This French Bread Pizza is crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and endlessly customizable! Brushed with garlic pesto butter and baked before adding toppings, the crust turns perfectly golden—never soggy. Pile it high with your favorite toppings—classic pepperoni, creamy pizza bianca, or smoky BBQ chicken—and enjoy a quick, crowd-pleasing meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed Pesto Butter: Melted butter mixed with pesto, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes infuses every bite with herby, buttery goodness.
- Crispy, Never-Soggy Crust: Pre-baking the bread ensures a golden, crunchy base for the toppings.
- Perfectly Crisp Pepperoni: Microwaving pepperoni before baking keeps it crisp and flavorful.
- Easy to Customize: Meat lovers, veggie fans, or white-sauce enthusiasts—all options are included!
Ingredients
Pesto Butter
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Pizza
- 1 loaf French bread (about 1 lb, not a baguette)
- 1 1/4 cups pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 packed cups low-moisture shredded mozzarella
- Toppings as desired: pepperoni, cooked sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc.
- 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan
How to Make French Bread Pizza
1. Prep the Bread:
Slice the loaf in half lengthwise, then gently press the cut sides down to flatten. This keeps toppings in place.
2. Brush with Pesto Butter:
Melt butter and mix with pesto, oregano, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Brush over the bread and bake at 425°F for 6-7 minutes.
3. Crisp the Pepperoni:
Microwave pepperoni on a paper towel for about 40 seconds. This removes excess grease and keeps it crispy.
4. Add Sauce, Cheese & Toppings:
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the bread, top with mozzarella, precooked pepperoni, and any other desired toppings. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
5. Bake & Broil:
Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts. Broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden top—watch carefully to avoid burning.
Delicious Variations
Pizza Bianca:
Whip together ricotta, cream cheese, thyme, lemon zest, and garlic salt for a creamy white pizza base. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan, bake until bubbly.
BBQ Chicken:
Brush with pesto butter, then top with tangy BBQ sauce, shredded spiced chicken, mozzarella, red onion, and optional pineapple or jalapeños. Bake and broil for a golden finish.
Classic Pepperoni:
Simple, savory, and always a hit—perfect for game nights or family dinners.
Tips for Perfect French Bread Pizza
- Pre-toast the bread for extra crispiness, even without pesto butter.
- Don’t overload with sauce—too much makes it soggy.
- Pre-cook toppings like mushrooms, sausage, or onions to prevent moisture from affecting the crust.
- Customize each half with different toppings to satisfy everyone at the table.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad or Italian pasta salad for a balanced meal.
- Add roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini on the side.
- Soup lovers: tomato basil or creamy broccoli soup pairs perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat: Oven or air fryer for 5–10 minutes for a crispy crust. Avoid the microwave.
- Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat directly in the oven or air fryer—no need to thaw.