French Bread Pizza a Step Up
Elevate your pizza night with "French Bread Pizza a Step Up," a simple yet indulgent twist on a weeknight classic. This recipe transforms a humble French bread loaf into a crispy, golden crust slathered with garlicky butter, rich marinara sauce, molten mozzarella, and savory Parmesan. Customize your toppings with classic pepperoni, hearty veggies, or creative alternatives to suit your craving, then finish with a fragrant sprinkle of fresh basil. In just 30 minutes, including prep and bake time, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, quick family dinner, or game-day snack. Easy, versatile, and packed with flavor, this upgraded French bread pizza is sure to become a go-to favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 whole French bread loaf
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 cup Marinara sauce
- 1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cups Pepperoni slices
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.25 teaspoons Red chili flakes (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, creating two long halves. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat and mix in the olive oil.
Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread, ensuring the surface is well-coated.
Spread an even layer of marinara sauce over the garlic butter base on each bread half.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the marinara sauce, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.
Top with pepperoni slices, or substitute with your preferred protein or vegetable toppings if desired.
Season each bread half with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and optional red chili flakes for a touch of heat.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the edges of the bread are crisp.
Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving.
Allow the pizzas to cool slightly, then slice into portions and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2990 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 179.0 g | 229% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.9 g | 404% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 412 mg | 137% | |
| Sodium | 7016 mg | 305% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 220.2 g | 80% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.1 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.8 g | ||
| Protein | 122.6 g | 245% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1820 mg | 140% | |
| Iron | 17.3 mg | 96% | |
| Potassium | 910 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
