Hey there, fellow food lover! Let’s Make Some Pizza!
Okay, listen up. You know those nights? The ones where you’re absolutely beat, staring into the fridge like it holds the secrets of the universe (it doesn’t, usually just wilting lettuce and half a block of cheese), and the idea of cooking anything complicated makes you want to just… not? Yeah, I have those nights. Like, *a lot*. And that, my friends, is precisely why I am obsessed with Oven-Baked French Bread Pizza. It’s my go-to ‘I’m starving and need comfort food NOW’ recipe. Plus, my kids? They go absolutely bonkers for it. It’s maybe not gourmet, but who cares? It’s pizza, it’s fast, and it’s dang delicious.
Why This Pizza Is Your New Best Friend
Honestly? It’s dead easy. Seriously, like, shockingly easy. I make this when I’m short on time, short on energy, or just craving something cheesy and satisfying without the fuss of making dough form scratch (bless those who do, but that ain’t me most Tuesdays). My family goes crazy for this because it means pizza night happens like, instantly, and everyone can pile on exactly what they want. Plus, using french bread gives it that perfect crispy crust situation that, frankly, a lot of homemade pizzas miss out on. And clean up? Minimal. Win-win-win.
What You’ll Need (The Stuff)
Here’s the basic rundown. Don’t stress too much about exact amounts; this is pizza, not rocket science.
- 1 loaf of French Bread: A standard long one, the kind you find in the bakery section. A day-old one works great too, maybe even better for crispiness.
- About 1/2 cup – 1 cup Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite jarred kind. I tend to like Rao’s or something similar, but honestly, whatever you have works. You could even use marinara in a pinch!
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The pre-shredded stuff is totally fine here. If you have a block and feel ambitious, grating it yourself is cool too, but unnecessary effort if you ask me.
- Your Favorite Pizza Toppings:
- Pepperoni (a classic!)
- Mushrooms (sliced)
- Onions (thinly sliced or diced)
- Bell Peppers (diced)
- Cooked Sausage or Ground Beef
- Olives (sliced)
- Jalapenos (if you like a kick!)
- Pineapple (don’t @ me!)
- A little Olive Oil: Just a drizzle.
- Optional: Dried oregano, red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish.
See? Simple stuff. You probably have half of this already.
Okay, Let’s Make This Happen (The How-To)
- Get Your Oven Hot: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). It needs to be nice and hot to get that bread crispy.
- Prep the Bread: Slice the french bread loaf in half lengthwise so you have two long pieces. If it’s super long, you can slice those halves in half again crosswise to make more manageable pieces for kids (or adults, no judgment!). Place the halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. You might want to line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup – I usually do because I’m lazy like that.
- A Little Lube: Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the cut sides of the bread. Not too much! Just a little to help it get toasty. You can rub it in with your fingers or a brush.
- First Toast (Optional but Recommended): Pop the bread into the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, just until the edges start to look a little golden and the surface is slightly dry. This prevents the bread from getting soggy under the sauce and toppings. Skip this if you’re *really* in a hurry, but I tend to think it makes a difference.
- Sauce it Up: Take the bread out of the oven. Spoon the pizza sauce over the toasted sides. Go edge to edge! This is where I usually sneak a taste of the sauce just to make sure it’s still good (it always is).
- Cheese Time: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Don’t be shy! Get it all melty looking.
- Add the Goodies: Now pile on your chosen toppings. Don’t overload it though, or things won’t cook evenly and the cheese won’t melt properly. Less is sometimes more, but sometimes more is more. You decide!
- Back in the Oven: Slide the baking sheet back into the hot oven. Bake for another 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it; ovens vary!
- Cool (a little!): Let it cool for just a minute or two before slicing. That melted cheese is molten lava and you don’t want to burn the roof of your mouth. A pizza cutter works best for slicing the long halves into smaller pieces.
- Serve and Devour: Sprinkle with dried oregano, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil if you like. And then? Dig in!
Stuff I’ve Learned Along the Way (Notes)
- Using slightly older or crustier bread really does help with that crispy bottom. Super fresh, soft bread can sometimes get a bit too soft once you add the sauce.
- Don’t skip the pre-toast step unless you’re truly desperate. Soggy pizza is sad pizza.
- If your oven has a top broiler, you can use it for the last minute or two to get extra bubbly, slightly browned cheese, but watch it like a hawk! It goes from perfect to burnt in seconds, ask me how I know.
Trying New Things (Variations)
Oh, I’ve experimented! You can totally switch up the sauce – maybe a pesto base? Or even a BBQ sauce for a BBQ chicken version. Different cheeses too! A sprinkle of parmesan or provolone adds extra flavor. I once tried using garlic bread form the freezer aisle instead of plain french bread. It was… intensely garlicky. edible, but maybe a bit much. Stick to the regular french bread, probably.
Handy Tools (Equipment)
Honestly, you don’t need much. A good sharp knife for slicing the bread (or just buy it pre-sliced, easy peasy!), a baking sheet, and maybe some parchment paper. A pizza cutter is super handy for slicing the finished pizza, but a regular knife works too. Don’t let not having a pizza cutter stop you!
Keeping It Fresh (Storage)
If you happen to have leftovers (a rare event in my house!), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the fridge. Reheat in the oven (best way to keep it crispy) or even an air fryer. Though honestly, in my house it never lasts more than a day!
What to Serve With It (Serving Suggestions)
This is a meal all on its own, really. But if you want to fancy it up or make it a bit healthier, a simple side salad is perfect. A handful of chips or some raw veggies and dip also works if you’re keeping it super casual. My family always wants carrot sticks with it for some reason, go figure.
Learn from My Pain (Pro Tips)
- Don’t overcrowd the toppings! I once tried piling everything on, thinking more is more. It resulted in uncooked centers and unevenly melted cheese. Spread things out a bit.
- Know your oven. Seriously. My old oven ran hot; my new one runs a little cool. The bake time is just a guideline. Peek at it! Look for that bubbly cheese and golden crust. Its the visual cues that really matter.
- Let it rest! Just a minute or two after it comes out. It helps everything set up slightly so you don’t lose all your cheese when you slice it.
Burning Questions Answered (FAQ)
Got questions? Fair enough! People always ask me about this one.
Q: Can I use different bread?
Yep! Italian bread, even a baguette if you want individual mini pizzas. The cooking time might vary a little depending on the thickness and density, though.
Q: How long does it take *really*?
From start to finish, including preheating and baking? Maybe 20-25 minutes if you’re not doing the pre-toast step, closer to 30-35 if you are. Super fast, right?!
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
You could slice the bread and get your toppings ready. I wouldn’t put the sauce or cheese on until right before baking though, or the bread will get soggy. Nobody wants soggy bottom pizza.
Q: What if I don’t have a baking sheet?
Aluminum foil on the oven rack in a pinch? I mean, a baking sheet is ideal, but if you’re desperate and careful, foil *might* work. Just be ready for potential drips!
Hope you give this a whirl! It’s such a lifesaver recipe for those busy nights. Enjoy your pizza!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the French bread in half lengthwise.
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2Place the bread halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over each half, leaving a small border.
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3Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. If using, add pepperoni slices or other desired toppings.
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4Sprinkle dried oregano and garlic powder over the cheese and toppings.
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5Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown, and the bread is toasted.
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6Carefully remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice into individual portions. Serve hot, with red pepper flakes if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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