French Bread Pizza

Name: French Bread Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 1 pcs french bread (large loaf, halved lengthwise); 2 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 pcs tomato (medium, blanched and pureed); 0.5 tsp salt; 1 pinch black pepper; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1.5 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); 16 slices pepperoni; 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated)

RATING

4.6/5(127)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Crispy, golden French bread halves topped with a garlicky tomato sauce, savory pepperoni, and bubbly melted mozzarella. A quick weeknight favorite that gives you all the satisfaction of homemade pizza in under 30 minutes.

PREP

10m

COOK

SERVES

1 PIECE

653 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 9 STEPS

prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet.
1.Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
prep
Prepare the French bread.
1.Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise using a serrated knife.
2.Place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
TIPUse a serrated knife to cut through the crust cleanly without squashing the soft interior.
mix
Make the garlic oil and brush the bread.
1.In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with the minced garlic.
2.Brush the garlic oil evenly over the cut surfaces of both bread halves.
bake · ~4 min
Toast the bread lightly.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 4 minutes until the bread is just starting to turn golden at the edges. This prevents the sauce from making it soggy.
TIPDon't skip this toasting step — it's the secret to crispy pizza, not soggy bread.
mix
Prepare a quick fresh tomato sauce.
1.Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute, then shock in ice water. Peel the skins off.
2.Blend the peeled tomatoes into a smooth puree.
3.Stir in the salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
assemble
Assemble the pizzas.
1.Spread the tomato sauce evenly over both toasted bread halves, leaving a small border around the edges.
2.Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
3.Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
4.Finish with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
bake · ~9 min
Bake until bubbly and golden.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown in spots.
TIPWatch closely in the last 2 minutes — the cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly.
rest · ~2 min
Rest and slice.
Remove from the oven and let the pizzas rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and slice each half into 2 pieces with a serrated knife.
TIPResting helps the cheese set slightly so the toppings don't slide off when you cut.
serve
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Brush garlic oil all the way to the crust edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
2
Toast the bread until just golden — this creates a barrier that keeps the base crispy.
3
Use a serrated knife to slice the loaf cleanly without crushing the soft interior.
4
Blanch and peel the tomatoes for a smooth, sweet sauce without bitter skin bits.
5
Let the pizza rest 2 minutes after baking so the cheese sets and toppings stay put.
6
Watch the last 2 minutes of bake time — mozzarella can burn quickly once it bubbles.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

vegetarian

Vegetarian

Skip the pepperoni and pile on sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and black olives for a hearty, meat-free pizza that still feels satisfying.

spicy

Spicy

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or layer sliced jalapeños under the cheese for a kick of heat that contrasts the creamy mozzarella.

extra cheesy