Enjoy the nostalgia of French bread pizza with this easy and inexpensive recipe that busy moms will love! Perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings, this flavorful dish features the classic flavors you remember from your childhood.

Combining the heartiness of a traditional pizza with the crunchy crust of French bread, this French bread pizza recipe is a game changer for those who want to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The versatility of this dish allows you to personalize it with your favorite toppings and adjust the baking time to achieve the crispiness you desire. It’s also a great way to use up leftover bread or introduce new flavors to pizza-loving family members.
A rich story with a twist
Although the origins of pizza can be traced back to ancient civilizations, the modern version we know and love today became popular in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century. French bread pizza, on the other hand, is an American invention that emerged in the 1970s as a creative and practical alternative to traditional pizza. Using a baguette or French loaf as a base, this adaptation offers a unique twist on the classic Italian dish while retaining its familiar flavors and textures.
Topping ideas for every taste
The beauty of French bread pizza lies in its customizability. Some popular topping suggestions are:
- Classics: Pepperoni, sausage and mushrooms
- Veggie delight: peppers, onions, olives and spinach
- Hawaiian: ham and pineapple
- Meat lovers: bacon, minced meat and ham
- Gourmet: prosciutto, arugula and goat cheese. Feel free to mix and match or get creative with your own combinations!
frequently asked Questions
While French bread is recommended for its crunchy crust and soft interior, you can also use other types of bread, such as Italian bread or a baguette. Just make sure you adjust the baking time if the bread is thicker or thinner than French bread.
Par-baking the bread with the butter mixture helps create a barrier that prevents the sauce from soaking into the bread. Be sure to distribute the sauce evenly, but don’t overdo it as too much sauce can still make the bread soggy.
Yes, you can freeze assembled baguette pizza before baking. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake, preheat the oven and cook the pizza straight from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it is cooked through.
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza sauce can save you time and still add delicious flavor to your baguette pizza. Feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade sauce if you prefer.
serving suggestions
French bread pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but it can also be served with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a bowl of soup for a more balanced meal. It’s the perfect dish for informal gatherings, game nights or a cozy family dinner.

Make instructions ahead of time
You can make the French bread pizza ahead of time by assembling the buttered bread, sauce, cheese, and toppings. Wrap tightly in cling film or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the packaging and follow the baking instructions in the recipe.
Storage and reheating instructions
Leftover baguette pizza should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place on a baking sheet and heat in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to desired temperature.
Related Recipes
If you like this recipe, you might be interested in these other delicious pizza-based recipes:
Watch the video below where Caytlin will walk you through each step of this recipe. Sometimes having a picture helps and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. The complete collection of recipes can be found below youtube, Facebook clockor ours Facebook siteor directly here on our website with the corresponding recipes.

Enjoy the nostalgia of French bread pizza with this easy and inexpensive recipe that busy moms will love! Perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings, this flavorful dish features the classic flavors you remember from your childhood.
Ingredients
- 1 Loaf of French bread
- 8th ounces soft butter
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 Cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2-2 cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- toppings as desired E.g. pepperoni, ham, sausage, olives, mushrooms, pineapple
instructions
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Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Halve the baguette lengthwise.
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In a mixing bowl, mix together the softened butter, garlic powder, and oregano.
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Place the bread cut-side up on a baking sheet and spread the butter mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle with grated parmesan.
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Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
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Remove from the oven and spread the pizza sauce evenly on top.
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Spread the grated mozzarella cheese evenly, then add your desired toppings.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and browned.
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Let cool, slice and enjoy!
Calories: 673kcal | Carbohydrates: 30G | Protein: 20G | Fat: 53G | Saturated Fatty Acids: 26G | Polyunsaturated fat: 5G | Monounsaturated fatty acids: 18G | Trans fats: 1G | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 1252mg | Potassium: 345mg | Fiber: 2G | Sugar: 4G | Vitamin A: 1119ie | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 185mg | Iron: 3mg