Name: French Bread Pizza
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread; 1/2 to 3/4 cup pizza sauce; 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Toppings of choice (vegetables, cooked chicken, mushrooms, olives, etc.)

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French Bread Pizza is one of my go-to cheap and easy dinners, especially when I want something fast that everyone in the family can enjoy. It takes minimal effort, requires just a handful of ingredients, and the result is crispy, cheesy, and totally customizable. I love how simple it is to prepare — even my kids like to join in and build their own pizzas with their favorite toppings.

French Bread Pizza

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly flexible. I can throw it together on a busy weeknight or let it be a fun dinner activity where everyone builds their own pizza. It’s budget-friendly, fast to prepare, and satisfies everyone’s pizza cravings without the hassle of making dough. Whether I’m working with picky eaters or using up leftover ingredients, it always hits the spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 loaf of French bread
1/2 to 3/4 cup pizza sauce
1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings of choice (vegetables, chicken, mushrooms, olives, etc.)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
I slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise to create two large pieces.
I spread a generous amount of pizza sauce on each half, making sure to go all the way to the edges.
Then I sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across both halves.
I let everyone add their favorite toppings — vegetables, cooked chicken, or anything I have on hand.
I place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden and crisp.
I let them cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 large French bread pizzas, which I usually slice into 4 pieces each — perfect for 4–6 people depending on appetite. From start to finish, it takes about 20 minutes, including prep and bake time.

Variations

BBQ Chicken: I use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, add cooked chicken, red onions, and a sprinkle of cheddar.
Veggie Lover: I pile on mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, and black olives.
Mediterranean Style: I use olive oil instead of pizza sauce, top with feta cheese, spinach, red onions, and tomatoes.
Breakfast Style: I add scrambled eggs, cheese, and sautéed vegetables for a morning twist.
Margherita: I keep it simple with tomato slices, fresh basil, and mozzarella.

Storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. They stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the oven at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes so the bread stays crisp. Microwaving works too, but the bread softens a bit.

FAQs

What kind of bread works best for French Bread Pizza?

I usually use a store-bought French loaf because it’s cheap and easy to find, but Italian bread or even a baguette works if I want a slightly different texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I can prep the bread with sauce and toppings a few hours ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready, I just bake it straight from the fridge.

How do I prevent soggy bread?

I toast the bread halves for a few minutes in the oven before adding the sauce and toppings. It helps keep the base crisp even after baking.

Can I freeze French Bread Pizza?

Absolutely. I assemble the pizzas, freeze them on a baking sheet, then wrap them individually. When I need a quick meal, I bake them straight from frozen at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.

What are the best toppings for picky eaters?

For picky eaters, I keep it simple with just cheese or maybe cheese and cooked chicken. I also like letting everyone build their own so they get exactly what they want.

Conclusion

French Bread Pizza is a lifesaver in my kitchen — fast, affordable, and totally delicious. Whether I’m short on time or just want a fun dinner that gets everyone involved, this recipe never fails. I can make it my own every time, and it’s one of those meals I know I’ll keep coming back to.