Easy French Bread Pizza - Customizable

This French bread cheese pizza is a playful and delicious twist on the classic dish — doughy, buttery, and perfectly cheesy with the sauce served on the side for that ultimate not-soggy bite of yummy goodness. It’s cheesy, herby, and comfortingly doughy, with endless possibilities for toppings to make it your own. This recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner to throw together and enjoy with fresh sides like crisp veggies and ranch, fruit with a creamy dip, a flavorful pasta salad, or a lush green salad dressed in your favorite crave-worthy dressing. It’s all really up to you. 😊

I love a good slice of pizza, but sometimes with thicker crusts, like bread, the sauce makes it soggy, wet, and—well—kind of hides the bread’s soft, airy texture. That’s why this version lets the French bread shine. The toppings, cheese, olive oil, herbs, and spices all have their moment on the bread, while the sauce plays the perfect supporting role — tangy, creamy, or slightly acidic — tying everything together for one heavenly bite of cheesy, herby, saucy goodness. You’re welcome!

This recipe was inspired by those childhood French bread pizzas many families like mine used to grab from the freezer section. We’d heat them up in the microwave or bake them in the oven for a quick after-school or mid-summer lunch, usually with a smoothie and some fresh veggies and ranch on the side. They were classic freezer food — good, but never that great — yet they always held a special place in my heart and become a childhood favorite.

So, I decided to recreate that nostalgic favorite with a homemade twist: soft, doughy French bread I love using my (homemade French bread recipe) or you can use a loaf from your local grocery store for more convenience. Either way, this version is elevated, flavorful, and perfect for any midweek meal.

Why This French Bread Pizza Is So Irresistible

• The Ingredients:
  I love using dried herbs — they’re wholesome, natural, and add earthy, woodsy notes that blend beautifully with the bold garlic powder, the melty gooeyness of the mozzarella, and the nutty saltiness of the Parmesan. A touch of olive oil adds richness and a subtle buttery finish in every bite. And if you’re using homemade French bread? Even better — nothing beats that flavor and texture. Top it all with fresh, wholesome ingredient toppings and you’ve got a nostalgic meal that brings out the kid in everyone - that is a little bit healthier for your body and your heart!

• Bread Over Dough:
  There’s definitely a time and place for a thin, crispy artisan crust — but there’s also something so satisfying about a thicker, heartier base. French bread makes the perfect sturdy foundation, holding up beautifully under layers of cheese and toppings without turning soggy. Each slice has that perfect doughy bite, packed with Italian-inspired flavor, and it’s easy to eat with your hands — ideal for dipping right into your favorite sauce. Mess-free, hands-on, and just plain fun - kind of like you’re a kid all over again!

• A Star That Loves to Share the Spotlight:
  You might be wondering what that means — but hear me out! This French bread pizza absolutely steals the show, yet it loves to “share the spotlight” with fresh, healthy sides. I think of those crunchy veggies and dip, juicy fruit, or a vibrant salad that pair so nicely with the bread-y forward meal. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary dinner into something exciting and balanced, full of color, texture, and flavor.

Healthy Topping Ideas

• Turkey pepperoni

• Green bell peppers, sliced

• Green or black olives

• Fresh sliced tomatoes

• Roasted veggies (any kind!)

• Fresh basil

• Mushrooms, sliced

• Chopped spinach

• Roasted red peppers

• Sun-dried tomatoes

• Feta cheese

• Or whatever you love!

The Ingredients: 

• French bread loaf

• Olive oil

• Mozzarella cheese

• Parmesan cheese

• Garlic powder

• Dried oregano

• Dried basil

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Red pepper flakes

• Your favorite pizza toppings

• Marinara sauce, Ranch, Alfredo Sauce - Dipping Sauce

How to make these French Bread Pizzas

Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. While the oven heats up, grab a loaf of French bread and cut it in half horizontally. Using a long bread knife, slice right down the middle to create two long halves. Place the interior of the bread halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Next, drizzle or brush olive oil generously over the cut sides of the bread. The olive oil not only adds flavor, but it also helps the bread crisp up in the oven. You can use as much or as little as you like—this step is totally customizable based on your preference.

Step 3: Once the bread is coated with olive oil, it’s time to season it. Sprinkle each half with garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. If you’re unsure about the exact amount, aim for about ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon each of oregano and basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper on each half. This will give the bread a nice, flavorful base that complements the cheese and toppings.

Step 4: Now it’s time for the cheese! Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the bread. Feel free to adjust the amount depending on how cheesy you like your pizza. If you want to add extra toppings like pepperoni, veggies, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat, go ahead and pile them on top.

Step 5: With everything topped and ready, place the bread in the oven and bake for about 13-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden and slightly crispy. Be sure to keep an eye on it as how each oven cooks varies, but this should be enough time to create the perfect balance of crispy bread and melty cheese during the baking process.

Step 6: Once your French bread pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes. Then, slice it up into the desired portions and serve immediately. You can even pair it with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or Alfredo for the prefect pizza experience!