Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this French Bread Pizza because it’s incredibly versatile, affordable, and fast. I can customize it with whatever toppings I have on hand, from pepperoni to fresh veggies. The baguette gives a perfectly crisp crust without the need to make or roll out dough, and the combination of melted mozzarella and herby tomato sauce makes every bite comforting and delicious. It’s also fun to make with family—everyone can build their own pizza just the way they like it.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 Baguette
For the sauce:
250 g (1 cups) Passata
1 tsp Garlic granules
1 tsp Dried oregano
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cheese layer:
250 g (9 oz) Grated mozzarella

Optional toppings:
Pepperoni
Chicken
Mushrooms
Sweetcorn
Peppers
Onions etc

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 200℃ fan/220℃/Gas Mark 7/400F.

2. I slice the baguette in half lengthways, then cut it into portions.

3. I mix the passata, garlic granules, dried oregano, salt, and pepper together to make the sauce.

4. I spread the sauce evenly over the bread pieces.

5. I sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly on top.

6. I add my favorite toppings—anything from pepperoni to veggies.

7. I bake the pizzas for 10–15 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake, for a total of 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun lunch.

Variations

I like to mix things up by using different sauces—BBQ sauce, pesto, or even a white garlic sauce instead of tomato. For a spicy kick, I add chili flakes or jalapeños. If I’m making it vegetarian, I load it with roasted vegetables, sweetcorn, and caramelized onions. For a more indulgent version, I drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle parmesan before baking.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I actually enjoy them cold the next day, but to reheat, I pop them in a hot oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. I avoid microwaving them since that can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

How can I make the French Bread Pizza extra crispy?

I like to toast the baguette halves for a few minutes before adding the sauce and toppings. It helps keep the bread crunchy even after baking.

Can I use other types of bread instead of a baguette?

Yes, I can use ciabatta, sourdough, or even part-baked loaves. The key is choosing bread with a firm crust.

Can I freeze French Bread Pizza?

Absolutely. I assemble the pizzas, freeze them unbaked, then bake straight from frozen at 200℃ for about 20 minutes.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Mozzarella is classic, but I sometimes mix it with cheddar or provolone for more depth of flavor.

How do I stop the sauce from making the bread soggy?

I spread a thin layer of sauce and pre-toast the bread slightly before topping—it keeps everything crisp.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, I simply use a gluten-free baguette or roll as the base.

What toppings work best for kids?

I usually go for sweetcorn, peppers, or just plain cheese—simple and always a hit.

Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?

For vegetarian, I skip the meat toppings. For vegan, I use vegan cheese and plant-based proteins like mushrooms or tofu.

How do I serve French Bread Pizza for a crowd?

I cut it into smaller slices and serve it as finger food—it’s perfect for parties.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, a good-quality store-bought sauce works great and saves a bit of time.

Conclusion

This French Bread Pizza is one of my favorite quick meals because it combines the best of homemade flavor with effortless preparation. With a crispy baguette base, gooey cheese, and endless topping options, it’s a versatile dish I can make any night of the week. Whether I’m feeding the family or treating myself, this recipe always delivers on flavor and simplicity.