Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread Base
- 1 large loaf French bread or Italian bread, sliced in half lengthwise
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, or 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Pizza Topping
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ¼ cup sliced black olives, optional
- ¼ cup diced bell pepper, optional
- ¼ cup sliced mushrooms, optional
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
For Garnishing
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until evenly combined.
2. Prepare the Bread
Place the bread halves cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the garlic butter generously over the entire surface, making sure to reach the edges.
3. Toast the Garlic Bread
Bake the bread for about 5 minutes. This quick pre-bake helps create a sturdy, lightly crisp base so the pizza doesn’t become soggy once the sauce and toppings are added.
4. Add the Pizza Sauce
Remove the bread from the oven. Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the toasted surface. Avoid using too much sauce because excess moisture can make the bread soft.
5. Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the sauce, followed by Parmesan. Arrange pepperoni and any additional toppings over the cheese.
6. Season
Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes over the top if desired.
7. Bake
Return the garlic bread pizza to the oven and bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling and the edges are golden brown.
For a more browned and bubbly cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully because the cheese can brown quickly.
8. Finish and Slice
Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Slice into pieces and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Garlic Bread Pizza
- Use thick bread: French or Italian bread gives you enough structure to hold the toppings.
- Don’t overload the sauce: A thin layer provides flavor without making the bread soggy.
- Pre-toast the bread: This is the key to getting a crispier bottom.
- Shred your own mozzarella: Freshly shredded mozzarella usually melts smoothly and gives you that classic stretchy cheese texture.
- Use cooked toppings: If adding chicken, sausage, bacon, or other meats, cook them completely before putting them on the pizza.
- Watch the broiler: If you broil the pizza, stay nearby because the cheese can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
- Let it rest briefly: A couple of minutes makes the pizza easier to slice while keeping the cheese deliciously gooey.
Easy Variations
Pepperoni Garlic Bread Pizza: Keep it classic with pizza sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and plenty of pepperoni.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza: Skip the meat and add mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and a little cheddar for an extra-cheesy version.
Chicken Garlic Bread Pizza: Add diced cooked chicken with mozzarella, red onion, and bell peppers.
Vegetable Pizza: Top with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, onions, spinach, and tomatoes. Use vegetables in moderate amounts so the bread stays crisp.
Spicy Pizza: Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, and spicy pepperoni for extra heat.