Marry This French Bread Pizzas recipe is a cheesy and versatile recipe, which is the perfect quick and easy way to satisfy a pizza craving. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner or party food, ready in about 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipeFrench Bread Pizzas Recipe Ingredients
For the Base:
- 6 whole deli rolls or 1 large loaf of French bread
- 1 jar of marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 jar of refrigerated pesto
- 2 lb. shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
For the Cooked Toppings:
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/2 lb. sausage (breakfast or Italian)
Suggested Toppings:
- Pepperoni slices
- Canadian bacon slices
- Pineapple chunks
- Roma tomatoes, sliced
- Sliced black olives
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Sliced bell peppers
- Sliced red onion
- Pepperoncini or jalapeño slices
How To Make French Bread Pizzas
- Prep Oven and Sauté Toppings: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until they are golden and softened. Transfer the onions to a plate. In the same skillet, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6 to 8 minutes until it is no longer pink.
- Assemble the Pizzas: Slice the rolls in half lengthwise and lay them, cut-side up, on a large baking sheet. Spread each half with a generous spoonful of either marinara or pesto.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Top each half with a generous amount of grated mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked onions, sausage, and any of your other favorite toppings.
- First Bake: Place the baking sheet on the lowest oven rack and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the bread is crisp and the cheese is starting to melt.
- Finish on High Heat: Move the baking sheet to the highest oven rack and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Bake for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and turning golden brown in spots.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. You can cut the pizzas in half to make them easier to handle.
Recipe Tips
- How to get a crispy, not soggy, crust? The two-stage baking process is the secret! Baking on the lowest rack first toasts the bottom of the bread, making it sturdy. The final blast of high heat on the top rack ensures the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly without over-baking the bread.
- Can I make these ahead of time? This dish is best served fresh for the crispiest crust. However, you can save a lot of time by pre-cooking the sausage and onions and chopping all your other toppings. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and then assembly will take just a few minutes.
- How can I customize this? This is the ultimate customizable meal! Set up a “pizza bar” with different sauces (marinara, pesto, alfredo) and a variety of toppings, and let everyone in the family build their own perfect French bread pizza.
- What’s the best bread to use? A good quality, sturdy loaf of French bread or individual deli rolls are perfect. You want a bread that has a crisp crust and a soft interior that won’t get too compressed.
What To Serve With French Bread Pizzas
This is a fun and easy meal that is a complete dish on its own. It’s a classic for a reason and pairs perfectly with:
- A simple Caesar salad or a crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette.
- A side of ranch or extra marinara sauce for dipping.
- Classic party snacks like potato chips or vegetable sticks.
How To Store French Bread Pizzas
- Best Eaten Fresh: French bread pizzas are at their absolute crispiest and best when they are served hot and fresh from the oven.
- Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: For the best results, reheat the slices on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven or in an air fryer for 5-10 minutes to help re-crisp the crust. Avoid the microwave, which will make the bread soggy.
French Bread Pizzas Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 pizza half
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 1450mg
Nutrition information is estimated and will vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
For the onions, yes. Sautéing them first makes them sweet and tender. For other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, you can add them raw if you like them to have a bit of a crisp bite after baking.
Yes, an air fryer is perfect for this! Assemble the pizzas as directed and air fry at 375°F for 5-8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is crisp.
Don’t be afraid to be generous with the cheese! The layer of mozzarella and Parmesan acts as a delicious “glue” that helps to hold all your other toppings in place.
Try More Recipes:
French Bread Pizzas Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes20
minutes550
kcalA quick, easy, and endlessly customizable weeknight dinner or party food, featuring a crispy French bread crust, your favorite sauce, and a generous amount of melted cheese and toppings.
Ingredients
6 deli rolls or 1 loaf of French bread
Jarred marinara or pesto
2 lb. shredded mozzarella & some Parmesan
Cooked Toppings: 1/2 lb. sausage & 1 sliced onion.
Other Topping Ideas: Pepperoni, peppers, olives, etc.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Sauté the onions in butter until golden. In the same pan, cook the sausage until browned.
- Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet.
- Spread each half with sauce, then top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the cooked sausage, onions, and any of your other desired toppings.
- Bake on the lowest oven rack for 8-10 minutes.
- Move the pan to the highest oven rack, increase the heat to 425°F, and bake for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- The Two-Rack Method: The most important tip for a crispy, not soggy, crust is the two-stage baking process: start on the low rack to toast the bottom, and finish on the top rack to perfectly melt the cheese.
- Customize It! This is the perfect “clean out the fridge” meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your sauces and toppings.
- Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting, try not to overload your pizzas with too many wet toppings, as this can make the bread soggy.
- Cheese is Key: A generous layer of cheese is not only delicious but also acts as the glue that holds all your other toppings onto the bread.
