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Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 94 reviews

If you love the crispy, buttery goodness of garlic bread but can t resist the allure of pizza, this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is honestly a game-changer. I remember the first time I put this together-combining two of my absolute favorite comfort foods into one easy, indulgent dish. It s perfect for when you want that rich garlic flavor with melty cheese and all your favorite pizza toppings. You ll find it works wonderfully for casual weeknight dinners or even for feeding a crowd at game day gatherings.

What makes this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe stand out is how simple it is, yet how satisfying every bite feels. I love that you get the perfect crunch on the bread, a punch of garlic, and gooey mozzarella all in one slice. It s a lovely way to switch up your pizza night without fussing over dough, and I promise once you try this, it ll become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a champion for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
  • Deliciously Versatile: Customize it with your favorite pizza toppings or keep it classic with just cheese and sausage.
  • Budget Friendly: Uses simple ingredients-plus, I found those French bread loaves on sale, which helps keep costs low.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this one; it s always requested at gatherings and parties.
Two mini pizzas are shown on a foil-lined baking tray with a white marbled surface underneath. Each pizza has a thick, golden brown crust base. The bottom layer is red tomato sauce, topped with a thick layer of melted white mozzarella cheese. The first pizza is covered with browned ground meat and pepperoni slices, while the second pizza has the same meat and pepperoni but also includes green bell pepper pieces, sliced jalapeños, and small red onion bits spread evenly across the cheese. The pepperoni slices are shiny and slightly curled at the edges. The foil beneath has some melted cheese spots around the pizzas. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1 this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe are straightforward but pack in flavor. I always grab a fresh loaf of French bread-its sturdy crust holds up perfectly under all those toppings. Plus, using real garlic and parmesan in the butter mix gives it that authentic, homemade edge.

  • French Bread: Look for a fresh, firm loaf that can get nice and crispy but still soft inside.
  • Butter: Use softened butter so it spreads easily and absorbs that garlic flavor nicely.
  • Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic really makes the difference-you’ll taste the freshness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty sharpness that amplifies the garlic butter mix.
  • Pizza Sauce: A quality jarred sauce works great, but you can jazz it up with herbs if you like.
  • Italian Sausage: Cooked beforehand for a juicy and flavorful topping layer.
  • Pepperoni Slices: Classic for pizza lovers, but add more or less depending on taste.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly grated melts better and creates that signature stretch.
  • Additional Toppings: Think onions, peppers, jalapeños, or black olives for extra pizzazz.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up. I love experimenting with different toppings depending on what my fridge has or what we re in the mood for. You can make it spicier, veggie-packed, or keep it super simple-it’s all about what you like!

  • Meat Lovers: I ve added bacon and ham alongside the sausage for an extra hearty bite, and it s always a hit.
  • Vegetarian: Swap meat for mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives for a fresh, colorful pizza.
  • Spicy Kick: Adding jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot honey gives it a delightful heat that wakes up the flavors.
  • Cheese Variations: Mix in provolone or a sprinkle of feta to add depth and creaminess.

How to Make Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Garlic Butter and French Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F – this high heat gives the bread a perfect crispy edge. While it s warming, mix your softened butter with the minced garlic and grated parmesan in a bowl. I like to mash everything together with a fork to keep it evenly combined. Then, slice the French bread in half lengthwise and spread that flavorful butter mix generously on both sides. You ll want to toast these halves in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until they re just starting to brown and get crispy but not burnt – keep a close eye on them!

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Assemble the Toppings

While the bread is toasting, cook your Italian sausage in a skillet until it s browned and crumbly-this step is crucial to avoid a greasy or undercooked topping later. Next, spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the warm toasted bread. I always like putting the cooked sausage under the cheese; it keeps it juicy and prevents it from drying out in the oven. Add your mozzarella cheese next, making sure it covers the sausage well, then layer on your pepperoni slices along with any additional toppings you re using.

Step 3: Bake Until Bubbling and Perfect

Pop your assembled Garlic Bread Pizza back in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You re watching for that cheese to be melted, bubbly, and golden in spots-this is when you know it s ready. If you want a slightly crispier crust on top, you can broil it for the final minute, but don t walk away or it could burn fast. When you take it out, let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing-this helps the cheese set a bit and keeps the toppings from sliding right off.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

  • Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is really soft or room temp before mixing; it makes spreading a breeze and ensures full garlic flavor coverage.
  • Don t Overload Toppings: Too many toppings can make the bread soggy-stick to a balanced amount so the crust stays nice and crisp.
  • Cook Meat First: Always cook sausage or any raw meats before placing them on the pizza to avoid excess grease and undercooking.
  • Keep an Eye on the Oven: Ovens vary-start checking your bread around 5 minutes to avoid burning your perfect crust.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

A woman's hand holds a square slice of pizza with a thick crust. The pizza has a layer of melted white cheese, topped with two round pepperoni slices that are dark red with a shiny texture, small pieces of green peppers, a green jalapeno ring, tiny bits of red onion, and small chunks of brown sausage. Below this slice, more square pizza pieces rest on a wooden board, showing similar toppings with a mix of cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and green peppers. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving-it adds a fresh color contrast and a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I add a light drizzle of olive oil or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tiny kick.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal balanced, I often serve this with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side. Garlic bread pizza is pretty rich, so a fresh side with a tangy vinaigrette really complements the flavors nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes cut the garlic bread pizza into smaller finger food squares and arrange them on a platter with different dipping sauces-like ranch, marinara, or even a spicy garlic aioli. It turns into a fun party appetizer and everyone loves being able to grab a piece and customize with their dips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover garlic bread pizza keeps really well in the fridge-just place slices in an airtight container. I usually eat mine within 2-3 days for the best texture and flavor. The crust holds up surprisingly well if you reheat it right!

Freezing

I ve frozen leftover slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge. I find freezing changes the crust texture a bit, but it s still quite enjoyable after reheating.

Reheating

To keep that toasty garlicky crunch, reheat the slices in the oven at about 375°F for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through and cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the bread soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of bread for this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe?

    Absolutely! While French bread works best because of its sturdy texture and crust, you can try Italian bread or even a baguette. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.

  2. Do I need to cook the Italian sausage before adding it to the pizza?

    Yes, cooking the sausage beforehand is key. It ensures the meat is fully cooked, prevents extra grease from soaking into the bread, and keeps your Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe flavorful and safe to eat.

  3. Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

    Definitely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute with garlic and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, lean on vegan cheese options, and swap sausage for plant-based alternatives. It ll still be delicious and satisfying!

  4. What s the best way to reheat leftover garlic bread pizza?

    Reheating in a conventional oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes keeps the crust crisp and cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that perfect texture.

  5. Can I prepare this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe ahead of time?

    You can definitely prep the garlic butter and cook the sausage ahead. Assemble the pizza shortly before baking to keep the bread from becoming soggy. This helps save time when you re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe brings together that buttery garlic goodness with all the fun of a classic pizza. It s simple, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser in my house. If you re looking for an easy way to mix up dinner and impress family or friends without a ton of effort, this one is definitely for you. Give it a try-I think you re going to enjoy every bite just as much as I do!

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Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 94 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Bread Pizza recipe combines the irresistible flavors of garlic bread and classic pizza into one delicious and easy-to-make dish. Using a loaf of French bread as the base, it is layered with a garlic butter spread, savory pizza sauce, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a budget-friendly meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, it’s quick to prepare and bakes in under 30 minutes for a warm, cheesy treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Base and Spread

  • 1 loaf French Bread
  • 8 tbsp Butter, softened to room temperature
  • 6-7 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Pizza Toppings

  • 14 oz Jar of Pizza Sauce
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage (cooked and crumbled)
  • 2–3 oz Pepperoni Slices
  • 4 cups Freshly Grated Mozzarella Cheese
  • Any additional toppings, such as onions, peppers, jalapeno, black olives, etc.

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the garlic bread pizza.
  2. Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic cloves and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined, creating a flavorful spread.
  3. Slice Bread and Apply Spread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture on both cut sides of the bread for a rich and aromatic base.
  4. Initial Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until the bread is slightly brown and crispy, forming a perfect crust for the pizza.
  5. Add Sauce and Toppings: Remove the bread from the oven and spread the pizza sauce evenly over the toasted garlic bread. Then layer the cooked Italian sausage under a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Finally, add pepperoni slices and any additional toppings on top of the cheese.
  6. Final Bake: Return the topped garlic bread pizza to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and the toppings are heated through.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into individual servings, and enjoy your homemade garlic bread pizza warm.

Notes

  • Buy fresh French bread on sale to make this recipe even more budget-friendly.
  • Cook the Italian sausage thoroughly before adding it as a topping to ensure it is safe to eat.
  • Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings like vegetables or extra cheese.
  • Use a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
  • This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on the number of servings needed.

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