Name: Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter softened; 6 garlic cloves finely minced or pressed; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 pound French bread or Italian bread; ½ cup pizza sauce; 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese shredded; 15 pepperoni slices; 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese; Red pepper flakes (optional); Chopped fresh parsley to garnish (optional)

There’s something utterly satisfying about the crispy, buttery edges of garlicky bread mingling with gooey, melty cheese and savory pepperoni. That’s exactly why this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. It’s fast, comfy, and downright addictive.

The image shows four slices of pepperoni pizza on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. Each slice has two or three red pepperoni circles on top. The pizza has a thick layer of melted yellowish-white cheese with some browned spots from baking. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled across the cheese on every slice. The crust is golden brown and crispy around the edges. A small clear glass bowl with red chili flakes is visible at the right edge of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe—my family was skeptical, but one bite in and they were hooked. The combination of garlic butter on crusty bread, topped with melty cheese and spicy pepperoni, is just too good to resist. It’s like your favorite pizza and garlic bread got married and made a delicious baby.

Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Packed: The garlic butter base combined with fresh parsley and parmesan creates a rich, savory foundation.
Versatile: You can easily swap toppings or cheeses to suit what you have on hand or your mood.
Kid and Crowd-Friendly: It’s a guaranteed hit whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a hungry group.

Two oval-shaped bread bases are topped with a thick layer of melted white cheese that covers each base fully, bubbling slightly with a golden edge. On top of the cheese, five bright red pepperoni slices are evenly spaced in one bread and six in the other, each slice sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and light brown seasoning. The bread edges are golden brown and crispy, with some parts puffed up. The bread rests on a light wooden board with a small clear bowl of red chili flakes next to it. To the right, there is a clear glass of light-colored drink and a white cloth with black stripes on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe plays a special role in building flavor and texture. I always recommend taking a moment to pick good-quality bread and fresh garlic—those little details elevate the dish immensely.

Flat lay of sliced French bread with a soft crust, a generous curl of softened salted butter mixed with finely minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley, bright red pizza sauce dollops, shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese heaps, thin round pepperoni slices, small piles of grated Parmesan cheese, vibrant red pepper flakes scattered lightly, and fresh green parsley leaves for garnish, all beautifully arranged and placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Salted Butter: It’s the base of the garlic butter sauce; makes the bread tender and adds richness.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives an intense aromatic punch that canned garlic can’t match.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, herbal lift cutting through the richness.
French or Italian Bread: A soft crust and sturdy crumb hold toppings perfectly without getting soggy.
Pizza Sauce: Provides that classic tomato tang, balancing the buttery garlic flavor.
Low-Moisture Mozzarella: Melts beautifully without making the bread soggy.
Pepperoni Slices: Offers a bit of spice and meaty bite—classically satisfying.
Parmesan Cheese: For that sharp, salty kick sprinkled on top.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a subtle heat if you’re feeling adventurous.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is how flexible it is. I like to toss in extra veggies sometimes or swap out pepperoni for sliced mushrooms or cooked sausage. Feel free to customize it to fit your cravings and pantry.

Vegetarian Version: Replace pepperoni with sliced bell peppers, olives, or spinach—I’ve tried this and it’s just as tasty.
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or drizzle hot honey over the top after baking for a sweet-heat combo.
Cheese Swap: Mix in provolone or fontina with mozzarella for a richer cheese pull.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use a sturdy gluten-free baguette or bread loaf—just watch the bake time as GF bread can toast faster.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up That Garlic Butter Magic

Start by softening your butter—room temperature works best. Mix in finely minced garlic and fresh parsley until everything’s evenly combined. This mixture is what sets the stage for every bite bursting with savory goodness. I usually do this by hand but a fork works just fine.

Step 2: Prep Your Bread

Slice the bread lengthwise to create two long "boats"—think garlic bread style. Spread half of that glorious garlic butter generously over each piece, making sure to cover every inch. Place them cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop in the oven at 400°F for about 5 minutes. This starts to toast the bread and melt in the butter.

Step 3: Add the Pizza Goodies

Remove your bread from the oven and immediately spread a thin layer of pizza sauce—about a quarter cup per half—on each one. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly, arrange your pepperoni slices, and finish with a healthy dusting of parmesan. Now it’s ready for the final bake.

Step 4: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Return the bread pizzas to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the edges of the bread are perfectly crisp. Trust me, the smell alone will have you counting down the minutes. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that really help this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe shine every time. Here are my go-to tips so you get that perfect crispy garlic crust along with a melty cheese topping.

Choose the Right Bread: A softer crust loaf, like bakery-style French bread, works best; it crisps nicely but stays chewy inside.
Fresh Garlic Matters: Using fresh instead of pre-minced garlic makes a huge flavor difference—don’t skimp here!
Low-Moisture Mozzarella: This type melts beautifully without watering down the bread.
Avoid Soggy Bread: Toast the bread with garlic butter first before adding sauce and toppings to keep it crispy.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing mine with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a little extra parmesan cheese. If you’re into heat, red pepper flakes are a no-brainer. These simple touches make the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Personally, I pair this recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of homemade tomato soup—it’s comfort food heaven. Steamed veggies or roasted asparagus also double down on the fresh flavor balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual parties, I slice the bread pizza into bite-size squares and arrange them on a festive platter with dipping bowls of ranch or marinara. It's always a crowd-pleaser and super easy for guests to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and pop them into the fridge. They keep well for up to 2 days, and I find they reheat nicely without losing that crisp edge.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these plenty of times—just wrap each half in parchment and foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to revive that fresh-baked charm.

Reheating

To reheat, I always use the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. This avoids sogginess and keeps the edges crisp and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular garlic bread instead of making the garlic butter?

Yes! For an ultra-quick dinner, frozen garlic bread works well as your base—just skip applying the garlic butter. Add your pizza sauce and toppings directly on top before baking.

What’s the best bread for this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe?

A bakery-style French or Italian bread with a softer crust is ideal. It crisps nicely without getting hard or too crunchy, creating the perfect texture contrast with toppings.

Can I customize toppings?

Absolutely! This recipe is flexible. Try mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or cooked sausage to mix it up to your liking.

How do I prevent soggy bread under the toppings?

To keep the bread crisp, always toast it briefly with garlic butter before adding sauce and toppings. This will create a moisture barrier that keeps everything perfectly textured.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe brings together two classics in the coziest, most satisfying way possible. I love how quickly it comes together and how versatile it is for any occasion, whether a casual dinner or a fun snack. Give it a whirl—you might find it becoming a staple in your kitchen like it is in mine.