Name: Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French Bread, about 1 lb, 20-21 inches long; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 ½ cups pizza sauce; 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture, whole milk); 25 pepperoni slices, or toppings of choice

Imagine biting into a warm, crunchy slice of pizza where the crispy crust meets a buttery garlic herb spread, topped with melty mozzarella and zesty pepperoni. That's exactly what this Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe delivers—simple, fast, and utterly delicious.

The image shows four slices of bread pizza on a metal baking tray. Each slice has three layers starting from the bottom with a thick, golden-brown toasted bread base. The middle layer is a smooth, red tomato sauce spread evenly on the bread. The top layer is melted white cheese that covers the bread fully, with six circular, red-orange pepperoni slices spaced on the cheese. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top for garnish. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. 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 Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I need a quick homemade pizza fix that feels indulgent yet effortless, this French bread pizza is my go-to. The garlic herb spread adds an unbeatable layer of flavor that makes each bite pop.

Speedy Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Buttery Garlic Herb Flavor: The secret spread takes this pizza from ordinary to crave-worthy.
Crispy & Crunchy: The bread base stays perfectly toasted, no sogginess here!
Customizable Toppings: Use pepperoni or your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Picking the right ingredients really elevates this French bread pizza. Look for a large, airy loaf and fresh garlic to ensure maximum flavor and texture. I always recommend shredding your own mozzarella to get that perfect melt.

Flat lay of a whole long loaf of fresh French bread, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with several tablespoons of creamy yellow butter, three peeled fresh garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with dried oregano leaves, a small white bowl containing fine white salt, a small white bowl piled with grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red pizza sauce, a simple white ceramic plate heaped with shredded mozzarella cheese, a neat stack of round red pepperoni slices arranged on a white plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

French Bread: A light, airy loaf provides the ideal crunchy base without being too dense.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic herb flavors through the bread.
Butter: Brings a luscious, creamy texture to the garlic spread that's hard to beat.
Fresh Garlic: Gives that unmistakable punch — fresh beats pre-minced anytime!
Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb that complements the garlic and cheese perfectly.
Salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the savory notes.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty layer under the melted mozzarella.
Pizza Sauce: Choose a sauce with good herbs and tang for authentic flavor — Rao’s or Ragu work great.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Low moisture, whole milk mozzarella ensures gooey meltiness without excess moisture.
Pepperoni Slices (or toppings of choice): Classic topping that crisps up beautifully and adds spice and smokiness.

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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

The beauty of this Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe is how easily it lends itself to your personal touch. Whether you like it classic with pepperoni or adventurous with veggies and different cheeses, the possibilities are endless.

Vegetarian Variation: I love swapping the pepperoni for a colorful mix of sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives. It’s hearty, fresh, and still perfectly crispy!
Spicy Kick: Adding red chili flakes to the garlic herb spread brings a lovely warmth. Paired with spicy Italian sausage or jalapeño slices, this pizza really wakes up your taste buds.
Seasonal Twist: During the fall, I enjoy adding caramelized onions and fresh sage alongside mozzarella for a cozy, seasonal flavor that pairs beautifully with the herb spread.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free baguette and keep all other ingredients the same — the prep and baking time remain perfect for a quick, gluten-friendly dinner.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe

The image shows a white oval plate holding nine small square mini pepperoni pizzas arranged in three rows. Each pizza piece has four layers: a thick bread base with a lightly toasted texture in light beige, a thin layer of red tomato sauce, a layer of melted white cheese topped with a slight stretch and light browning, and two shiny, round pepperoni slices with a deep reddish-orange color sprinkled with small green herb bits. In the center of the plate is a small white ramekin filled with chunky red tomato sauce, adding a rich texture contrast. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred jar of grated cheese visible in the background, and some green herbs lie behind the plate. The lighting highlights the textures and colors making the pizza look warm and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven to Perfection

Start by heating your oven to 425° F. This temperature is just right to get that bread base crispy without overcooking the toppings later. Preheating ensures the oven is ready the moment your bread goes in, creating the perfect crunchy crust we all crave.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange the Bread

Take your loaf of French bread — about 20 to 21 inches long and roughly 1 lb — and cut it in half lengthwise. Then, cut those halves into manageable slices. I like to keep them around 4 to 5 inches long each for easy handling and eating. Lay the slices cut side up on a large, light-colored baking sheet; using a lighter sheet helps prevent the bottoms from burning.

Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Herb Spread

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons butter, 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until everything is fragrant and well blended — be careful not to burn the garlic. This luscious mixture is the secret to that irresistible garlic herb flavor.

Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle with Parmesan

Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top and edges of each bread slice with the warm garlic herb spread. Don’t skimp on the edges — they soak up flavor and become irresistibly crispy. Next, sprinkle about ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly across all slices for a punch of savory goodness.

Step 5: Toast the Bread Base

Transfer your prepared bread slices into the oven and bake for 6-7 minutes. You’re aiming for a light toasty color with crispening edges here — the bread should be sturdy enough to hold your toppings without being soggy.

Step 6: Add Toppings and More Cheese

Remove the toasted bread from the oven and spread 1 ½ cups of your favorite pizza sauce evenly over the slices. Then pile on 2 ½ cups shredded low moisture, whole milk mozzarella cheese — this variety melts beautifully for that perfect gooey texture. Top with 25 pepperoni slices or any other toppings you love.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbling and Browned

Pop the topped bread back into the oven and bake for 10-13 minutes. You’ll want to see the cheese fully melted and bubbly with golden brown edges on the bread, signaling it’s time to remove. For an extra touch of golden magnificence, broil at 450° F for 1 minute — but watch carefully to avoid burning!

Step 8: Slice and Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, slice your French bread pizzas and serve immediately. The crust will be delightfully crispy, the topping melty and flavorful, and the garlic herb aroma will make it impossible to wait!

Top Tip

These tips can help you master your Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe and elevate every bite to crispy, garlicky perfection.

Use the Right Bread: I’ve found that a large, light, and airy French bread loaf—not too crusty—gives the perfect texture. It crisps beautifully without getting too hard.
Butter and Garlic Blend: Don’t rush the garlic herb spread—cooking it gently for 2-3 minutes really brings out that fragrant, savory flavor without any bitterness.
Cheese Selection Matters: Using low moisture, whole milk mozzarella shredded from a block makes all the difference in melt and stretchiness compared to pre-shredded or fresh mozzarella.
Watch Your Broil: If you decide to broil for added browning, keep a very close eye on your pizzas—they can go from golden to burnt in seconds!

How to Serve Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe

The image shows two metal trays on a white marbled surface, each holding four long rectangular pieces of bread. On the left tray, the bread pieces are coated with a shiny layer of olive oil and sprinkled with grated white cheese, giving a textured look. On the right tray, the same bread pieces are covered with a thick, red tomato sauce spread evenly across each slice, with some small visible herbs and seasoning mixed in the sauce, making the surface look slightly bumpy. The trays have a light brown silicone mat underneath the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your pizzas with a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add brightness and a little kick to each slice.

Side Dishes

Pair your crispy French bread pizza with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Roasted garlic green beans or a tangy coleslaw also complement the rich garlic herb flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your leftovers have cooled completely, wrap the pizzas tightly in foil or place them in an airtight freezer bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep that crispy texture and fresh flavor intact.

Freezing

While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze baked slices wrapped well in foil and placed in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy magic, reheat your leftover pizzas on a baking sheet at 350° F for 5-8 minutes until the cheese is melted and warm again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

While you can experiment with other breads, a large, light, and airy French bread loaf works best because it crisps nicely without getting too hard or dense.

What’s the best way to prevent soggy bread?

Brushing the garlic herb spread evenly and pre-toasting the bread slices for 6-7 minutes before adding sauce and toppings is key to keeping your bread crispy.

Can I customize toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite toppings, from veggies to different meats, just adjust baking time slightly if needed based on topping moisture.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Wrap cooled leftovers tightly in foil or an airtight bag and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350° F oven for 5-8 minutes to maintain crispy texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe becomes your go-to when you want a quick, delicious homemade pizza fix that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s a wonderful way to bring people together around the table with something simple but special. Happy baking, and here’s to many cozy pizza nights ahead!