16 Fun French Bread Pizza Ideas You Haven’t Tried

Who doesn’t love pizza, right? It’s that one dish that seems to make everything better. Imagine combining that love for pizza with French bread’s crispy, fluffy goodness.

The result? A mouth-watering delight that’s easy to make, fun to customize, and sure to bring a little extra joy to any pizza night!

Here, I’m sharing 16 French Bread Pizza ideas that range from classic to inventive, each designed to turn an ordinary loaf into a culinary masterpiece. Let’s dive in and get inspired!

1. Homemade French Bread Pizza: The Perfect Starting Point

Homemade French bread pizza is the classic, crowd-pleasing foundation for all other variations. It’s customizable, quick, and endlessly satisfying. Let’s break down the basics to make this a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 large loaf of French bread, sliced in half lengthwise
• 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra meltiness)
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)
• Fresh basil or Italian seasoning (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures a crispy crust without burning the cheese.
2. Prep the bread: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and cut side up. For an extra crispy base, brush lightly with olive oil and bake for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
3. Add the sauce: Spread a generous layer of pizza or marinara sauce over the bread, reaching all corners for even flavor.
4. Layer the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on the sauce.
5. Customize with toppings: Add your favorite toppings — the more variety, the better!
6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
7. Garnish: Add fresh basil or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Pro tip: This recipe is a perfect base for experimentation. Use it as your foundation, then build unique combinations on top!

2. DIY Frozen French Bread Pizza: Homemade Pizza

DIY frozen French bread pizza is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. Make a batch ahead, freeze, and bake whenever hunger strikes. Homemade frozen pizza keeps all the flavor but skips the preservatives of store-bought versions.

Ingredients:

• French bread (as many loaves as you like; each loaf makes 2 pizzas)
• Homemade pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Your favorite toppings (suggestions: pepperoni, sausage, or mixed veggies)
• Freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil

Directions:

1. Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet.
2. Add sauce and toppings: Spread pizza sauce on each half, add cheese and finish with your choice of toppings.
3. Freeze unbaked pizzas: Place the unbaked pizzas on a baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour to allow the toppings to set.
4. Wrap and store: Once frozen, wrap each pizza tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Label with the date and toppings for easy selection.
5. To bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Unwrap the pizza, place it on a baking sheet, and bake directly from frozen for 15-20 minutes.

Storage tip: Frozen pizzas will last up to 3 months in the freezer, so you can make a large batch on hand for easy, delicious meals anytime.

3. Garlic French Bread Pizza Recipe: Flavorful and Fragrant

This variation amps up the flavor for garlic lovers by infusing the bread with a rich garlic butter base. The result is a savory, fragrant, and completely irresistible pizza.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, finely chopped)
• Mozzarella cheese
• Optional toppings: mushrooms, tomatoes, or a sprinkle of Parmesan

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley until well combined.
3. Prepare the bread: Cut the French bread in half, then evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut side.
4. Toast the bread: For extra crunch, toast the bread in the oven for about 5 minutes before adding other ingredients.
5. Add sauce and cheese: Spread pizza sauce on top, then layer with mozzarella and any desired toppings.
6. Bake until bubbly: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the garlic butter is infused into the bread.

Bonus tip: Use roasted garlic cloves for a more intense garlic kick. Smash them onto the bread before adding the butter mix.

4. Chicken Bacon Ranch French Bread Pizza: Decadent and Hearty

This chicken bacon ranch pizza is just the ticket for indulgence. This rich combination of creamy ranch, savory bacon, and juicy chicken is the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing (use more or less depending on your taste)
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (grilled or rotisserie)
• 1/2 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: diced green onions or a sprinkle of cheddar for extra flavor

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Spread ranch dressing: Use ranch dressing as the base instead of pizza sauce for a creamy, flavorful twist.
4. Add toppings: Sprinkle the shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and mozzarella cheese evenly over the bread.
5. Bake until golden and bubbly: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
6. Garnish: Top with diced green onions or a drizzle of ranch for added flavor.

Pro tip: Use smoked or BBQ-flavored chicken to add an extra layer of complexity to this pizza.

5. Vegan French Bread Pizza: Plant-Based Perfection

Vegan French bread pizza can be just as delicious as its cheesy counterparts! Load up on veggies, swap in vegan cheese, and enjoy a hearty, plant-based option that’s anything but boring.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• Vegan pizza sauce or marinara
• 1 cup shredded vegan cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar alternatives)
• Your favorite veggies: mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, cherry tomatoes, etc.
• Fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Spread sauce: Use pizza sauce or marinara as the base layer.
4. Add vegan cheese: Sprinkle a generous layer of vegan cheese on top.
5. Pile on the veggies: Add as many veggies as you like. Don’t hold back — the more color, the better!
6. Bake until veggies are tender and cheese is melted. Bake for 12-15 minutes, keeping an eye to make sure the veggies are fully cooked.
7. Garnish: Add fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil for a little extra richness.

Extra tip: Add vegan sausage or tempeh crumbles for extra protein and flavor. For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving.

6. Sausage French Bread Pizza: Savory and Satisfying

Sausage French bread pizza is perfect for craving something meaty and flavorful. The robust taste of Italian sausage pairs beautifully with melted cheese and classic marinara sauce, creating a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 cup cooked Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as per your taste)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional toppings: sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Prep the bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet.
• Spread the sauce: Spoon marinara sauce onto each half, covering the bread evenly.
• Add sausage and cheese: Distribute the cooked sausage across the bread, then top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Optional toppings: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms if you want extra flavor and color.
• Bake until bubbly: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
• Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top before serving.

Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick before baking.

7. French Bread Taco Pizza: A Fusion of Flavors

Can’t decide between taco night and pizza night? Combine the two! French bread taco pizza is a creative fusion that combines taco-seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings, all baked to perfection on a crunchy bread base.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• 1/2 cup taco sauce or salsa
• 1 cup cooked ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, black olives, green onions, and sour cream

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Add sauce and meat: Spread a layer of taco sauce or salsa over each half, then sprinkle on the seasoned ground beef.
4. Add cheese: Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake until cheese melts: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and starting to brown.
6. Add fresh toppings: Once out of the oven, top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

Pro tip: For extra crunch, add crushed tortilla chips on top of the pizza before serving.

8. Buffalo Chicken French Bread Pizza: Spicy and Tangy

If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, you’ll love this buffalo chicken French bread pizza. It combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with juicy chicken and creamy cheese, resulting in a spicy, addictive treat.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or blue cheese crumbles
• Optional toppings: sliced green onions, ranch dressing drizzle, or extra buffalo sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prep the bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Add buffalo sauce: Spread a thin layer of buffalo sauce over each half of the bread.
4. Add chicken and cheese: Distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the buffalo sauce, then top with mozzarella or blue cheese crumbles.
5. Bake until golden and bubbly: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Finish with toppings: Add a drizzle of ranch dressing, extra buffalo sauce, or sliced green onions for added flavor.

Pro tip: If you want extra spicy, add a hot buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper before baking.

9. Chicken Alfredo French Bread Pizza: Creamy and Indulgent

This rich and creamy chicken Alfredo French bread pizza is a perfect choice when you’re in the mood for something indulgent. With a creamy Alfredo sauce base and tender chicken, it’s a pasta-inspired pizza with all the flavors you love.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (grilled or rotisserie works well)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional toppings: baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or fresh basil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Spread Alfredo sauce: Use Alfredo sauce as the base for a creamy, rich flavor.
4. Add chicken and cheese: Spread the shredded chicken evenly with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
5. Optional toppings: Add baby spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
6. Bake until golden and bubbly: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh basil for a touch of color and added freshness.

Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking for extra richness.

10. BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza: Sweet and Smoky

This BBQ chicken French bread pizza is a fan favorite, combining sweet and smoky BBQ sauce with juicy chicken and cheese. It’s an easy way to bring outdoor flavors indoors for summer nights or BBQ lovers.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (use rotisserie or grilled for best flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional toppings: sliced red onions, cilantro, or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Spread BBQ sauce: Use BBQ sauce as the base for a sweet, smoky flavor.
4. Add chicken and cheese: Spread the shredded chicken evenly over the BBQ sauce, then top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Optional toppings: Add thinly sliced red onions for a tangy crunch or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
6. Bake until golden and bubbly: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Finish with cilantro: Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Pro tip: Add a chipotle BBQ sauce or a few jalapeño slices before baking for a spicier twist.

11. Pepperoni French Bread Pizza: A Timeless Classic

Pepperoni is a classic pizza topping, and it’s just as delicious as a French bread pizza! This version has all the cheesy, savory goodness you expect, with crispy pepperoni that packs a punch.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Sliced pepperoni
• Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for added flavor

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Add sauce and cheese: Spread pizza sauce over each half, then add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Top with pepperoni: Arrange the pepperoni slices on top. For extra crispiness, layer the pepperoni slightly overlapping so that some edges become crisp during baking.
5. Bake until bubbly: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.

Pro tip: To avoid extra grease, place the pepperoni on a paper towel to absorb some oil before adding it to the pizza.

12. French Bread Hawaiian Pizza: Sweet and Savory Delights

If you’re a fan of pineapple on pizza, the Hawaiian best French bread pizza recipe is your go-to. Combining sweet pineapple and salty ham over melty cheese and crispy bread creates a tropical-inspired treat.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Diced ham (or Canadian bacon)
• Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• Optional: sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Spread sauce and cheese: Spread a layer of pizza sauce on each half, followed by mozzarella cheese.
4. Add ham and pineapple: Distribute diced ham and pineapple chunks evenly across the top.
5. Bake until golden: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle with Parmesan or fresh parsley before serving.

Pro tip: If you prefer less sweetness, use fresh pineapple instead of canned.

13. Philly Cheese Steak French Bread Pizza: A Meaty Masterpiece

Philly cheese steak French bread pizza combines the iconic sandwich’s savory flavors with French bread pizza’s convenience. Thinly sliced beef melted cheese, and sautéed veggies create a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• 1 cup Alfredo sauce or garlic butter (for the base)
• 1 cup thinly sliced cooked beef (leftover steak or roast beef works well)
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red and green)
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Spread base sauce: Use Alfredo sauce or garlic butter for a creamy base.
4. Add beef and veggies: Arrange the cooked beef slices, bell peppers, and onions on the sauce.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese over the top.
6. Bake until melted: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro tip: Sauté the peppers and onions in olive oil before adding them to the pizza for extra flavor and softness.

14. French Bread Margherita Pizza: Fresh and Flavorful

Simple yet delicious, a Margherita French bread pizza combines fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a light, refreshing option that celebrates the taste of fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• 1 cup pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella slices or shredded mozzarella
• Fresh basil leaves
• Optional: drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of sea salt

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half and place it on a baking sheet.
• Spread sauce and cheese: Use pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes for the base, then top with fresh mozzarella.
• Add tomatoes and basil: Place tomato slices or chunks evenly on top, and add fresh basil leaves (you can also add basil after baking to keep it vibrant and green).
• Bake until golden: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Finish with a drizzle of olive oil: Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt before serving for a true Margherita flavor.

Pro tip: If you want an even fresher taste, cut cherry tomatoes in half instead of larger tomato slices.

15. Pesto French Bread Pizza: Herby and Savory

Pesto French bread pizza offers a fresh, herby flavor with every bite. Perfect for pesto lovers, this version combines the richness of pesto with the creaminess of cheese and the slight crunch of French bread.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
• Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or arugula

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Spread pesto: Use pesto sauce as the base, spreading it generously over each half of the bread.
4. Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan over the pesto.
5. Add optional toppings: Arrange cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or arugula on top for added color and flavor.
6. Bake until melted: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread edges are crispy.

Pro tip: Add fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for extra herbaceous flavor.

16. Air Fryer French Bread Pizza: Quick and Crispy

Try making French bread pizza in the air fryer for a fast and convenient option! The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy crust in record time, making it ideal for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

• French bread
• Pizza sauce (or any other base sauce you like)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of choice (pepperoni, veggies, etc.)

Directions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half to fit into your air fryer basket.
3. Add sauce and toppings: Spread a layer of pizza sauce on each half of the bread, add mozzarella cheese, and top with your favorite toppings.
4. Air fry until crispy: Place the bread in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. Keep an eye on it, as cooking times may vary by air fryer model.
5. Serve hot and enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, carefully remove the pizza and enjoy!

Pro tip: For extra crispiness, brush a light coat of olive oil on the bottom of the bread before air frying.

Conclusion: Endless Possibilities with French Bread Pizza

With these 16 ideas, your French bread pizza possibilities are endless! Whether you’re craving something traditional or adventurous, a French bread pizza is here for every taste and occasion. Perfect for dinner parties, weeknight dinners, or even solo movie nights, these pizzas are your new best friend.

ellafoster

Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.