If you’re craving something that’s both incredibly simple and absolutely delicious, this Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It takes the classic comfort of pizza and transforms it with the sturdy, crispy base of French bread, making every bite a perfect balance of crunchy crust, melty cheese, and savory toppings. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe delivers comforting flavors with minimal fuss, making homemade pizza a total breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, combining to create a perfect mix of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Each component, from the soft butter to the tangy pizza sauce and melty mozzarella, plays a crucial role in building this tasty masterpiece.
- French bread (16 ounce loaf): The sturdy and crusty base that holds all your toppings perfectly without getting soggy.
- Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds a rich, golden crispiness to the bread’s surface during baking.
- DeLallo Pizza Sauce (1 cup): Brings the classic tangy tomato flavor that is both comforting and familiar.
- Mozzarella cheese (3 cups shredded): Provides that stretchy, gooey melt that is essential for any great pizza.
- Pepperoni (2-3 ounces): Offers a savory, slightly spicy punch to balance the cheese’s creaminess.
- DeLallo Sliced Mild Pepperoncini (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle tangy heat and a pop of color.
- DeLallo Sliced Black Olives (1/3 cup): Introduces a briny depth and texture contrast that’s utterly addictive.
How to Make Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Position the rack in the top third of the oven to ensure your pizza gets that perfect golden crust and bubbly cheese without overcooking the base.
Step 2: Prepare the French Bread
Slice your loaf of French bread horizontally, aiming for even halves to ensure a uniform bake and topping coverage. Place the halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Spread the softened butter generously on each cut side. This step is key for a crispy, buttery edge that elevates the entire dish.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
Pop the buttered bread halves into the oven and let them toast for about 5 to 6 minutes. This short bake starts crisping the bread just enough so it holds up under the toppings and won’t become soggy.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Toppings
Remove the bread from the oven and spread the pizza sauce evenly over each half, giving you a delicious, saucy base. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously for that quadruple-cheese dream. Then scatter your pepperoni slices, pepperoncini, and black olives across the top to build incredible flavor layers and a festive look.
Step 5: Bake and Broil
Return the topped bread to the oven and bake for 12 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly and the toppings to heat through. Then, switch your oven to broil for a couple of minutes to get that irresistible bubbly, slightly browned finish. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn—this final step makes all the difference.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once out of the oven, slice your Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe creation into as many pieces as you like. Serve it immediately while still warm and gooey for the best experience. Trust me, these slices will disappear fast!
How to Serve Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle fresh basil or oregano over the pizzas just before serving. A light drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add brightness and a slight kick that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese.
Side Dishes
Pair your French bread pizza with a crisp, refreshing salad to balance the hearty, cheesy flavors. Something simple like a mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad adds a fresh, crunchy counterpoint. Garlic knots or roasted vegetables make for tasty companions too.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your friends or family? Serve the pizza slices on a wooden board with small bowls of extra toppings and dips like ranch or marinara for personalization. Creating fun mini pizzas with the bread cut into smaller sections before topping is perfect for parties or kids’ meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover French bread pizza tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes a fantastic quick reheat option for lunch or a snack the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the pizza slices individually wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and placed inside freezer bags. Frozen pizza slices keep best for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore the crispy texture and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving as it makes the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
While French bread is ideal for its texture and structure, you can experiment with Italian bread or baguettes. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for pepperoni if I’m not a fan?
No problem! You can swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even grilled chicken—whatever suits your taste and dietary preferences.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The mild pepperoncini can be omitted for a kid-friendly version, and kids usually love the crunchy bread and gooey cheese combo. Plus, you can let them customize their own slices with different toppings.
How spicy is the finished pizza?
The heat level is quite mild thanks to the mild pepperoncini. If you prefer more spice, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoncini varieties. Otherwise, it’s family-friendly and approachable for all palates.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the French bread for a gluten-free loaf or baguette. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your pizza sauce to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Give it a try, and I’m certain it will become a favorite in your meal rotation before you know it!
Print
Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Easy French Bread Pizza is a quick and delicious recipe perfect for a casual meal or snack. This recipe features a crusty French bread base topped with buttery spread, rich pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mild pepperoncini, and black olives. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an effortless way to enjoy pizza flavors without the wait of dough preparation.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 (16 ounce) loaf French bread
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), softened
Toppings
- 1 cup DeLallo Pizza Sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2–3 ounces pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup DeLallo sliced mild pepperoncini
- 1/3 cup DeLallo sliced black olives
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and adjust the oven rack to the top third position to ensure even baking and browning of the bread and toppings.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread loaf horizontally into two equal halves. Place the cut sides facing up on a baking sheet. Spread the softened butter evenly over the cut sides of both halves for a rich and crispy base.
- Bake the Bread Base: Bake the buttered bread halves in the oven for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the bread to toast lightly and the butter to melt and soak in.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Remove the bread from the oven. Spread each half evenly with the pizza sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, followed by pepperoni slices, sliced mild pepperoncini peppers, and sliced black olives for balanced flavor and texture.
- Bake and Broil: Return the assembled bread pizzas to the oven and bake for 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden and slightly crisp top, broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into desired portions, and serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh French bread for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust toppings to suit dietary preferences or add more vegetables for variety.
- Keep an eye during broiling to avoid burning the cheese or bread.
- Pepperoni quantity can be adjusted or omitted for a vegetarian option.
