Easy Garlic Bread Pizza
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love This Easy Garlic Bread Pizza
This Easy Garlic Bread Pizza is the perfect shortcut when you're craving pizza but don't want to make homemade dough. Crispy, buttery garlic bread becomes the base for tangy pizza sauce, stretchy mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.
It comes together quickly and requires just a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights, after-school snacks, game day, or casual family dinners. The garlic bread gets wonderfully crisp around the edges while staying soft underneath the cheesy toppings.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread Pizza
- 1 large loaf French bread or Italian bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. Prepare the Garlic Bread
Slice the French or Italian bread in half lengthwise. Mix the softened butter with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
3. Toast the Bread
Place the bread cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until the edges begin to crisp and the garlic butter is melted.
4. Add the Pizza Sauce
Remove the bread from the oven and spread a layer of pizza sauce evenly over each half, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Add the Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce. Arrange the pepperoni on top and add red pepper flakes if desired.
6. Bake the Pizza
Return the bread to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
7. Broil for Extra Browning
For extra golden and bubbly cheese, switch the oven to broil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
8. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Let the garlic bread pizza rest for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing and serving.
Expert Tips
Choose a sturdy French or Italian loaf so the bread can support the sauce and toppings. Pre-toasting the garlic bread helps prevent it from becoming soggy. Don't add too much pizza sauce, and use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt. Broil briefly at the end for a restaurant-style golden cheese topping.
Storage
Store leftover garlic bread pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving when possible because it can make the bread soft.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, Caesar salad, garden salad, roasted vegetables, mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, or a bowl of tomato soup. It also makes a great appetizer for parties and game-day gatherings.
Recipe Variations
Replace pepperoni with cooked Italian sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, onions, spinach, ham, or bacon. Use cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a pizza cheese blend instead of mozzarella. For a spicy version, add jalapeños, hot Italian sausage, or extra red pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
You Might Also Like
Reviews & Questions (19)
No ratings yet. Be the first to leave a review!
Leave a Rating & Review
You must be logged in to post a review or comment.
Log In