French Bread Pizza Recipe {an Easy Pizza Bread Recipe}

This easy French bread pizza recipe is a quick homemade pizza recipe that can be made in a matter of minutes. A simple dinner recipe the whole family will love.

Pizza bread is one of those delicious dishes that we all know and love. I’m sure you had it growing up. Either your parents made it or you did. I remember making tons of pizza bread for my kids as after-school snacks for them and their friends. When you have a houseful of kids, you need something that’s fast, easy, and delicious, and pizza bread ticks all of those boxes. I’ve also been known to serve this recipe for a fun dinner or as part of a party spread. There’s just so much you can do with it because it’s so tasty and so easy. It really is a winner, and I can’t wait for all of you to try it!

Easy Pizza Bread Recipe

This delicious pizza is the perfect example of how incredibly simple recipes can be so full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, you get an amazing bite of pizza goodness in every bite. French bread that’s soft on the inside and crispy on the outside is topped with pizza sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and a bonus kick of heat with sliced jalapeno to create all the classic pizza feels in a package that we all know and love. 

Bite into this delicious pizza bread, and be taken on a flavor journey for your tastebuds and your childhood memories with every bite. It’s legit pizza on delicious bread that’s cooked to perfection and satisfies everyone every time. 

What is French Bread Pizza

French bread pizza is exactly what the name says it is. It’s an incredibly simple affair, being nothing more than French bread sliced lengthwise and topped with classic pizza toppings. It’s been a staple in almost every family’s home since its inception in the early 70s. 

Where Did French Bread Pizza Come From

Unlike many recipes that we enjoy today, French bread pizza isn’t the product of a long history of food evolution. It’s the product of marketing. In 1974, Stouffer’s came out with the first official iteration of French Bread pizza. 

Although Stouffer’s brought this food to the masses, some food historians are sure that the idea came from Bob Petrillose, also known as Hot Truck Bob. He sold hot subs to students at Cornell, but he also used the sub bread to make pizza. It’s thought that Stouffers may have taken that idea and corporatized it to create the French bread pizza that we know and love today. 

Pizza Variations

Because this pizza is literally made with French bread for the crust, you can make it as many ways as you would any other pizza. Change up the meats, cheeses, sauces, and other ingredients to make it exactly the way you want it. 

Enjoy pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ground beef, and ham for meat. Try bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, and more. A delicious chicken pizza with a white sauce, or bbq sauce, is delicious as well. Top it with thinly sliced red onions, add a dash of red pepper flakes, Make it with traditional sauce, or make a white pizza. The possibilities are endless. If it’s on a traditional pizza, you can put it on this pizza. 

Favorite Pizza Toppings

Because there are so many variations possible, I wanted to include some of my favorite pizza topping ideas for this pizza. The recipe itself goes with classic pepperoni and cheese, but there’s so much more you can do with it. Some of my favorites desired toppings:

• Pepperoni
• Canadian bacon
• Ham
• Bacon
• Ground beef
• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Mushrooms
• Tomatoes
• Olives
• Pineapple

Tips for Avoiding Soggy Pizza Bread

Nothing beats a great French bread pizza recipe, but nothing ruins it like soggy bread. I always serve my French bread pizza directly from the oven to the plate, so I rarely have to worry about soggy bread, but if you may be making your pizza bread a bit before serving, there are some great tips here to help you keep your French bread pizza from getting soggy. 

• Add a thin layer of topping before the sauce. Try adding a layer of your meat of choice or cheese and then adding the sauce to keep the bread from soaking up too much moisture. 
• You can pre-bake your bread to get it lightly crispy and keep it from absorbing the moisture of the sauce as it bakes.
• Sever your French Bread pizza immediately to keep it from getting soggy. 

FAQ

I know you’re itching to make this easy pizza recipe, but take a moment to read over this FAQ. It answers some of the most common questions regarding the recipe.

What to Serve with Pizza

Just like regular pizza, French bread pizza is an entire meal, so I recommend serving it with a simple side salad. Of course, set out a little bowl of ranch for dipping, as well!

Can I Freeze Homemade Pizza?

You can absolutely freeze this pizza bread. If you plan on making enough to freeze, you should note that you’ll have to pre-bake the French bread. This ensures that the bread won’t get soggy when the pizza bread is defrosted.

What Other Bread can be Used to Make Pizza?

We usually think of French bread when we think of a French bread pizza recipe. It’s right in the name, after all. However, there are several kinds of breads that can be used to make a pizza bread recipe like this. They include:

• Italian bread
• Focaccia
• Flatbread
• Sourdough

What Sauce Should I Use for Homemade Pizza?

You can use any sauce you like. Any brand and flavor of red pizza sauce will work. You can also make your own homemade pizza sauce if you’re feeling fancy. 

Storage

You should eat this pizza bread immediately after making it for the best flavor and texture. If for some reason you have leftovers, they’ll keep in the refrigerator for about three days. Be aware that the longer they sit, the soggier they can become. For longer storage, you can freeze these for up to a month. 

Ingredients for French Bread Pizza

The ingredient list for this French bread pizza couldn’t be easier. It only takes five ingredients to make, and they’re all readily available at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need. 

• Loaf of French bread
• Mozzarella cheese
• Jalapeno pepper
• Pepperoni slices
• Pizza sauce

How to Make French Bread Pizza

If you thought the ingredient list for this pizza was easy, just wait until you see the recipe. It only takes a few simple steps, and you’ll have yourself some delicious French bread pizza that everyone will love. It’s as easy as pizza pie, er, bread. 

Step 1: Prep

Cut the loaf in half lengthwise. and place on a large baking sheet. Slice the jalapeno pepper and remove the seeds.  

Step 2: Add the Sauce

Spread the sauce over each slice of French bread. 

Step 3: Add Toppings

Cover the sauce with mozzarella cheese, then add pepperoni and sliced jalapenos, and top with more cheese.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the pizza bread until the bread is golden brown on the edges and the cheese is melted. If desired, broil the pizza bread for one to two minutes to brown the cheese.  

Step 5: Serve

Slice into desired size slices and garnish with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Try This Easy Homemade French Bread Pizza Recipe Today

Whether you want a fun weeknight meal, an afternoon snack, or a stack of cheesy pizza goodness for your next get-together, this French bread pizza has you covered. It’s so easy to make and so deliciously full of classic pizza flavor, there’s no reason not to give it a try. Give this recipe a shot, and I know you and your family will absolutely love it.

More Pizza Recipes

If this delicious French bread pizza recipe has you hungry for more pizza-themed deliciousness, we’ve got you covered.

Philly Cheesesteak Pizza – This delicious pizza combines two classic comfort foods into one superfood that everyone will love. A crispy pizza crust with delicious Philly cheesesteak goodness, resulting in a pizza that has the best of all possible worlds.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza – This hearty and delicious pizza is loaded with tender chicken and bacon, with a creamy, cheesy white sauce, and topped with ranch dressing.

And here is a Chicken Cordon Bleu Alfredo Pizza and a Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pizza from Great Grub, Delicious Treats.

Here are a couple pics that are perfect to pin to your favorite Pinterest boards.