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic delivers that punchy, aromatic flavor you want in every bite.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich garlic butter and adds a fresh herbal note.
French or Italian bread: A softer crust loaf works best for absorbing garlic butter and holding toppings without becoming soggy.
Pizza sauce: Adds tangy tomato flavor and balances the buttery bread.
Low-moisture mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and has just the right stretchiness for pizza texture.
Pepperoni slices: Classic topping that crisps up around the edges for wonderful flavor contrast.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it enhances cheesiness and adds a subtle nuttiness.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick if you like things spicy.
Additional parsley for garnish: Adds color and a touch of freshness before serving.

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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 Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is how flexible it is. I often switch up toppings based on what’s in my fridge or what my family is craving. You can easily adjust it to be veggie-packed, extra cheesy, or even make it spicy with some jalapeños. It’s all about making it your own!

Variation: I’ve made this with mushrooms and olives for a veggie-friendly version that my kids surprisingly loved.
Dietary modifications: Swap regular mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese, and you’ve got a vegan-friendly pizza bread.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free baguette or bread of choice; just keep an eye on toasting time as it may vary.
Heat it up: Add some sliced jalapeños or sprinkle chili powder for a spicy twist.

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

Step 1: Prep the Garlic Butter and Bread

First, soften your butter so it’s easy to mix. Mince or press your garlic cloves finely, then stir them into the butter along with chopped fresh parsley. This homemade garlic butter is the heart of the recipe, so don’t skip it! Next, slice your French bread loaf lengthwise into two long halves, just like you would for a classic garlic bread. Pro tip: Using a serrated bread knife helps you get clean cuts without squashing the bread.

Step 2: Bake the Bread with Garlic Butter

Spread the garlic butter evenly on each half of the bread. Place them cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400℉ for about 5 minutes. The butter melts into the bread, and you start getting that wonderful toasty aroma. Just keep an eye so it doesn’t burn—golden edges are perfect.

Step 3: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings

Take the bread out of the oven and spread pizza sauce over each half. Don't skimp here — the sauce is what gives you that authentic pizza flavor. Next, pile on shredded mozzarella, lay out pepperoni slices, and sprinkle parmesan on top. I like to evenly distribute my toppings so every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: The Final Bake and Serve

Bake the topped bread for 15 to 18 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the edges of the bread turn beautifully crisp. After removing from the oven, let it rest for 2-3 minutes so the cheese sets just enough for easy slicing. Sprinkle on some red pepper flakes and fresh parsley—those little touches make a big difference. Slice it up and enjoy!

Top Tip

After making Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tips that really push it from good to incredible. These little adjustments keep the bread crispy but tender inside and elevate the flavor.

Use fresh garlic: It’s worth the effort! Freshly minced garlic adds a bright punch that jarred garlic can’t match.
Don’t overload toppings: Too much sauce or cheese can make the bread soggy, so balance is key.
Par-bake the bread: Pre-baking with garlic butter gives the bread a sturdy base and enhances toasty flavor before adding toppings.
Let it rest: Waiting a few minutes after baking helps the cheese settle and prevents a molten burn in every bite.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor—it brightens the whole dish. A pinch of red pepper flakes is my go-to for a subtle heat boost, though you can leave it out if you prefer milder flavors. More parmesan never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

Pair this pizza bread with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. I also recommend roasted veggies or a simple tomato soup on the side—it’s like comfort food squared!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party snack, I slice the bread into bite-sized squares and serve it on a large platter with bowls of extra sauce for dipping. At family movie nights, it’s always a hit laid out buffet-style so everyone can help themselves to their favorite toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover slices tightly in aluminum foil and place them in the fridge. They stay surprisingly good for up to 2 days, but I recommend reheating them to bring back that fresh-baked crispness.

Freezing

If I’m making a double batch, I freeze some slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. This recipe freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and it tastes almost as fresh as day one.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350℉ for about 10 minutes. This restores crisp edges and melts the cheese nicely without making the bread soggy again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-made garlic bread for this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe?

Yes! Using frozen garlic bread is a great shortcut—just skip the garlic butter step and add your pizza sauce and toppings before baking. It’s an easy way to get this dinner on the table fast.

What type of bread works best for Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe?

A bakery-style French or Italian bread with a relatively soft crust is best—it soaks up garlic butter well but holds toppings without getting soggy. Avoid very crusty artisan breads or super soft sandwich loaves for best texture.

Can I customize toppings on garlic bread pizza?

Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. Swap pepperoni for other meats, add veggies like mushrooms or peppers, or go extra cheesy. It’s all about making it your own and what you love.

How do I keep the garlic bread pizza from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the bread with garlic butter before adding the pizza toppings helps create a barrier and keeps the bread crispy. Also, avoid adding too much sauce. Letting it rest after baking ensures the cheese sets and moisture redistributes evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe brings together two of the most comforting foods into one effortless, satisfying dish. I love how it feels like a little celebration any night of the week, and I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy making (and eating) it just as much. So grab a loaf, get that garlic butter ready, and make it happen—you won’t regret it!