Garlic Bread Pizza
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Garlic Bread Pizza is the ultimate comfort food mashup. It has crispy, buttery bread meets melty cheese and bold toppings in every bite. It’s fast, customizable, and so satisfying. It is perfect for when you want a savory treat without buying takeout.
If you love quick savory recipes, try my Italian Dressing Chicken.
Why this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe Works
I am sitting on the couch watching a classic movie and I decide I HAVE to have a pizza. There is no delivery near me and I am not going to get dressed, warm up the car and drive to get one. Now, I don’t have to. I can make my own quickly. Plus, it is customizable.
- Speed and Simplicity: With only four main ingredients and minimal prep, it’s one of the fastest ways to get a pizza-like meal on the table.
- Built-in Flavor Base: Using a store-bought garlic bread loaf eliminates the need to make a crust and add seasoning, guaranteeing a flavorful, crunchy base every time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a fun, familiar mash-up of two classics that is a huge hit with kids and adults alike.
- Highly Customizable: As you’ll see in the variations section, it’s incredibly easy to swap toppings and tailor it to anyone’s preference.
Can I Freeze and Reheat Frozen Garlic Bread Pizza?
Place slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1–2 hours until firm. Wrap the pizza tightly in a freezer safe bag or airtight container. Bake frozen slices at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through and edges are crisp.
Pro Tip – Garlic Toast Pizza
Slice the Garlic Bread or Use Texas Toast for Individual Slices of Texas Toast Pizza. By using frozen garlic Texas toast as the base, you get a crispy, garlicky crust without much work in a fraction of the time!
Ingredient Notes for French Bread Pizza using Garlic Toast
The best part of these homemade pizzas is that you can use the ingredients that you have on hand and make a crispy pizza. My son covers his with pepperoni and I love a veggie lovers.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Garlic Bread: Acts as the crispy, buttery base. Choose a nice thick one to hold all the toppings. You can use frozen garlic toast, store brand or homemade garlic bread.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into that classic stretchy, gooey layer. It balances the garlic with creamy richness and holds toppings in place.
- Pizza Sauce: Adds tang and depth. A thin layer keeps the bread crisp while delivering that familiar pizza flavor. You can use a jar of store bought pizza sauce or make your own San Marzano Pizza sauce.
Variations and Substitutions for Bread, Pizza Sauce and Pizza Toppings
Try Italian sausage, olives and anchovies, or give it a Hawaiian twist by adding ham and pineapple. For a white pizza version, skip the tomato sauce and use alfredo sauce.
- Garlic Bread: French Bread (for a thicker crust), Italian Bread (less garlic flavor), Texas Toast (for individual slices), Gluten-Free Baguette (for GF option) as the pizza crust.
- Sauce: Pesto, BBQ Sauce (for a BBQ Chicken Pizza twist), Alfredo Sauce (for a white pizza), Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce.CheeseProvolone, Monterey Jack, Parmesan (sprinkled on top), Smoked Mozzarella (for a deeper flavor).
- Toppings: Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, sausage, ham, olives, diced pineapple, cooked bacon. Use your families desired pizza toppings.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or oregano before baking.
Special Equipment Needed for the Best Garlic Bread Pizza
- Baking Sheet: Essential for catching drips and ensuring even cooking.
- Parchment Paper or Foil: Highly recommended for easy cleanup.
How to Make Garlic Pizza Bread
No need to run to pizza hut for a traditional pizza. Make your own the way that you like it and in just a few minutes with pantry staples.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Prep the Base: Preheat oven. Open your premade garlic bread and place on a prepared baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Spoon on pizza sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella, and layer your favorite pre-cooked toppings.
- Bake and Broil: Bake at 400°F until cheese is melted, then broil for 1–2 minutes to crisp the edges. Serve hot!
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Crispy Garlic Butter Pizza
You can prep a lot of the ingredients for the simple garlic bread pizza recipe in advance for an easy dinner.
- Prep Favorite Toppings: Slice and chop any vegetable toppings (peppers, mushrooms, onions), italian sausage, ground beef or turkey pepperoni and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Make a platter of your favorite pizza toppings.
- Grate Cheese: If you are not using pre-shredded cheese, grate the mozzarella and store it in the fridge.
Alternate Cooking Methods – Pizza in the Air Fryer
You can make this pizza several different ways. Make this easy garlic bread pizza in the toaster oven or air fryer, even the grill. It is perfect for pizza night. Place the baked garlic bread in the air fryer or grill for this french bread recipe.
- Air Fryer: Cut the loaf into 3-4 inch pieces. Cook at 325°F (160°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.Great for small portions and faster cooking.
- Grill: Place the fully topped pizza on aluminum foil (or directly on clean, oiled grates for a crispier base). Grill on medium heat with the lid closed for 10-15 minutes.Imparts a delicious smoky flavor. Keep the heat lower to melt the cheese before the bottom burns.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Texas Toast Pizza
Pizza is perfect to make and store, This garlic bread pizza is made with all the things you have on hand.
- Storing: Let the pizza cool completely. Cut into slices and store in an airtight container or wrapped in foil/plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the Oven: The best method is the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. Reheat in the toaster oven. This helps the bread crisp up again. You can also use an Air Fryer. The microwave will make it soggy.
- Using Leftovers: Serve the leftover slices with a side salad for a quick lunch, or cut them into bite-sized “pizza bites” to serve as a snack or appetizer.
Common Questions About This Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Yes. Toasting with garlic butter before adding toppings helps prevent sogginess and adds flavor
Absolutely, use dairy-free cheese and gluten-free loaf of french bread. Just watch baking time, as some alternatives cook faster.
It shouldn’t if you use a standard, store-bought, pre-sliced frozen garlic bread loaf, as these tend to be a bit sturdier. However, the recipe wisely notes that the bread will absorb some sauce. To prevent sogginess, try pre-bake the garlic bread plain for 5 minutes before adding toppings. Leave a small border around the edges when adding the sauce.
Expert Tips for Making Pizza Garlic Bread
It is so easy to prep these pizzas and then just put in the oven and bake. whenever you’re craving pizza.
- The Mozzarella Layering Trick: Add a thin layer of mozzarella under the pepperoni and then a little on top. This helps “glue” the pepperoni down and prevents it from curling up into little grease cups. Finish with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
- Boost the Garlic: If your store-bought garlic bread isn’t garlicky enough, mix a little minced fresh garlic with olive oil and brush it onto the bread before adding the sauce.
- The Parsley Power: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end brightens the flavor and adds a pop of color, making the dish look and taste fresher. Garlic powder, a sprinkle of red pepper flake add zing to the buttery garlic bread pizza.
- Serve this recipe with: After pizza, I want a quick delicious dessert, try my Cornflake Cookies or my Brownies with Raspberry.
More Recipes You Might Like
Crispy Garlic Bread Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 Garlic Bread Loaf
- 12 ounces Pizza sauce, 1 jar
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 20 Pepperoni slices or more if you like
Instructions
- Place your garlic bread on a baking sheet.
- Next, add your desired amount of pizza sauce. Be sure to note that the bread is going to absorb some of the sauce, so make it as saucey as your little heart desires.
- Add mozzarella cheese. Top with pepperoni and a little more mozzarella!
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350° for 20-25 minutes until cheese has melted.
- Top with parsley and enjoy! You can totally omit the parsley, we just like to make things look pretty around here, it’s what we do!
Christina’s Notes
- Use a sturdy base: Opt for thick-cut Italian bread, French baguette, or even Texas toast. Softer sandwich bread can get soggy under toppings.Toast before topping: Lightly toast the bread with garlic butter before adding sauce and cheese. This locks in crispness and prevents soggy bottoms.
- Layer smart: Start with a thin layer of sauce, then cheese, then toppings. Too much sauce or wet toppings (like fresh tomatoes) can make the bread limp.
- Garlic butter upgrade: Mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. For extra depth, add a touch of grated Parmesan or garlic powder.
- Broil for finish: After baking, broil for 1–2 minutes to crisp the edges and bubble the cheese. Watch closely—this step makes it restaurant-worthy.
- Customize toppings: Keep it simple with pepperoni or go bold with caramelized onions, roasted veggies, or leftover grilled chicken. Pre-cooked toppings work best.
- Serve immediately: Garlic bread pizza is best hot and fresh. If prepping ahead, toast the bread and prep toppings separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
