If you're craving pizza that's both crispy and bursting with garlicky, herb-infused flavor, my Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy pizza night with a crunchy, buttery twist that’s simply irresistible.
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
I honestly can’t get enough of this French Bread Pizza – especially the way the garlic herb butter crisps up the bread while the melty cheese and pepperoni make every bite full of comfort and flavor.
- Crispy, Buttery Base: The secret garlic herb spread makes the bread perfectly crunchy and flavorful.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
- Customizable Toppings: Loads of melty mozzarella with pepperoni, or switch it up with your favorites.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves its irresistible combination of cheese, sauce, and crispy bread.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe calls for simple, easily sourced ingredients that come together to create something surprisingly special. When shopping, look for a light and airy French bread loaf and fresh garlic to nail that authentic flavor.

- French Bread: I choose a large, round-ish loaf that’s soft and airy rather than super crusty to get that perfect texture underneath.
- Olive Oil: Adds rich flavor and helps the garlic butter soak into the bread beautifully.
- Butter: The secret to that melt-in-your-mouth buttery garlic herb spread you’ll love so much.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic creates that fresh, zesty punch that elevates the whole pizza.
- Dried Oregano: Classic herb flavor that ties the garlic butter mix to the pizza vibe.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top before baking for an extra crunchy, savory finish.
- Pizza Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce—something flavorful but not too overpowering for balance.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Low moisture, whole milk mozzarella shredded fresh from a block melts perfectly and gives that ooey-gooey texture.
- Pepperoni Slices: Frozen slices work great and keep well in the freezer until you’re ready to top your pizzas.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you love classic pepperoni or want to experiment with fresh veggies and unique cheeses, this recipe is a fantastic blank canvas.
- Vegetarian Variation: Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and black olives for a colorful, meat-free option. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh basil after baking to brighten it up.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter or scatter jalapeño slices on top for a bit of heat. It gives the pizza a wonderful depth without overpowering the crispy base.
- White Sauce Twist: Instead of pizza sauce, try a creamy garlic Alfredo spread beneath the cheese. I’ve made this for a special occasion, and it surprised everyone with its rich, comforting flavor.
- Seasonal Veggies: For spring, fresh asparagus tips and peas are lovely toppings. In the fall, roasted butternut squash and caramelized onions add a sweet-savory balance that complements the crispy bread beautifully.
- Protein Swap: Crumbled Italian sausage or grilled chicken can easily replace or accompany the pepperoni for a heartier meal. I often double the toppings when making this for a hungry crowd!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven to 425° F
Getting your oven up to the perfect temperature right from the start is key to achieving that signature crispy and crunchy crust. Preheating to 425° F ensures that when the bread goes in, it starts toasting immediately, locking in the texture and giving the cheese plenty of time to melt beautifully.
Step 2: Slice the French Bread
Cut your loaf in half lengthwise, then slice each half into smaller pieces about 3 to 4 inches long. Using a light-colored baking sheet helps avoid any burning on the bottom, so it’s a small but important detail to keep crispness intact. Arrange the slices evenly spaced for the best airflow during baking.
Step 3: Whip Up Garlic Herb Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine olive oil, butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, and salt. Keep stirring for about 2-3 minutes until everything is fragrant and the butter melts into the oil. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much—it should be gently softened to keep that mellow, aromatic flavor.
Step 4: Brush the Bread & Add Parmesan
Use a pastry brush to generously spread your garlic herb butter over every slice, including the edges—you want that flavor everywhere. Then, sprinkle a light layer of grated Parmesan on top. This little touch adds a wonderful umami punch and helps create that irresistible golden crust during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Bread Slices First
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the bread slices for 6 to 7 minutes. This step crisps up the base before adding the wet toppings, ensuring your pizza doesn’t get soggy. You’ll notice the edges start to turn golden and you’ll smell that garlic butter wafting through your kitchen—pure comfort!
Step 6: Add Pizza Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings
Carefully remove the bread from the oven and spread about 1 ½ cups of your favorite pizza sauce evenly onto the slices. Next, layer on 2 ½ cups of shredded low moisture mozzarella cheese—shredded fresh from a block gives the best melt and stretch. Top with your 25 slices of pepperoni or any toppings you prefer.
Step 7: Final Bake and Optional Broil
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the edges of the bread are a beautiful golden brown. For an extra crisp and slightly browned cheese topping, broil at 450° F for about 1 minute, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 8: Slice and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, let the pizzas cool just a touch, then slice further if desired. Serve warm to enjoy the best taste and perfectly crispy texture. This recipe yields 4 delicious pizzas, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Top Tip
Mastering the Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe is all about balancing crispy crust with melty cheese and flavorful toppings. Here are a few insider tips to get that perfect combination every time.
- Choose the Right Bread: Go for a light and airy French loaf that's more round than crusty. This helps the bread stay crispy without turning rock hard.
- Brush Generously with Garlic Herb Butter: Make sure to cover the edges of each bread slice when brushing your buttery garlic herb mix. It adds amazing flavor and promotes a beautifully golden crust.
- Use Low Moisture Mozzarella: Shred fresh whole milk mozzarella from a block for proper melting. Pre-shredded or fresh mozzarella tends to make the pizza soggy or greasy.
- Keep Pepperoni Frozen: Keeping your pepperoni slices frozen until prep keeps them fresh and prevents premature greasiness on your pizza.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe

Garnishes
To elevate your French bread pizza experience, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or oregano on top just after baking for a fresh, fragrant touch. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a scattering of red pepper flakes can also add wonderful depth. For an extra cheesy finish, consider grating a little more Parmesan over each slice right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your crispy garlic herb French Bread Pizza with a refreshing green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic knots or a simple Caesar salad also complement this crowd-pleaser nicely. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or crispy sweet potato fries make excellent sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza has cooled completely, wrap the leftovers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep that delicious flavor fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover slices by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then in foil, or placing them in a freezer-safe container. This helps maintain the crispness when reheated. Frozen French bread pizza can be stored for up to 1 month.
Reheating
For the best texture after storing, reheat your pizza slices on a baking sheet in a 350° F oven for 5-8 minutes. This helps the cheese melt perfectly again while keeping the crust crispy and crunchy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Fresh mozzarella tends to release more moisture which can make the bread soggy. For the crispiest result in this recipe, use low moisture whole milk mozzarella shredded fresh from a block.
Brushing the bread generously with garlic herb butter and Parmesan before baking helps seal the bread and promotes crispiness, as does baking at the recommended 425° F temperature.
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to swap pepperoni with veggies, sausage, or even a white sauce base for new flavor twists.
Store leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days for the best freshness and taste.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe is one of my favorite quick and tasty meals to whip up anytime – it’s like pizza magic on a crispy, buttery base with familiar comforting flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, the crispy crust, melty cheese, and savory garlic herbs come together in perfect harmony. I hope this recipe inspires you to create many cozy pizza nights at home that everyone will love!
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Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 pizzas 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy oven-baked French Bread Pizza recipe features a secret buttery garlic herb spread and stays perfectly crispy and crunchy. Crafted with a light and airy French bread base topped with flavorful garlic butter, pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Bread and Base
- 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
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pizza Toppings
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
- 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture whole milk, shredded from block)
- 25 pepperoni slices (or toppings of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425° F to ensure it’s ready for baking your French Bread Pizza to a crispy finish.
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise, then cut each half into smaller slices. Place the slices on a large, light-colored baking sheet to promote even baking.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the olive oil, butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, and salt. Heat for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly, then remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Brush Bread with Garlic Butter: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the garlic herb butter mixture over each slice, including the edges, then sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Initial Bake: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the bread slices for 6-7 minutes to crisp the base.
- Add Toppings: Remove the bread from the oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over each piece. Top with shredded mozzarella and arrange pepperoni slices or your preferred toppings on top.
- Final Bake: Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for 10-13 minutes until the cheese has melted and the edges are golden and crisp. For a more browned top, broil at 450° F for about 1 minute, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Slice the pizzas further if desired and serve warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Bread: Select a large, light, and airy French bread loaf that is round-ish rather than overly crusty for the best texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use low moisture whole milk mozzarella shredded fresh from a block rather than pre-shredded or fresh mozzarella to ensure proper melting.
- Pepperoni: Keep sliced pepperoni frozen to maintain freshness and simply add it straight from freezer while prepping.
- Pizza Sauce: Rao’s Pizza Sauce is excellent, but more budget-friendly Ragu sauce works well and tastes great.
- Storage: Cool leftovers completely, then wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a 350° F oven for 5-8 minutes until cheese is melted and warm again.
- Variations: Try different toppings like veggies, sausage, or even a white sauce for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg




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