Introduction

Welcome to our delicious guide on French Bread Pizza! If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that’s bursting with flavor, then you’ve come to the right place. French Bread Pizza is a delightful twist on the classic pizza recipe, using a crispy baguette as the base instead of traditional pizza dough. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and endless topping possibilities, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, steps, variations, and even share some tips to help you make the perfect French Bread Pizza every time.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:

For the French Bread Pizza:

– 1 French baguette

– 1 cup marinara sauce

– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

– Assorted pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives)

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

For the Garlic Butter:

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Steps

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to making the French Bread Pizza:

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your French Bread Pizza will cook evenly and have a crispy crust.

Step 2: Prepare the baguette

Cut the French baguette in half lengthwise, creating two long pieces. This will serve as the base for your French Bread Pizza.

Step 3: Make the garlic butter

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Spread the marinara sauce

Take each baguette half and spread a generous amount of marinara sauce on the cut side of each piece. Make sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 5: Add the toppings

Now comes the fun part – adding your favorite pizza toppings! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce, and then layer on your desired toppings. Get creative and mix it up with different combinations!

Step 6: Brush with garlic butter

Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the toppings and the exposed edges of the baguette. This will give your French Bread Pizza a delicious garlic flavor and a golden, crispy crust.

Step 7: Bake to perfection

Place the prepared French Bread Pizzas on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.

Step 8: Garnish and serve

Once the French Bread Pizzas are out of the oven, garnish them with fresh basil leaves if desired. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before slicing into individual portions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

While the classic French Bread Pizza is already a crowd-pleaser, there are endless variations you can try to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Vegetarian French Bread Pizza:

If you prefer a meat-free option, load up your French Bread Pizza with an assortment of fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes, spinach, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese. You can also experiment with different sauces like pesto or Alfredo for a unique twist.

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza:

Add a tangy twist to your French Bread Pizza by swapping the marinara sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce. Top it with cooked chicken, red onions, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Finish it off with a drizzle of barbecue sauce for an irresistible flavor combination.

Hawaiian French Bread Pizza:

For a tropical twist, layer your French Bread Pizza with ham, pineapple chunks, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to transport you to a sunny beach.

Tips

To ensure your French Bread Pizza turns out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips:

Choose a crispy baguette:

Look for a French baguette that has a crusty exterior and a soft interior. The contrast in textures will give your French Bread Pizza a delightful crunch.

Don’t overload with toppings:

While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, be mindful not to overload your French Bread Pizza. Too many toppings can weigh down the crust and make it soggy.

Experiment with cheeses:

While mozzarella cheese is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, feta, or goat cheese. Each cheese brings its unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Prevent a soggy crust:

To avoid a soggy crust, make sure to fully bake the French Bread Pizza until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. Additionally, you can toast the baguette halves before adding the toppings for an extra crispy base.

Conclusion

French Bread Pizza is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional pizza in a convenient and delicious form. With its crispy baguette crust, gooey cheese, and endless topping possibilities, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit everyone’s preferences. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, French Bread Pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, gather your ingredients, follow our easy steps, and get ready to indulge in a slice of cheesy goodness!

FAQs

Can I make French Bread Pizza in advance?

While it’s best to bake French Bread Pizza fresh for optimal taste and texture, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Assemble the pizza just before baking to ensure a crispy crust.

Can I freeze French Bread Pizza?

Yes, you can freeze French Bread Pizza for future meals. After baking, allow the pizza to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While French baguette is the traditional choice, you can experiment with different types of bread like Italian bread, ciabatta, or even whole wheat bread. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the toppings.

French Bread Pizza

Recipe by Author

★★★★☆

4.5 from 120 votes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: French

Difficulty: easy

🍽️

Servings

4

⏱️

Prep time

10 minutes

🔥

Cooking time

15 minutes

📊

Calories

410 kcal

Pin Print

French Bread Pizza is a delightful twist on the classic pizza recipe, using a crispy baguette as the base instead of traditional pizza dough. With a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and endless topping possibilities, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

• 1 French baguette
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Assorted pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the French baguette in half lengthwise to create two long pieces.
3. Make the garlic butter by combining melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley.
4. Spread a generous amount of marinara sauce on each cut side of the baguette halves.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce on both baguette halves.
6. Add desired pizza toppings on top of the cheese.
7. Brush the garlic butter mixture over the toppings and exposed edges of the baguette.
8. Bake the prepared French Bread Pizzas in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 410

Fat: 18

Carbohydrates: 43

Protein: 18

Sodium: 890

Fiber: 3

Sugar: 6