Name: Crispy Garlic Herb French Bread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: 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; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 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)

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.

The image shows four pieces of toasted bread pizza placed on a baking sheet with a light brown baking mat. Each piece has a base layer of thick, crispy golden-brown bread. On top, there is a red tomato sauce layer, covered by a smooth, melted white cheese layer that stretches evenly to the edges. Scattered on the cheese are bright red pepperoni slices, some slightly shiny with oil, arranged mostly in pairs or threes, with flecks of green herbs sprinkled lightly over everything. The edges of the cheese have a slight golden-brown toast, and the baking sheet 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

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.

Flat lay of a whole loaf of fresh French bread, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow butter, three uncracked cloves of fresh garlic, a few dried oregano leaves scattered naturally, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl filled with grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red pizza sauce, a small white ceramic bowl overflowing with shredded mozzarella cheese, and a neat stack of bright red pepperoni slices, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: 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.

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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 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

The image shows a white oval plate with ten small square pizza slices arranged neatly. Each slice has three layers: a thick, golden-brown bread base with a soft texture, a layer of red tomato sauce just visible under the cheese, and melted white mozzarella cheese covering most of the surface. On top of the cheese, two shiny, reddish-brown pepperoni slices are placed on each piece. There are small green herb sprinkles scattered over the pizza slices. A small white ramekin filled with red marinara sauce is placed on the plate beside the pizza pieces. A jar of grated cheese and some green parsley blurred in the background sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

The image shows two metal trays with pieces of bread on a white marbled surface. On the left tray, there are four long slices of bread spread with a yellow layer of oil or butter and sprinkled with a white powdery topping, likely cheese, giving it a slightly textured look. On the right tray, the same bread slices are covered with a smooth red tomato sauce layer, evenly spread across each piece, with some small herbs or spices visible in the sauce. The bread pieces are aligned neatly on both trays. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I use regular fresh mozzarella instead of low moisture mozzarella?

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.

What’s the secret to keeping the crust crispy?

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.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to swap pepperoni with veggies, sausage, or even a white sauce base for new flavor twists.

How long can I keep leftovers refrigerated?

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!