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 (low moisture, whole milk, shredded from block); 25 pepperoni slices, or toppings of choice

If you love a pizza with a perfectly crunchy crust and gooey cheese, then this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s easy, fast, and loaded with that buttery garlic herb flavor that keeps every bite irresistible.

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 first made this recipe when craving a quick dinner that still felt homemade and special — and wow, it’s been a hit every single time. It’s simple enough for weeknights but still feels like a treat when friends come over.

Super Crispy Crust: The secret garlic herb butter spread locks in flavor and crunch on every slice.
Quick and Easy: Ready from start to finish in just under 30 minutes—perfect for busy days.
Customizable Toppings: Pepperoni, veggies, or whatever you love — this base pairs perfectly with any combo.
Perfect for Leftovers: Refrigerates beautifully and reheats without losing that lovely texture.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Picking the right ingredients is half the battle here. Choose a light, airy French bread for that ideal crust and opt for low moisture mozzarella shredded fresh from the block for melty, flavorful cheese. Here’s what I use and why it rocks.

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: Go with a soft, light loaf rather than a dense, crusty one—this helps absorb the garlic butter and crisps up just right.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth to the buttery spread while boosting crispiness.
Butter: The base of our garlic herb mix — it melts beautifully and gives a wonderful flavor.
Fresh Garlic: Mincing your own garlic brings that bold, fresh flavor instead of relying on powders.
Dried Oregano: Classic Italian seasoning that ties all the flavors together.
Salt: A pinch to enhance all those delicious flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top before baking for an extra layer of savory crispness.
Pizza Sauce: Choose a good quality sauce like Rao’s or Ragu for a balance of flavor and convenience.
Mozzarella Cheese: Low moisture, whole milk shredded fresh from a block works best to melt evenly and taste amazing.
Pepperoni Slices: I recommend storing these in the freezer so they stay fresh and handy for your next pizza night.

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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. Feel free to swap out toppings or tweak the garlic herb butter to suit your cravings or dietary needs — it’s your pizza, after all!

Vegetarian Variation: I love using fresh basil, sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives for a colorful veggie-packed pizza that’s just as satisfying without the pepperoni.
Spicy Twist: Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter or topping the pizza with pickled jalapeños gives it a nice kick — perfect if you like a little heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the French bread with a sturdy gluten-free baguette. Just be mindful it might bake up a little differently, but the buttery garlic flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Seasonal Toppings: Try swapping pepperoni for roasted butternut squash and sage in fall, or fresh tomato slices, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze in summer for a fresh take.

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: Preheat Oven for Perfect Crispiness

Start by cranking your oven up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is key for achieving that golden, crispy crust that’s the hallmark of a great French bread pizza. Let your oven fully preheat so it’s nice and hot when your bread goes in.

Step 2: Slice Your French Bread Just Right

Cut your loaf in half lengthwise, then slice each half into two, so you have about four large, manageable pieces. Using a light-colored baking sheet helps the bread bake evenly without burning, so opt for that if you have it. Lay the slices flat with the cut sides facing up.

Step 3: Whip Up the Secret Garlic Herb Butter

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. Keep stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant — watch closely so the garlic doesn’t burn! This mixture is what keeps the crust buttery, savory, and irresistibly crispy.

Step 4: Brush and Parmesan Your Bread Base

Use a pastry brush to generously coat each bread piece with your garlic herb butter, making sure to cover every edge. Then sprinkle about ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly across all slices for an extra layer of sharp, nutty flavor that also helps build a crisp crust.

Step 5: Initial Bake to Get That Base Going

Pop your coated bread into the preheated oven and bake for 6 to 7 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the edges to just start turning lightly crisp and golden. This pre-bake sets a sturdy base and avoids sogginess once the toppings go on.

Step 6: Add Your Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings

Take the bread out of the oven and spread 1 ½ cups of your favorite pizza sauce evenly over the four slices. Sprinkle 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top—remember, low moisture, whole milk mozzarella shredded from block melts best! Finally, add your 25 pepperoni slices or whatever toppings you love. Don’t be shy with the cheese—it helps everything stick together and get that melty goodness.

Step 7: The Final Bake for Melty, Crispy Perfection

Slide the pizzas back in and bake for 10 to 13 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and the edges of your bread are golden brown and crunchy. If you want that extra touch of golden-brown on top, broil at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 minute—but watch it like a hawk to avoid burning!

Step 8: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, let your French bread pizzas rest for just a minute or two before slicing to make serving easier. Then dive in while warm and relish the perfect combo of crispy crust, rich garlic butter, tangy sauce, gooey cheese, and savory toppings. This easy homemade meal will quickly become a family favorite!

Top Tip

These tips are golden nuggets from my own experiences making this Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe over and over. They’ll help you get that perfectly crispy crust and delicious flavor every time!

Choose Your Bread Wisely: I’ve found that using a large, light, and airy French bread loaf makes all the difference. A dense crusty loaf can get too hard and take away from that crispy crunch.
Shred Your Mozzarella: Always shred low moisture, whole milk mozzarella from a block myself. This melts beautifully and gives you that gooey cheese pull that’s just unbeatable.
Butter Garlic Herb Spread: Brush the garlic herb butter generously on the edges of the bread slices. That little bit of extra coating is what transforms the base into an irresistible crispy crunch.
Keep a Close Eye When Broiling: Broiling for that extra golden top is great, but it only takes about a minute, so watch it carefully to avoid burning your masterpiece.

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

Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley not only add a pop of color but also a fresh, herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with the rich garlic herb base. A light drizzle of chili oil or some crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice kick for spice lovers. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few shavings of aged Parmesan right before serving take things up a notch.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette for balance. Garlic roasted vegetables or a bowl of tangy coleslaw complement the pizza’s richness perfectly. For something fun and cozy, baked meatballs or a small cup of tomato basil soup make a comforting pairing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover pizza cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or storing in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days without losing that crispy charm.

Freezing

If you want to save your pizza for longer, wrap slices well in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in freezer-safe bags. Frozen French Bread Pizza stays delicious for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 8 minutes on a baking sheet—this revives the melted cheese and crisps the crust right back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of low moisture mozzarella?

While fresh mozzarella can be used, low moisture, whole milk mozzarella shredded from a block melts better and helps keep your pizza from becoming too watery, ensuring a crispier result.

What can I substitute for pepperoni if I don't eat meat?

You can use a variety of vegetables like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or even plant-based pepperoni alternatives to keep that savory flavor and texture.

Is it okay to freeze the French bread pizza?

Yes! Wrap cooled pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil or freezer bags, then freeze for up to a month. Just thaw before reheating for best texture.

How do I keep the crust extra crispy when reheating?

Reheating in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet for 5-8 minutes is key. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a Crispy French Bread Pizza Recipe you can whip up quickly, with plenty of room for your favorite toppings and that irresistible garlicky, buttery crust. It’s a recipe that’s approachable, delicious, and downright fun to make—whether you’re feeding the family or just craving a cozy snack. I hope you enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite as much as I do!