Oven-Baked French Bread Pizza: Your Weeknight Shortcut to Deliciousness!
Craving pizza but short on time? Look no further than this incredibly easy and undeniably delicious Oven-Baked French Bread Pizza! It delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of your favorite pizza, but with a wonderfully crunchy crust and significantly less fuss than traditional dough. With garlic-infused bread, tangy sauce, melty cheese, and classic pepperoni, it’s a quick meal that everyone in the family will absolutely love.
Why French Bread Pizza is a Game-Changer
- Speedy Satisfaction: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy Crust: The French bread bakes up with an irresistible golden crunch that’s hard to beat.
- Customizable: A blank canvas for all your favorite pizza toppings.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this simple yet satisfying meal.
- Easy Cleanup: No messy dough-making means less washing up!
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your crispy, cheesy French Bread Pizza:
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread (preferably a wider, flatter loaf for more surface area)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup pizza sauce (or your favorite marinara sauce)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim or whole milk)
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings like cooked sausage, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
- Optional: Fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions: Pizza Perfection, Fast!
1. Preheat and Prep the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice the French bread in half lengthwise, creating two long halves. If the loaf is very long, you can cut each half into two shorter sections to fit your baking sheet. Place the bread halves cut-side up on a large baking sheet.
2. Garlic Oil Infusion:
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and olive oil. Brush this garlic oil mixture evenly over the cut surfaces of the French bread halves. This step adds a wonderful aromatic base and helps the bread crisp up.
3. Assemble Your Pizzas:
Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the oiled and garlicked surface of each bread half, leaving a small border around the edges. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, ensuring good coverage. Arrange the sliced pepperoni evenly over the cheese.
4. Bake to Crispy Perfection:
Place the baking sheet with the assembled French bread pizzas into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the French bread are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Slice and Serve:
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the pizzas cool for just a minute or two before transferring them to a cutting board. Slice each half into individual servings (usually 2-3 slices per half, depending on the length of your bread). Garnish with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately!
Tips for the Best French Bread Pizza
- Bread Choice: A wider, flatter loaf of French bread (sometimes called a “baguette” in some regions, but typically a softer, wider variety) works best, as it provides more surface area for toppings.
- Don’t Over-Sauce: Too much sauce can make the bread soggy. A thin, even layer is perfect.
- Pre-Bake the Bread (Optional for Extra Crispiness): For an even crispier base, you can bake the garlic-oiled bread halves for 3-5 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings.
- Get Creative with Toppings: This recipe is highly adaptable! Try cooked ground sausage, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, olives, or even pineapple (if you’re into that!). Add fresh vegetables like bell peppers or onions before the cheese so they cook thoroughly.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with a mix of cheeses like provolone, Parmesan, or a pre-shredded Italian blend for different flavor profiles.
This Oven-Baked French Bread Pizza is your answer to quick, delicious, and satisfying weeknight meals. Enjoy the crunch, the cheese, and the ease!