French Bread Pizza is one of those recipes that combines the comfort of pizza with the simplicity of a quick snack. If you’ve ever wanted pizza without the hassle of kneading dough, this recipe is your go-to solution. Using a crusty French bread loaf, fresh tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheese, you can create a pizza that is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with flavor. This recipe is perfect for weeknights when time is tight, for after-school snacks, or for game-day gatherings with friends and family.
Why We Love This French Bread Pizza Recipe
French Bread Pizza stands out because it offers the perfect balance of convenience and taste. You don’t need to worry about homemade dough rising or complicated preparation steps. The use of a French bread loaf as a base gives you a naturally crispy and chewy crust that supports plenty of sauce, cheese, and toppings.
Another reason this recipe is so loved is its versatility. You can adjust the toppings to suit your preferences. Add vegetables for a fresh, light version or pile on your favorite proteins for a hearty meal. The combination of mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheese adds both gooey richness and a punch of sharp flavor that makes every slice irresistible.
The garlic oil brushed onto the bread adds another layer of taste that enhances the natural flavors of the bread and toppings. The slight crisp from baking, combined with the melty cheese and savory sauce, makes this pizza a true crowd-pleaser. It’s also great for feeding a family or a group of friends, and leftovers reheat beautifully for a quick snack the next day.
Ingredients for French Bread Pizza
Making French Bread Pizza is straightforward and requires only a few key ingredients, most of which you likely have in your kitchen. Each element contributes to the overall flavor, texture, and appeal of the pizza.
- 1 loaf French bread or baguette, Italian bread, or any rustic loaf
- 1 28-ounce can plum tomatoes, hand-crushed and completely drained
- 1 teaspoon Sicilian oregano or Italian oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 10-12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (enough to cover the bread completely)
- 3 tablespoons Pecorino Romano, grated
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
How to Make French Bread Pizza
Creating French Bread Pizza is a step-by-step process that ensures every slice comes out perfectly. The method is easy to follow, even for beginners.
- Prepare the Sauce: Start by hand-crushing the plum tomatoes and draining any excess juice. Set the crushed tomatoes aside and mix in the oregano and salt. This simple sauce provides a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and bread.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F and position the rack in the middle of the oven. This ensures even baking and a perfectly crisp crust.
- Prepare the Garlic Oil: Combine the grated garlic with olive oil. This mixture will be brushed onto the bread to add a fragrant, flavorful layer before adding the sauce and cheese.
- Slice and Prepare the Bread: Cut the loaf in half horizontally. If the halves are thicker than one inch, gently press down to flatten them. Brush the garlic oil mixture onto the inner sides of both bread halves using a pastry brush. Place the bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread begins to turn golden.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the bread halves. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Place the baking sheet back in the oven and bake for 8 minutes.
- Add Finishing Touches: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle grated Pecorino Romano cheese on top. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Slice and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes, then cut each half into four pieces. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy bread, rich cheese, and savory sauce.
How to Serve French Bread Pizza
Serving French Bread Pizza can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. You can present it on a large cutting board or a colorful platter for casual gatherings. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the cheese.
For a fun snack or after-school treat, you can serve individual slices on small plates with dipping sauces like marinara or ranch. The pizza also works well as a main course for a weeknight dinner. Add a side of your favorite vegetable or a light soup, and you have a complete, satisfying meal.
French Bread Pizza is also ideal for sharing. If you’re hosting a game day or casual get-together, place several loaves on the table, and let guests add their own toppings or pick their favorite slices. Its casual presentation makes it approachable and fun for everyone.
Expert Tips for French Bread Pizza
To make the best French Bread Pizza, a few expert tips can elevate the dish:
- Choose the Right Bread: Rustic loaves like French bread or Italian baguettes work best because they have a firm crust and soft interior. Avoid bread that is too soft, as it may become soggy under the sauce and cheese.
- Drain Tomatoes Well: Excess liquid from the tomatoes can make your pizza soggy. Hand-crush and drain the tomatoes thoroughly to maintain a perfect crust.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and creates a creamier texture than pre-shredded options. Combine with Pecorino Romano for a balanced flavor.
- Don’t Overload with Toppings: Keep the toppings moderate to prevent the bread from becoming heavy. You can add meats, vegetables, or herbs, but a few well-chosen toppings are better than overcrowding the pizza.
- Bake in Two Stages: Baking the bread first with garlic oil and then adding the sauce and cheese helps achieve a crisp crust while keeping the interior soft and tender.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the pizza to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the cheese set slightly and makes slicing easier without losing the toppings.
How to Store French Bread Pizza
If you have leftovers, French Bread Pizza can be stored and enjoyed later. Wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the pizza on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Heat until warmed through, usually about 5-10 minutes. This method helps maintain the crispness of the bread while keeping the cheese melty and delicious. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
Variations of French Bread Pizza
French Bread Pizza is highly adaptable, so you can experiment with different flavors and toppings. Some popular variations include:
- Vegetable Delight: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and olives for a colorful, nutrient-packed pizza.
- Spicy Kick: Include sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or spicy sausage to add heat.
- Classic Meat Lovers: Top with pepperoni, cooked sausage, or ground beef for a hearty meal.
- Four Cheese: Mix mozzarella, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and fontina for a rich, cheesy experience.
- Mediterranean Style: Add feta, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Greek-inspired twist.
Each variation allows you to personalize the pizza to your taste preferences while keeping the base simple and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions about French Bread Pizza
Can I use other types of bread for French Bread Pizza?
Yes, you can use Italian bread, baguettes, or any sturdy loaf that can hold sauce and toppings. Avoid bread that is too soft, as it may become soggy.
How long does French Bread Pizza last?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.
Can I freeze French Bread Pizza?
Yes, you can freeze fully baked pizza slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to two months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
What toppings work best on French Bread Pizza?
Almost any topping works. Popular choices include vegetables, pepperoni, cooked sausage, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. Keep toppings moderate to avoid soggy bread.
Is French Bread Pizza healthy?
It can be made healthier by using whole-grain bread, plenty of vegetables, and moderate amounts of cheese. You can also reduce olive oil or choose low-fat cheese options.
French Bread Pizza
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or baguette, Italian bread, or any rustic loaf
- 1 28-oz can plum tomatoes hand-crushed and completely drained
- 1 tsp Sicilian oregano or Italian oregano
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 10-12 oz shredded mozzarella cheese enough to cover the bread completely
- 3 Tbsp Pecorino Romano grated
- 5 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and position the rack in the middle.
- Hand-crush the plum tomatoes and drain any excess juice. Mix in the oregano and salt.
- Combine grated garlic with olive oil to create garlic oil.
- Slice the bread in half horizontally and brush the inner sides with the garlic oil mixture.
- Place the bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes until golden.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the bread halves and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for an additional 8 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle Pecorino Romano cheese on top. Bake for another 2-3 minutes until bubbly.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes, then slice into pieces and serve warm.
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