French Bread Pizza
As a kid, I loved Friday nights because that meant PIZZA! We made French Bread Pizza with our favorite toppings stacked on thick, crunchy slices of bread. It was affordable and a great way to end the week. The tradition continues with my boys. I set everything out and let everyone make their own creations. Bubbly, hot and delicious, these affordable pizzas are truly one of our favorite weeknight meals!
What is French Bread Pizza?
French Bread Pizza dates back to the 1960’s, when it was made popular in New York City by Bob Petrillose. He created and sold Poor Man’s Pizza, or PMP, to customers from his food truck known as the ‘Hot Truck’. These quick and easy, portable pizzas became famous and the concept was used by large frozen food companies like Stouffer’s and Red Baron, who eventually mass-produced French Bread Pizza and sold them to households all across the country.
These crunchy, handheld pizzas have to be the easiest weeknight meal. In less than 30 minutes you can have dinner ready for your family. All you need is a loaf of French bread, pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings. It is important to buy French bread that is soft and fresh. Simply slice it lengthwise and then into sections that are about 6 to 8 inches long. From one loaf of French bread, I can usually get about 6 pizzas.
As for the sauce, we love Mezzetta Pizza Sauce. They are a family owned company that has been around since 1935. The sauce is made with san marzano plum tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, garlic, black pepper and fresh basil. It is delicious! I use this same sauce when I make pizza in my outdoor OONI pizza oven, too. Be sure to read the label to find one with natural ingredients and the very best tomatoes.
French Bread Pizza Recipe
What’s needed?
- 18-inch loaf of French bread
- 14-ounce jar of pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Toppings could include: sliced mushrooms, pepperoni, Italian sausage, sliced red and green peppers, pepperoncini, black olives, onions, bacon, ham, goat cheese, etc. Pick your favorites!
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to make French Bread Pizza?
- Cut the bread in half from end to end. Then divide and cut each half into 2 or 3 equal sections, depending on the length of your loaf of bread.
- Spoon pizza sauce over each piece of bread. Cover with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Prepare your toppings and slice your vegetables. Place them in bowls on the counter for easy access. Add your favorite toppings to each pizza.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese to finish.
- Broil the pizzas at 400 degrees for about 5-6 minutes. They are done when the cheese is melted and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.
What are the best toppings for pizza?
The toppings to use on French Bread Pizza are endless. Here is a short list of ones that we like and use often:
- pepperoni
- Italian sausage
- sliced fresh mushrooms
- canned mushrooms
- sliced onions
- crumbled bacon
- fresh mozzarella
- fresh basil
- fresh tomato slices
- meatballs
- black olives
- red and green pepper slices
- spinach
- crushed red pepper flakes
- Italian seasoning
What are your favorite pizza toppings? Tell me in the comments below. We like the traditional toppings, but some new and interesting flavor combinations might be worth a try!
French Bread Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, 18 inches
- 14 ounces pizza sauce
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- toppings of your choice, pepperoni, Italian sausage, sliced red and green peppers, onions, bacon, and mushrooms are just a few to consider.
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cut the bread in half from end to end. Then divide and cut each half into 2 or 3 equal sections, depending on the length of your loaf of bread.
- Spoon pizza sauce over each piece of bread. Cover with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Prepare your toppings and slice your vegetables. Place them in bowls on the counter for easy access. Add your favorite toppings to each pizza.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese to finish.
- Broil the pizzas at 400 degrees for about 5-6 minutes. They are done when the cheese is melted and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.
Equipment
- 1 large sheet pan
Notes
- pepperoni
- Italian sausage
- sliced fresh mushrooms
- green peppers
- sliced onions
- crumbled bacon
- fresh mozzarella
- fresh basil
- fresh tomato slices
Kim Miers
This recipe is now in my recipe box! Just as stated, it makes a quick weeknight meal (or anytime from now on). So simple. I had Italian bread, so my pieces were bigger and thicker (I think French bread will work better, but it was fine and I had leftovers). I love the step by step directions with photos and Theresa’s tips. I’m an experienced cook, but I love the insight she gives to let me see her process. I used garden onions, peppers, and only had canned mushrooms. Used pasta sauce. Now I have other topping ideas for next time. It was so quick. Note: My oven didn’t let me decide temp on my broiler (only on my bake setting), so I used high broil for 5-6 minutes and then just kept checking to wait to see the slight crisp on the edges before removing (another minute or two). Done! Thanks for the great idea, instructions, and photos.
Raveaboutfood
Thank you so much, Kim! We all need quick weeknight meal ideas.