Pizza Bread
A fun and incredibly easy twist on pizza! Crispy French bread is brushed with garlic butter, toasted, then topped with zesty marinara, gooey melted mozzarella, and your favorite toppings. It's the perfect quick lunch, after-school snack, or party appetizer, ready in under 25 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- c.Using a serrated knife, slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise.
- d.Cut each long half crosswise to create four equal, large pieces.
- e.Arrange the bread pieces on the prepared baking sheet with the cut-side facing up.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make Garlic Butter and Pre-Toast
- b.In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic powder.
- c.Brush this mixture evenly over the cut surfaces of all four bread pieces.
- d.Bake for 4-5 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the surface is lightly toasted. This crucial step creates a barrier to prevent the sauce from making the bread soggy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add Sauce and Toppings
- b.Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- c.Spread about 1/4 cup of pizza sauce evenly over each piece of toasted bread, leaving a small border around the edges.
- d.Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each piece.
- e.Arrange the pepperoni slices (or your other favorite toppings) over the cheese.
- f.Sprinkle with dried oregano and red pepper flakes, if using.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Final Bake
- b.Return the baking sheet to the oven.
- c.Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden brown in spots.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Carefully remove the pizza bread from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of freshness.
- d.Serve whole or slice into smaller strips for sharing. Enjoy immediately for the best crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an extra crispy crust, use day-old bread as it has less moisture.
- 2Don't overload the sauce; a thin, even layer is best to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- 3Shred your own mozzarella from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- 4For a crispier cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 30-60 seconds, watching very carefully to prevent burning.
- 5Use a serrated bread knife for the cleanest cuts on your French bread.
Adapt it for your goals.
Veggie Supreme
Top with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and black olives instead of pepperoni.
White Pizza (Bianca)White Pizza (Bianca)
Skip the red sauce. Brush the toasted bread with olive oil, top with mozzarella, ricotta, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
BBQ ChickenBBQ Chicken
Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce. Top with shredded cooked chicken, red onion slices, and a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
HawaiianHawaiian
Top with diced ham and pineapple chunks for a classic sweet and savory combination.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Calcium
Mozzarella cheese provides a good amount of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper muscle and nerve function.
Lycopene from Tomatoes
The pizza sauce, made from tomatoes, is a rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Quick Energy Boost
The carbohydrates from the French bread provide a quick and accessible source of energy, making this a satisfying snack or meal.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Pizza Bread (one large piece) contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the specific brand of ingredients and toppings used.