Imagine the perfect combination of two favorites: garlic bread and pizza. The crisp, buttery texture of garlic bread paired with the gooey cheese and toppings of pizza creates a match made in food heaven. Garlic bread pizza is not only delicious, but it’s also simple to prepare, making it the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, weekend snacks, or even entertaining friends and family.
Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or looking for a creative way to repurpose leftover French bread, garlic bread pizza is a fun and flavorful option you’ll love. Let’s explore how you can make this incredible dish right in your kitchen!
What is Garlic Bread Pizza?
Garlic bread pizza combines the rich, buttery flavors of garlic bread with the toppings and sauce of a traditional pizza. It’s a unique twist on classic pizza, where French bread acts as the crust. The result? A crispy, garlicky base loaded with gooey mozzarella, savory pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings.
This dish is perfect for pizza lovers who want something a little different. It’s customizable, quick to make, and guarantees smiles all around.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Bread Pizza
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight meals or impromptu snacks.
- Customizable: You can tailor the toppings to your liking, making it perfect for picky eaters or adventurous palates.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have at home.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the crispy garlic bread base and the opportunity to add their favorite toppings.
Ingredients for Garlic Bread Pizza
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| French bread | 1 loaf |
| Garlic bulbs | 2 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Kosher salt | To taste |
| Pizza sauce or marinara | 1 cup |
| Fresh mozzarella cheese | 16 oz (sliced) |
| Pepperoni slices | 1/2 cup |
| Sliced bell peppers | 1/2 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | As needed |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | To taste |
| Fresh basil leaves | For garnish |
Why These Ingredients Work Together
- French bread: The sturdy base provides a crispy, buttery texture that holds all the toppings perfectly.
- Garlic butter: A flavorful blend of roasted garlic, butter, and salt infuses every bite with rich, savory notes.
- Pizza sauce: Adds a tangy, herby layer that complements the bread and cheese.
- Fresh mozzarella: Melts beautifully, creating a creamy and stretchy texture.
- Toppings: From pepperoni to bell peppers, the options allow you to tailor the pizza to your taste.
- Basil and Parmesan: Enhance the flavor and give the pizza a restaurant-quality finish.
How to Prepare the Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, make sure your ingredients are prepped and ready to go:
- Roast the Garlic: Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Prepare the Butter: Mix the softened butter with roasted garlic and a pinch of kosher salt for a rich garlic spread.
- Slice the Bread: Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise to create two large pizza bases.
- Slice Toppings: Thinly slice the mozzarella, bell peppers, and any additional toppings you want to include.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Garlic Bread Pizza
1. Prepare the Garlic Bread Base
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread the roasted garlic butter evenly across the cut sides of the French bread.
- Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes until slightly crisp.
2. Add the Sauce and Cheese
- Remove the bread from the oven and spread a generous layer of pizza sauce or marinara over the toasted bread.
- Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices evenly on top of the sauce.
3. Add Your Favorite Toppings
- Scatter the pepperoni slices and sliced bell peppers over the mozzarella.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Return the bread to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Switch to broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a golden, crispy finish (optional).
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Slice into portions and enjoy your homemade garlic bread pizza!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Bread Pizza
Garlic bread pizza is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pizza.
- Soup: Serve with tomato basil soup for a cozy, comforting combination.
- Drinks: Pair with a cold soda, lemonade, or a glass of red wine for the adults.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread Pizza
- Don’t Overload the Toppings: Too many toppings can make the bread soggy. Keep it balanced.
- Broil for Crispiness: Broiling at the end adds a restaurant-quality crisp to the cheese.
- Experiment with Flavors: Swap the pepperoni for sausage, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a unique twist.
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread works great because it crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Make It Ahead: Roast the garlic and prep the toppings in advance for a quicker assembly.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 14g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 540mg |
FAQs About Garlic Bread Pizza
1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Ciabatta, baguettes, or even naan bread are great alternatives for the base.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the bread crispy.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Can I freeze garlic bread pizza?
Yes, assemble the pizza without baking, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen at 425°F for 12–15 minutes.
5. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Toast the bread slightly before adding the sauce and toppings. This creates a barrier and keeps the base crispy.
6. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread or rolls to make this dish gluten-free.
Conclusion: A Pizza Experience You’ll Love
Garlic bread pizza is the ultimate combination of two classic comfort foods. With its crispy, buttery garlic bread base and gooey, cheesy toppings, it’s a dish that will win over anyone at the table. Perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or casual family dinners, this recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to the irresistible flavor of homemade garlic bread pizza today!
Print
Garlic Bread Pizza: The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Garlic bread pizza is the perfect fusion of two comfort food classics. With a crispy, garlicky base topped with melty mozzarella, tangy pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, it’s a quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners, snacks, or entertaining. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 2 garlic bulbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 16 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- Grated Parmesan cheese, as needed
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. Roast the Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Let the roasted garlic cool, then squeeze out the cloves and mash them into a paste.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter
- Mix the roasted garlic paste with the softened butter and a pinch of kosher salt.
- Set the garlic butter aside for spreading.
3. Prepare the French Bread
- Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise to create two large pizza bases.
- Spread the garlic butter generously over the cut sides of the bread.
4. Toast the Bread
- Place the bread halves on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes, or until slightly crisp.
5. Add Sauce and Toppings
- Remove the bread from the oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over the toasted bread.
- Arrange fresh mozzarella slices on top of the sauce.
- Add pepperoni slices and bell peppers as desired.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.
6. Bake to Perfection
- Return the bread to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Switch to broil for 1–2 minutes for a crispy, golden finish.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the pizza cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Slice into portions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Prevent Sogginess: Toasting the bread before adding sauce helps keep it crispy.
- Customizable Toppings: Swap pepperoni and bell peppers for mushrooms, sausage, or pineapple for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the garlic butter and roasted garlic in advance for quicker assembly.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the pepperoni and load up on veggies like spinach or tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
