This French Bread Pizza is crispy, cheesy, and downright irresistible! Brushed with garlic pesto butter and baked before adding toppings, the crust turns perfectly golden and never soggy. Pile it high with your favorite toppings—classic, white, or BBQ chicken (Variations in the Notes). See the post for step-by-step photos, helpful tips, and more variations.
Slice the Bread: Slice the loaf in half lengthwise, then press the cut side down with your hands to flatten it and prevent it from mounding. This helps the cheese and toppings stay in place.
Pesto Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in the remaining Pesto Butter ingredients. Use a pastry brush to coat the top of each slice with the Pesto Butter. Transfer to the oven and bake at 425°F for 6-7 minutes.
Crisp Pepperoni: While the pizzas are baking, spread the pepperoni on a paper towel-lined plate in a single layer. Microwave for about 40 seconds. This helps prevent a greasy pizza and makes the pepperoni crispier.
Add Toppings: Evenly top the pizzas with sauce, mozzarella cheese, par-cooked pepperoni, and any other toppings. Finish by sprinkling with the Parmesan cheese.
Second Bake: Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Then broil on high (no need to move the pizzas) for 1-2 minutes to brown the top, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn.
Enjoy! Slice and serve warm, accompanied by extra red pepper flakes, Parmesan, and other desired toppings.
Slice the Bread: Slice the loaf in half lengthwise, then press the cut side down with your hands to flatten it and prevent it from mounding. This helps the cheese and toppings stay in place.
Garlic Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in the remaining ingredients. Use a pastry brush to coat the top of each slice with the Garlic Butter. Transfer to the oven and bake at 425°F for 6-7 minutes.
Prep Chicken: While the pizzas are baking, toss the chicken in a large bowl with the chicken spices and ¼ cup barbecue sauce, then set aside.
Add Toppings: Remove the pizzas from the oven. Evenly top the pizzas with ¾ cup barbecue sauce, chicken, cheeses, red onions, and any other toppings (save the cilantro for after baking).
Second Bake: Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Then broil on high (no need to move the pizzas) for 1-2 minutes to brown the top, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn.
Enjoy! Garnish with fresh cilantro, slice, and serve warm.
Slice the Bread: Slice the loaf in half lengthwise, then press the cut side down with your hands to flatten it and prevent it from mounding. This helps the cheese and toppings stay in place.
Pesto Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in the pesto. Use a pastry brush to coat the top of each slice with the Pesto Butter. Transfer to the oven and bake at 425°F for 6-7 minutes.
White Sauce: While the pizzas are baking, cube the cream cheese and microwave it on a plate for 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and whisk together with the White Sauce ingredients.
Add Toppings: Evenly top the pizzas with the White Sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and any other toppings.
Second Bake: Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Then broil on high (no need to move the pizzas) for 1-2 minutes to brown the top, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn.
Enjoy! Top with fresh basil leaves and arugula or spinach if using. Slice and serve warm!