Best Homemade French Bread Pizza (Easy Recipe)

Made entirely from scratch, this Best Homemade French Bread Pizza (Easy Recipe) is not only easy but also offers a taste that rivals any pizzeria! Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe stands out with its fresh ingredients and customizable toppings. Enjoy a slice of comfort food that brings everyone together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks.
• Family-Friendly: Kids can help with toppings, making dinner fun and interactive.
• Customizable: Load it up with your favorite toppings—vegetarian or meaty, the choice is yours!
• Great for Meal Prep: Make extra loaves and freeze them for a quick meal later.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of garlic butter, cheese, and fresh ingredients makes every bite irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your cooking adventure, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing dough, ensuring a consistent texture.
• Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for baking your pizza bread evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Sharp knife: Essential for making clean cuts in the dough without tearing.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1⅛ cups warm water
– ½ tablespoon yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2¾ cups flour
– 1⅛ teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
– 1 tablespoon parsley
– ½ teaspoon sea salt
– 1½ cups pizza sauce
– 2 teaspoons pizza seasoning
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
– ¼ cup vegetarian Parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
– 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
– 2 tomatoes (sliced)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Best Homemade French Bread Pizza (Easy Recipe)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Add warm water, yeast, and sugar to a small bowl. Allow it to foam for about 5 minutes.
2. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 3 cups of flour, salt, olive oil, and the yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed.
3. Gradually add 2½ – 3 more cups of flour until the dough forms a soft ball.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. Lightly coat the dough ball with olive oil and place it in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cover with a towel or greased kitchen wrap. Let it rise for at least 30 minutes; ideally 60 – 90 minutes.

Step 3: Shape the Loaves

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into two pieces.
3. Roll each piece into a rectangle shape (14 -16 inches long), sealing any air bubbles.

Step 4: Score and Second Rise

1. Place each loaf seam side down on the baking sheet.
2. Use a sharp knife to make diagonal cuts on top of each loaf.
3. Cover again and let rise until doubled in size (about 60 minutes).

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F/205°C with the rack in the middle position.
2. Bake until golden brown on top (16 -22 minutes). A hollow sound when tapped indicates doneness.
3. Optionally brush melted butter on top after baking.

Step 6: Make Garlic Butter

Combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and sea salt in a small bowl until fully mixed.

Step 7: Assemble Your French Bread Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F/230°C.
2. Cut each loaf lengthwise and then crosswise into halves.
3. Spread garlic butter over cut sides and bake until lightly browned (about 5 minutes).

Step 8: Add Toppings

1. Remove from oven; spread pizza sauce over the bread.
2. Sprinkle with pizza seasoning, red pepper flakes, vegetarian Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and tomato slices.

Step 9: Final Bake

Return to oven for another 10 -15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Remove from oven, serve immediately while warm, and enjoy your delicious homemade French Bread Pizza!

How to Serve Best Homemade French Bread Pizza (Easy Recipe)

Serving your Best Homemade French Bread Pizza is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Casual Family Dinner

• Serve with a side salad for a fresh and healthy balance.
• Pair with garlic bread for an extra burst of flavor.

Game Night Snack

• Cut the pizza into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing.
• Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch and marinara for added fun.

Movie Night Treat

• Set up a pizza bar with different toppings so everyone can create their own slice.
• Include popcorn on the side for that classic movie snack experience.

Party Platter

• Arrange slices on a large platter for an eye-catching presentation.
• Add colorful veggies or olives on the side to complement the pizza.

How to Perfect Best Homemade French Bread Pizza (Easy Recipe)

Creating the perfect Best Homemade French Bread Pizza requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pizza turns out wonderfully every time.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh mozzarella and high-quality sauce will enhance the flavor significantly.
• Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on the cheese; it should be bubbly but not burnt for the best texture.
• Experiment with toppings – Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or meats to customize each pizza.
• Let it cool slightly – Allowing the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing helps maintain its structure.
• Store leftovers properly – Wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh for later enjoyment.
• Reheat correctly – Use an oven instead of a microwave for reheating, as this keeps the crust crispy.

Best Side Dishes for Best Homemade French Bread Pizza (Easy Recipe)

Pairing side dishes with your Best Homemade French Bread Pizza can enhance your meal. Consider these delicious options that complement the flavors of your pizza.

1. Caesar Salad – A classic mix of romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing adds crunch and freshness.
2. Garlic Knots – Soft dough twisted into knots, baked with garlic butter, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
3. Caprese Salad – Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side.
4. Vegetable Platter – An assortment of fresh veggies served with hummus or ranch dip provides a healthy option.
5. Potato Wedges – Crispy seasoned potato wedges are hearty and satisfying alongside your pizza.
6. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and is great for balancing out rich flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Homemade French Bread Pizza (Easy Recipe) can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the yeast proofing: Not allowing the yeast to foam can lead to flat bread. Always check that your yeast is active before mixing it with other ingredients.
• Boldly ignore dough rising times: Rushing the rising process will result in dense bread. Give the dough at least 30 minutes, but ideally 60-90 minutes, to rise properly.
• Boldly misuse flour measurements: Using too much or too little flour can affect dough consistency. Always measure flour accurately and adjust based on humidity and other factors.
• Boldly forget about oven preheating: Baking in an unheated oven can yield uneven results. Preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking for best results.
• Boldly skimp on toppings: Less cheese or sauce might save calories, but it also affects flavor. Don’t be shy—load up on toppings for a truly delicious pizza.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Best Homemade French Bread Pizza in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing freshness.

Freezing Best Homemade French Bread Pizza (Easy Recipe)

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Best Homemade French Bread Pizza (Easy Recipe)

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and heat pizza for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat on a skillet over medium-low heat, covering with a lid, for about 5 minutes for crispy crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Best Homemade French Bread Pizza (Easy Recipe)?

The entire process takes about 2 hours, including rising time and baking.

Can I customize my toppings on this Best Homemade French Bread Pizza?

Yes! You can add any of your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses. The recipe is highly versatile!

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

French bread works best due to its sturdy crust and soft interior, making it perfect for holding toppings.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This Best Homemade French Bread Pizza (Easy Recipe) is vegetarian-friendly, using only plant-based ingredients.

Final Thoughts

The Best Homemade French Bread Pizza (Easy Recipe) is a fantastic choice for quick family dinners or casual gatherings. Its simplicity makes it easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you enjoy classic toppings or want to experiment with new flavors, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Don’t hesitate—give it a try!