This French Bread Pizza is a classic pepperoni pizza baked on a loaf of French bread! The result is a soft, chewy, perfectly crispy crust topped with your favorite pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices!
2cupsshredded mozzarella cheese(freshly grated is best!)
½teaspoonItalian seasoning
½cuppepperoni(mild or spicy, regular or minis)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place one oven rack in the top third of the oven (this helps to prevent the bottom from burning)
Slice French bread in half lengthwise and flatten slightly (this helps to prevent curling edges) and spread the cut side with garlic butter.
Toast bread for 4-5 minutes (or broil 2-3 minutes) or until just slightly dried and crusty on top -- it doesn't have to be browned. Remove from the oven and reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
Spread each half with an equal amount of sauce (use a little more or less depending on how big your loaf is). You just want a thin layer so it does not become soggy.
Top with mozzarella cheese, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and add pepperoni (or add your favorite toppings).
Bake for 10 (in the top third of the oven), or just until cheese is melted and beginning to brown (or to your desired doneness)
Slice and serve.
Notes
Tips:
Buy the bread ahead of time. I think it's best to buy the bread ahead of time, seal it in a plastic bag, and use it in a day or two. This helps the crust soften so it doesn't dry out in the oven.
Place the oven rack in the top third of the oven to prevent the bottom of the bread from burning.
Flatten the bread. I like to flatten the loaf of bread slightly to prevent the edges from curling. I borrowed my bread flattening method from Serious Eats French Bread Pizza.
Shred your own cheese. I highly recommend using freshly grated mozzarella. It melts better. Pre-shredded cheeses contain an anti-caking agent that can result in a slightly grainy texture.
Toast the bread first. Make sure you toast the bread before you add the sauce and toppings. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy!
If you can't find French bread, Italian bread or ciabatta will work as well. Just don't overbake or they will be very hard!
Make less. If you're looking to make a smaller serving, you can easily make half or even a quarter of a pizza. You can freeze the leftover bread and use it another time!
Storage:Baked French bread pizza will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend reheating in the oven or air fryer for best results.