Published
I load these mini French bread pizzas with garlic butter, cheese, and all of my favorite pizza toppings and then slice them into bite-sized pieces. What I get is thick, chewy, cheesy, and delicious pizza bites that are fun to eat. I think they make the perfect party food, but because they come together quickly and easily, I have been known to serve them for dinner once in a while.
Pin this recipe for later!
Pin ItFun To Eat Pizza Bites
As a full-time food blogger, I’m ashamed to admit how often I order pizza. What can I say, it’s just a weakness! But as much as I like pizza, it’s really the cheesy bread that I crave most. That’s where these French bread pizza bites come in. I buy take-and-bake French bread, slather it with garlic butter, sprinkle it with cheese, and then layer on all my favorite pizza toppings. You can eat them as is, but I like cutting them into bite-sized pieces and dipping them in marinara sauce for a fun-to-eat appetizer or main meal.
These French bread pizzas come together in minutes, so they are a good weeknight dinner option when I’m craving something cheesy, but they are also great to serve on game day, movie night, or as a pre-dinner snack when I’m entertaining.
Tips for Beginners
- Any French bread will work. I love the freshness of using a take-and-bake French bread, but if you want to save time, you can use any ready-made French bread you like.
- Homemade garlic butter. In this recipe, I make the garlic butter from scratch for a truly rich taste. Store-bought garlic butter will work fine, but you may not get as intense of a flavor.
- Play around with different toppings. I like to top with traditional pizza toppings like pepperoni and tomatoes, but you can use whatever toppings you like.
Garlic Butter French Bread Pizza Bites
Ingredients
- 4 loaves La Brea Take and Bake Demi Baguettes 1 package
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- toppings such as mini pepperoni cooked sausage crumbles, cooked bacon crumbles, Canadian bacon, tomatoes, fresh basil, or anything you like!
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 385℉
- Place the La Brea Demi Baguettes directly on the center rack and cook for 9-10 minutes, until almost done and browned.4 loaves La Brea Take and Bake Demi Baguettes
- Remove bread from the oven and cut with a bread knife lengthwise. Set the 8 pieces on a large baking sheet and set aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the garlic, butter, and olive oil.2 tbsp minced garlic, 4 tbsp salted butter, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Microwave for one minute or until fully melted. Stir to combine.
- Stir in the parsley and Parmesan.1 tbsp fresh parsley, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Brush each cut side of the bread generously with the butter mixture.
- Cover each piece of bread with the shredded cheese, and then top with your favorite toppings. Add a bit more cheese on top.2 cups mozzarella cheese, toppings such as mini pepperoni
- Place back in the oven and bake for 5-7 more minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and cut into slices. Serve with ranch or marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Becky’s Tips
- I love using take-and-bake French bread, but any French bread will work.
- Store-bought garlic butter works in place of the butter, oil, and fresh garlic.
- Use whatever toppings you like.
- Store for up to 3 days, reheat in the oven.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Store
Leftover French bread pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheat
Reheat the pizza bread in a warm oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is warmed through.
Freeze
Freeze leftovers, tightly wrapped, in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
French Bread Pizza Toppings
I like to make my French Bread Pizza Bites with lots of different toppings—I made Meat Lover’s, Pepperoni, Simple Cheese, and Margherita. The Margherita was my favorite, and the Pepperoni was Pat’s favorite (he’s a man of simple tastes). But what really makes these delicious is that layer of garlic butter.
Here are some fun topping ideas to try:
- Meat Lover’s Pizza: crumbled sausage, Canadian bacon, pepperoni, cheese
- Margherita Pizza: tomatoes, basil, cheese
- Veggie Lover’s Pizza: peppers, mushroom, olives, onion
- Ultimate Cheese Pizza: mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, asiago
Serving Suggestions
I cut the French bread into small slices to make mini pizza bites, and sometimes serve them as, but often I’ll serve them with this rich and delicious marinara sauce, or a creamy ranch dressing. When I’m looking to add a touch of Mexican flavor, I’ll serve the French bread pizza with crockpot queso.
I find this French bread pizza is great as a party appetizer, game day snack, and even a quick and easy weeknight dinner when we’re in the mood for pizza but not up for ordering in. This recipe makes enough for my family of 4 with leftovers for lunch the next day, so it would be great for feeding a small crowd.
More Fun Pizza Appetizers To Try
- Pizza Sticks feature pizza dough wrapped around a stick with pepperoni and cheese.
- For these Pizza Cupcakes, I take store-bought dinner rolls and fill them with marinara sauce, and top them with cheese and pepperoni.
- This Slow Cooker Pepperoni Pizza Dip is loaded with pepperoni, basil, and more.
more appetizer recipes
Need to recreate this for a Christmas party we are having thank you for sharing!!!
Soph x
www.sophobsessed.com