Best French Bread Pizza (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Seasonings & Base
01 -
4 tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin), split
02 -
3 tablespoons butter, unsalted
03 -
4 minced garlic cloves
04 -
A dash of red pepper flakes
05 -
1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
06 -
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley or basil (or both)
07 -
Kosher salt as needed
→ Key Ingredients
08 -
1 loaf of Italian or French bread (roughly 18 inches long by 4 inches wide)
09 -
1 can of crushed tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
10 -
8 ounces freshly grated whole milk mozzarella
11 -
2 ounces of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Set your oven rack near the top and preheat it to 425°F. Melt the butter with 3 tablespoons of olive oil using a medium saucepan over low-medium heat. Toss in garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, letting it cook until the garlic softens but doesn’t turn brown (about 2 minutes). Stir in half your herbs along with a pinch of salt and take it off the heat.
02 -
Slice the bread both lengthwise and across to create smaller pieces. Place the cut pieces, open side up, and gently press them with a baking sheet to slightly flatten to about two-thirds of their normal height. Put them directly on a baking sheet, then evenly brush the cut sides with half the garlic mixture.
03 -
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the saucepan with the leftover garlic butter. Heat it to a simmer on medium, then drop it to low heat, letting it thicken for about 15 minutes. Taste and sprinkle with salt if needed.
04 -
While the sauce finishes cooking, spread a quarter of the mozzarella on the bread. Let this bake until it just starts melting—around 8 minutes.
05 -
Spoon the cooked sauce onto the bread, layer the rest of the mozzarella on top, and bake it until the cheese is fully melted with golden spots (about 10 minutes). Sprinkle Parmigiano, the remaining herbs, and a touch of the last bit of olive oil as a final touch. Give it a few minutes to cool before cutting and serving.
# Notes:
01 -
You’ll end up with crispy French bread pizza that's soft in the center and loaded with cheesy, garlicky flavor.
02 -
Both Italian and French bread work here—just ensure they're fresh and can support the toppings.