Easy Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe – Quick Weeknight Dinner

When you’re craving the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods, this Easy Garlic Bread Pizza delivers exactly what you need. Imagine crispy, buttery garlic bread as the base for a cheesy, flavorful pizza – it’s the ultimate comfort food mashup that takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. Using Italian bread or French bread as the foundation, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, after-school snacks, or casual weekend lunches. The aromatic garlic butter soaks into the bread while the cheese melts to golden perfection, creating those irresistible crispy edges and gooey center that make every bite absolutely delicious. It’s the kind of quick, crowd-pleasing meal that both kids and adults will request again and again.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Bread Base:

• 1 large Italian bread loaf or French baguette, sliced lengthwise
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pizza Toppings:

• ¾ cup (180ml) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 2 cups (200g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ cup pepperoni slices (optional)
• ¼ cup bell peppers, diced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Bread Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the Italian bread in half lengthwise, creating two long pieces. If using a baguette, slice it lengthwise or into 6-inch sections depending on your preference.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth and fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Bread Base Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across the cut surfaces of the bread, making sure to cover all the way to the edges. Place the bread cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling.

Step 4: Add Pizza Toppings Remove the bread from the oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over each piece, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, followed by Parmesan cheese. Add any desired toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, or onions.

Step 5: Final Bake Return to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 6: Serve Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then slice into individual portions and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Cooking Notes

For extra crispy edges, brush the crust with a little olive oil before the final bake. Day-old bread works even better than fresh as it holds up to the toppings without getting soggy. If your bread is very thick, hollow out some of the interior to create more room for toppings. For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella and turkey pepperoni. You can prep the garlic butter mixture up to 3 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Leftover garlic bread pizza can be stored in the fridge for 2 days and reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread? Absolutely! Ciabatta, sourdough, or even thick-cut Texas toast work well. Just adjust the baking time based on the bread’s thickness – thinner breads may need 2-3 minutes less cooking time.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy? Don’t overload with sauce, and make sure to pre-bake the garlic bread base first. This creates a barrier that prevents the sauce from soaking into the bread too much.

Can I freeze these for later? Yes! Assemble the garlic bread pizzas but don’t bake them. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-8 minutes to the cooking time.

Keto/Low-Carb Version

To make this keto-friendly, substitute the bread with large portobello mushroom caps or thick slices of eggplant. Brush with the garlic butter mixture and pre-bake for 5 minutes before adding toppings. Use sugar-free marinara sauce and load up on cheese and low-carb toppings like pepperoni, olives, and bell peppers. This reduces the net carbs to approximately 6g per serving while maintaining all the delicious flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Garlic Bread Pizza proves that the best comfort foods often come from combining simple favorites in creative ways. It’s the kind of versatile, satisfying meal that saves busy weeknights while still delivering on flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers, hosting a casual get-together, or just want something delicious without the fuss, this recipe fits perfectly into your regular rotation. Once you try this irresistible combination of garlic bread and pizza, you’ll wonder why you never thought to put them together before!