Garlic Bread Pizza
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Garlic Bread Pizza is perfect for game day, a cozy, easy dinner, or when you’re craving pizza but want to make it simple for the family.
Bringing this tasty recipe together takes 30 minutes or less, and I know you’ll love it!
My Pizza Sliders, Sheet Pan Pizza, and Pizza Bites are other fan favorites you’ll need to try next. 😋
Table Talk with Tawnie
This might just be your new Friday night pizza routine! There is just something extra special and nostalgic about this recipe to me. While it’s made with such simple ingredients, it’s rich, buttery flavor and cheesy sauce-y goodness make it crowd-pleasing and sure to be a new favorite in your home. I love that it’s customizable; add your favorite toppings to suit your mood or preferences and how FAST it comes together. Trust me, you’ll be making this time and time again!
Ingredient Notes
(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)
- French bread: an Italian loaf works well here, too. I wouldn’t choose a baguette for this particular recipe. Or if you have a favorite homemade Italian or French bread recipe, feel free to make your own!
- Garlic: I personally like things really garlicky, especially if we’re making garlic bread. It will mellow out as it bakes and with the pizza toppings. Nonetheless, six cloves might be too overpowering, especially if serving to kiddos. Use your best judgment on how much garlic you’d like to add. Use a microplane to get it in a nice smooth texture, a garlic press, or a knife to very finely mince it.
- Parmesan: Finely shredded, I like to use the microplane for this step as well.
- Parsley: fresh parsley adds color and flavor. You can also use dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
- Pizza sauce: use your favorite, we love Rao’s! Marinara is a good alternative, but it’s usually a thinner consistency.
- Mozzarella: low moisture whole milk mozzarella, shredded is what I recommend, but you can also slice fresh mozzarella.
- Toppings: here is where you can get creative! Add chicken, bacon, bell peppers, olives, onions, etc. Whatever you’re craving!
What size sheet pan do I need?
Half Sheet Pan (18×13)
This is my favorite sheet pan! It’s high-quality, easy to clean, consistent for baking, and does not warp! Can’t recommend it enough.
Step by Step Directions
(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)
Make the buttery garlic goodness
Literally just mix it all in a bowl, that’s it!
Spread on French bread
Spread evenly over the bread and bake until slightly golden along the edges.
Add toppings, and bake until bubbly!
Add the sauce, cheese, pepperoni (and anything else you’d like!) and bake again until melty and warm.
Slice & serve!
Garnish with fresh basil, chili flakes, dunk in ranch or more marinara and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- No fresh garlic cloves? No problem! Garlic powder works as a milder alternative. I would start with 1/2 tsp. and taste and adjust from there.
- If you’re not craving red sauce, try Alfredo sauce or even pesto!
- Feel free to mix in provolone or cheddar for depth of flavor.
- Vegan: you can use vegan butter, and you’re favorite vegan cheese and toppings!
- Gluten-free: use a gluten-free loaf to make this pizza gluten-free.
- Let’s be extra: try adding a dollop of whole milk ricotta. SO good!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make ahead: Assemble the garlic bread by spreading the garlic butter mixture onto the bread, then wrap it tightly in foil. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days (be aware if the garlic is powerful it might make your fridge smell garlicky!) You can bake it as directed in the recipe card when ready to bake.
- Storage: store any leftover garlic bread pizza in the fridge in an air-tight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the toaster oven or air fryer to restore its yumminess.
Game day & party favorites
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Garlic Bread Pizza
Ingredients
For the garlic bread portion
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted softened butter
- 3-6 cloves garlic, (use less if you want it less garlicky) grated with a microplane, very finely chopped or pressed through a garlic press
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan (shred yourself not pre-grated or shredded)
- 1-2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
- pinch salt (or if using salted butter, omit additional salt)
For the pizza portion
- 12-17 oz. pizza sauce (your favorite)
- 2 cups low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni
- For serving: fresh basil, black pepper, chili flakes, parmesan cheese, ranch, etc.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
- Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and place on the baking sheet with the cut side up. Optional step: to prevent the sides of the bread from curling up too much while baking, take another baking sheet or a clean cutting board and press down on the bread.1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic, parmesan, parsley, and salt. You can use a spoon or a hand mixer if it’s easier.1/2 cup unsalted softened butter, 3-6 cloves garlic, (use less if you want it less garlicky) grated with a microplane, very finely chopped or pressed through a garlic press, 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan (shred yourself not pre-grated or shredded), 1-2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped, pinch salt (or if using salted butter, omit additional salt)
- Spread the butter mixture all over the sliced sides of the bread and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the bread from the oven to add your pizza toppings. Spread some marinara first, then mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and any other toppings you like on your pizza.12-17 oz. pizza sauce (your favorite), 2 cups low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup pepperoni
- Bake again for ~10-12 minutes or until cheese is melty and delicious! Broil for 1-2 minutes if desired.
- Garnish with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, chili flakes, etc. and serve with more pizza sauce if desired. Slice and enjoy!For serving: fresh basil, black pepper, chili flakes, parmesan cheese, ranch, etc.
Video
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
📸 Photography by photos by Sierra Ashleigh Photography.
I’m confused. If you are using a loaf of bought bread, how long did you bake before adding toppings and baking again?
Hi! I am so sorry if this wasn’t clear. Yes, store bought loaf of bread. You’ll be putting the bread in the oven 2 times. For the first time: spread the garlic/butter mixture on and bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven, add the sauce, cheese & toppings and then bake it again. Does that make sense? 🙂