Garlic Bread Pizza is crispy, cheesy, and super satisfying. Instead of using frozen garlic bread, you'll make a quick garlic butter with fresh garlic and spread it over French bread before adding pizza sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings. It takes just 25 minutes and makes an easy weeknight dinner.
Should You Make This?
Time: 25 Minutes (10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes for baking)
Ingredients: 6 simple ingredients: a loaf of bread, garlic, butter, pizza, mozzarella, pepperoni
Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread - A standard loaf of French bread works great, but Italian bread or sub rolls also work well for smaller, individual pizzas.
Garlic - Fresh minced garlic gives the bread the best garlic flavor, but you can substitute ½ to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
Butter - Melted butter coats the bread easily and helps it get crisp in the oven. You can swap in olive oil for a dairy-free option, though the flavor will be a little different.
Pizza Sauce - My favorites are Mezzetta Pizza Sauce (sweet, spicy, and robust) and Rao's Homemade Arrabbiata Sauce (spicy and flavorful).
Mozzarella Cheese - You can use shredded mozzarella or a pre-made pizza cheese blend.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
How to Make Garlic Bread Pizza
Step 1 | Prep the Bread
Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. If needed, shave a bit off the bottom so it sits flat.
Step 2 | Toast the Bread
Mix melted butter and minced garlic, then spread over the cut sides. Place on a baking sheet, cut-side up, and bake at 425°F for 5-10 minutes. The bread should be lightly golden brown and crispy when it's ready. .Don't skip this step if you want the crispiest garlic bread pizza.
Step 3 | Add the Toppings
Spread pizza sauce over the toasted bread, then top with mozzarella and pepperoni. Don't add too much sauce. A thin, even layer gives you plenty of pizza flavor without weighing down the bread. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden.
Step 4 | Let Cool and Slice
Let the pizzas cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Tips & Notes
Use Parchment Paper: It makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the cheese from sticking to the pan.
Customize it: Swap pepperoni for sausage, veggies, or whatever toppings you love-this is a great clean-out-the-fridge meal.
Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze unbaked for a quick meal later (see freezing instructions below).
Make It Ahead of Time!
I tested freezing these before baking, and they work well for a make-ahead meal.
- Prep: Assemble the pizzas but don't toast the garlic bread first.
- Store: Place on a baking sheet or cutting board and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Cook: Preheat oven to 400°F. Unwrap and place on a baking sheet. Bake from frozen for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is heated through.
Common Questions
Do I have to toast the bread first?
Toasting isn't required, but I recommend it. It gives the bread a crispier texture and helps prevent the pizza sauce from making the bread soggy.
What kind of bread works best?
A standard loaf of French bread works great, but you can also use Italian bread or sub rolls for smaller, individual pizzas.
Tried this recipe? Let everyone know how it turned out! Your feedback and tips help others decide if they should make it.
Easy Garlic Bread Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup salted butter melted
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- About 24 pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. If needed, you can carefully shave a little off the bottom to help it sit flat on the baking sheet.
- Stir the melted butter and minced garlic together in a small bowl. Spread it evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Place the bread halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, just until lightly toasted. This helps keep the bread from getting soggy once the toppings go on.
- Take the bread out of the oven and spread a layer of pizza sauce over each half. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then add your pepperoni slices or any toppings you like.
- Pop the pizzas back in the oven and bake for 10 to 14 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
- Give the pizzas a few minutes to cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
More Pizza Recipes
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- Sheet Pan Pizza- Use store-bought dough, or make a quick 25-minute dough that's fluffy in the middle and crispy around the edges.
- Arugula Ricotta Cheese Pizza- Creamy Arugula Ricotta Cheese Pizza with prosciutto, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and peppery arugula.
- BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza- BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza makes for a fun weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
Debbie says
Excellent flavor, made recipe as noted. Makes a nice lunch or dinner.