Craving a quick and cheesy homemade pizza? This French Bread Pizza Recipe is the perfect solution! With a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and customizable toppings, it’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy pizza without making traditional dough. Whether you’re preparing a family meal, a party snack, or a quick lunch, this French Bread Pizza Recipe will become your go-to favorite.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best techniques for a crispy base, how to prevent sogginess, and the ideal baking temperature. Plus, we’ll answer common FAQs and share the best toppings to make your pizza even more flavorful.
If you’re a fan of pizza-inspired meals, you might also enjoy Breakfast Pizza Rolls for a fun morning twist!
Ingredients for French Bread Pizza Recipe
To make the best French Bread Pizza Recipe, you’ll need:
Essential Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread (fresh or slightly stale)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Toppings of choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, onions, etc.)
Optional Add-ons for Extra Flavor
- Parmesan cheese for extra cheesiness
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Fresh basil for garnish
For a refreshing side, pair your pizza with a Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors!
How to Make French Bread Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the French bread lengthwise into two equal halves.
- Brush the cut sides with olive oil to help create a crispy base.
Step 2: Toast the Bread (Prevent Soggy Pizza!)
- Place the bread halves cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Toast for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese
- Spread an even layer of pizza sauce on each bread half.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
Step 4: Add Toppings
- Add your favorite toppings—classic pepperoni, veggies, or even BBQ chicken!
- Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy & Golden
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C).
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Let it cool for 2 minutes before slicing.
Tips to Keep French Bread Pizza from Getting Soggy
Nobody likes a soggy pizza! Here are some simple tricks to ensure your French Bread Pizza stays crispy and delicious:
✔ Toast the bread first before adding sauce. Pre-toasting the bread helps create a sturdy base that prevents it from soaking up too much moisture from the sauce and toppings.
✔ Use thick pizza sauce – A watery sauce can seep into the bread, making it soft and mushy. Opt for a homemade pizza sauce with a thicker consistency, or let store-bought sauce simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce excess liquid.
✔ Bake at a high temperature – Cooking at 400°F (205°C) ensures the crust gets golden and crisp. Lower temperatures might cook the toppings but leave the bread too soft.
✔ Avoid overloading with toppings – Too many ingredients, especially ones with high moisture content like fresh tomatoes or mushrooms, can release water as they cook, making the bread soggy. If using watery toppings, sauté them first to remove excess moisture before adding them to your pizza.
For another crispy, comforting dish, try this Chicken Pot Pie Casserole Recipe.
Best Temperature to Cook French Bread Pizza
For a perfect crispy yet soft texture, follow this temperature guide:
| Cooking Stage | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-toasting | 375°F (190°C) | 5-7 min |
| Final baking | 400°F (205°C) | 10-12 min |
How to Make French Bread Pizza in the UK
The process is the same, but here are some UK-friendly ingredient swaps:
- Use “baguette” instead of American-style French bread.
- Cheddar or Red Leicester can replace mozzarella.
- Tomato passata + oregano works as a great alternative to pizza sauce.
- Use a fan oven at 190°C (375°F) for toasting and 210°C (410°F) for baking.
Why Is French Bread Pizza So Good?
French bread pizza is loved because it’s:
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes!
✔ Crunchy & Cheesy – The perfect balance of crisp and gooey goodness.
✔ Customizable – Add any toppings you like.
✔ Budget-Friendly – No need for expensive pizza dough!
Best Toppings for French Bread Pizza Recipe
One of the best things about French bread pizza is how customizable it is! Whether you love classic toppings or want to try something new, here are some great ideas:
Classic Toppings
- Pepperoni – A timeless favorite that adds a savory, slightly spicy kick.
- Mushrooms & Olives – A delicious combination for veggie lovers.
- Bell Peppers & Onions – Adds a slight crunch and sweetness.
- Sausage – Crumbled Italian sausage adds a rich, meaty flavor.
Creative & Unique Toppings
- BBQ Chicken – Swap the pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and add grilled chicken.
- Buffalo Chicken – Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
- Margherita Style – Use fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for a light, fresh taste.
- Hawaiian – Love it or hate it, pineapple and ham add a sweet-savory contrast.
Cheese Varieties to Try
- Mozzarella – Classic and melty, perfect for any pizza.
- Cheddar – Adds a sharper, tangy taste.
- Parmesan – Sprinkle on top for extra umami flavor.
- Goat Cheese – Creamy and slightly tangy for a gourmet touch.
Topping Tips for the Best Texture
- Don’t overload the pizza—too many toppings can make the bread soft.
- Pre-cook watery toppings like mushrooms or spinach to remove excess moisture.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or arugula after baking for the best flavor.
By mixing and matching these toppings, you can create a French bread pizza that suits any craving!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to keep French bread pizza from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, toast the bread before adding sauce and cheese. Also, use a thick pizza sauce and avoid too many wet toppings like fresh tomatoes.
What temperature do you cook French bread pizza at?
Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 10-12 minutes after pre-toasting at 375°F (190°C). This ensures a crispy crust and gooey cheese.
How to make French bread pizza in the UK?
Use a baguette, swap mozzarella for Cheddar or Red Leicester, and bake at 190°C (fan oven) for pre-toasting, 210°C for final baking.
Why is French bread pizza so good?
It’s easy, crispy, cheesy, and customizable—perfect for a quick homemade pizza fix!
Conclusion
This French Bread Pizza Recipe is a game-changer—quick, crispy, and customizable to suit any craving. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy homemade pizza in under 20 minutes. Toasting the bread first ensures a crispy crust, while using the right toppings keeps every bite flavorful. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a solo treat, this recipe delivers a delicious, homemade pizza that’s better than delivery!