French Bread Pizza Oven Baked

There is nothing better than oven-baked French Bread Pizza on a busy weeknight when you want the flavor of classic pizza without working with dough. This recipe is all about a buttery garlic herb spread and the perfect crisp bite. It is endlessly customizable with any toppings you crave and makes a great family dinner or late-night snack.

The first time I made this, my husband ate almost half the batch before it hit the table and now our kids ask for French Bread Pizza every Friday night.

Ingredients

• French bread loaf: about one pound A lighter airier loaf works best for absorbing all that garlic butter and achieving crisp edges
• Olive oil: Enhances the richness and helps the bread crisp choose extra virgin for best flavor
• Butter: Real butter combines with olive oil for the ultimate spread pick unsalted to control salt
• Fresh garlic: Use fresh cloves for the deepest flavor avoid jarred garlic which can be bitter
• Dried oregano: Brings an instant pizzeria flavor check that your oregano is still fragrant not stale
• Salt: Just a touch sharpens all the other ingredients
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty depth while helping the top get golden buy a wedge to grate yourself for freshness
• Pizza sauce: Go with your favorite jarred sauce but try Rao's if you want a splurge check the label for tomato as the first ingredient
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Low moisture whole milk mozzarella melts best always shred your own from a block for creamy cheese pulls
• Pepperoni slices: Pick up pre sliced and keep it in the freezer for quick assembly or choose any topping you like

Step-by-Step Instructions

Slice the Bread:

Split the French bread loaf in half lengthwise then again widthwise to make four long portions each one a perfect personal pizza

Make the Garlic Herb Spread:

Combine olive oil butter minced garlic oregano and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat Stir constantly for about two minutes until the butter melts and everything is fragrant Decrease the heat if butter starts to brown Remove from the heat

Brush and Cheese:

Using a pastry brush cover the cut sides and edges of the bread pieces generously with the garlic herb mixture Sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over the top This creates the flavorful barrier that helps keep the bread crispy under the toppings

Prebake the Bread:

Place bread pieces on a large light colored baking sheet Bake in a preheated oven at four twenty five degrees for six to seven minutes This helps set the garlic and cheese onto the bread and starts the crisping process

Add Toppings:

Pull the bread from the oven Spoon over generous amounts of pizza sauce then scatter with shredded mozzarella and arrange pepperoni or your favorite toppings

Bake and Brown:

Return the pizzas to the oven Bake for ten to thirteen minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are crispy golden brown For extra browning place under the broiler for an additional minute but watch carefully so the cheese does not burn

Slice and Serve:

Once baked slice into your preferred sizes and serve warm right from the tray French Bread Pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven

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My favorite part is always the crispy cheesy edge that forms where the garlic butter meets Parmesan I remember my kids sneaking the corner pieces before I even call everyone to dinner and honestly I do not blame them

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers completely to keep them crisp before storing Wrap in foil or an airtight bag and keep in the fridge for up to two days For longer storage freeze the slices individually To reheat lay slices directly on a baking sheet and warm in a three fifty degree oven for five to eight minutes until cheese bubbles and the edges are crisp again

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out mozzarella for another easy melting cheese like provolone or Monterey Jack Use gluten free bread for an allergy friendly version For a vegetarian pizza skip the pepperoni and load up on mushrooms peppers or olives If you avoid garlic try using chives or green onions for gentler flavor

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Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crunchy green salad dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar or roasted veggies for a balanced meal I also like to set out a few dipping sauces like ranch marinara or pesto for extra flavor Make mini versions for parties or game day bites

Cultural and Historical Context

French Bread Pizza became popular in American kitchens in the nineteen seventies as a way to get the taste of pizza without making dough from scratch It is a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up with store bought frozen versions but homemade comes together just as quickly with twice the flavor and texture

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best?

A light and airy French loaf, around 20-21 inches long, gives the best crunchy texture. Avoid very crusty or dense breads for optimal results.

→ How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Brush slices with a buttery garlic oil and bake them for a few minutes before adding sauce and cheese. This helps keep the base crisp.

→ Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella?

Yes, try part-skim mozzarella, provolone, or add Parmesan and other favorites for extra flavor and melting properties.

→ Which pizza sauce works best?

Both premium and affordable jarred sauces work well; Rao’s gives a rich flavor, while Ragu is a tasty and budget-friendly choice.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Let the slices cool, wrap tightly, and refrigerate up to two days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes for best texture.

→ What other toppings can be added?

Try veggies, cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, or different meats for variety—just avoid watery toppings to maintain crispiness.