Name: French Bread Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread; 2/3 cup pizza sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 pound Italian sausage (uncooked); 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni; 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers; 2 Tablespoons sliced black olives; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

The ULTIMATE French Bread Pizza! Loaded with pepperoni, Italian sausage, black olives, and pepperoncini peppers, this pizza bread comes together quickly and makes a delicious appetizer or dinner!

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There’s no doubt that pizza in any form is a favorite… but there’s something about French Bread Pizza that just hits different. It’s thick and hearty and perfectly crispy around the edges, giving it the feel of both pizza and garlic bread rolled into one.

It makes a simple, delicious family dinner, and it easily doubles as a fun appetizer for game days or parties. And, of course, the topping combinations are endless… meaning there’s literally a French Bread Pizza for everyone.

Not only is it incredibly versatile and insanely delicious, but it also couldn’t be easier to make. Because the crust is already done! No kneading, rolling, or baking required. All that’s needed is your favorite toppings and a few minutes for assembly… and a delicious French Bread Pizza is in your immediate future. Buon appetito!

What you’ll need for this recipe

French bread – French bread is the base of this recipe and essentially acts as the pizza crust, so you’ll want to choose wisely. I typically look for a wider, softer loaf vs. a crisp baguette, since I find it’s easier to top and also easier to eat.

Sauce – I used traditional pizza sauce to cover both halves of the French bread. You can also substitute a garlic butter sauce, Alfredo sauce, or your favorite pesto.

Meats – A combination of Italian sausage and pepperoni means there’s something for everyone! I used one pound of bulk Italian sausage and 1/4 cup of sliced Hormel pepperoni.

Veggies – I love adding a few veggies to my pizza, and for this one I used a combination of sliced black olives and sliced pepperoncini peppers. See below for additional ideas!

Cheese – Shredded mozzarella is traditionally used on pizzas, and I used 1 1/2 cups of it in this recipe. (*For best flavor and results, shred your own cheese rather than buying pre-shredded.)

Seasoning – I added a sprinkle of homemade Italian Seasoning before baking. You can also substitute store bought Italian seasoning or dried oregano or basil. I also love to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving!

How to make French Bread Pizza

Cut the bread – Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise.

Add the toppings – Layer each piece of bread with sauce, cheese, meats, veggies, and any additional toppings of your choice.

Bake – Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

Recipe variations

Use Alfredo sauce, garlic butter, or pesto in place of traditional pizza sauce
Substitute a pizza blend, Italian cheese blend, or fresh mozzarella for the shredded mozzarella
Add additional meats, such as Canadian bacon or ground beef
Make it vegetarian by omitting the sausage and pepperoni
Add additional veggies, such as sliced red onion, mushrooms, green peppers, artichokes, or tomatoes

Storage & reheating tips

Leftover French Bread Pizza should be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, uncover the pizza and place it on a baking sheet. Heat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until cheese melts.

What to pair with French Bread Pizza