Garlic Bread Pizza is the kind of easy comfort food that works for almost any occasion. Make it for game day, serve it as a relaxed family dinner, or pull it together when everyone wants pizza but you want something faster and simpler than homemade dough.
This recipe comes together in 30 minutes or less, and it gives you all the best parts of garlic bread and pizza in one warm, cheesy, buttery bite. It is crisp around the edges, soft in the center, loaded with garlicky flavor, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
If you love quick pizza-inspired recipes, Pizza Sliders, Sheet Pan Pizza, and Pizza Bites are also great ideas to try next.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Bread Pizza
This may become your new Friday night pizza routine. Garlic bread pizza feels nostalgic, fun, and special, even though it is made with simple ingredients. The buttery garlic spread bakes into the bread, the sauce adds classic pizza flavor, and the melted cheese makes every slice irresistible. It is also incredibly flexible. Add pepperoni, keep it plain with cheese, or use whatever toppings your family enjoys. Best of all, it is fast enough for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing enough for parties.
Ingredient Notes
For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below.
- French bread: A soft French loaf is ideal because it bakes up crisp on the edges while staying tender inside. Italian bread also works well. A thin baguette is not the best choice for this recipe because it can become too crisp and narrow for toppings.
- Garlic: Since this is garlic bread pizza, fresh garlic brings the most flavor. Use 3 to 6 cloves depending on how garlicky you want it. The flavor mellows as it bakes, but if you are serving kids or prefer a milder taste, start with less. Grate it with a microplane, press it through a garlic press, or mince it very finely.
- Parmesan: Finely shredded Parmesan blends beautifully into the butter mixture. Shredding it yourself gives the best texture.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. If you do not have it, dried oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning can be used instead.
- Pizza sauce: Use your favorite pizza sauce. Marinara can also work, although it is usually thinner than pizza sauce.
- Mozzarella: Low-moisture whole milk mozzarella is recommended because it melts well and gives that classic cheesy pizza pull. Fresh mozzarella can also be sliced and used.
- Toppings: Pepperoni is a classic choice, but this garlic bread pizza is easy to customize. Try chicken, bacon, bell peppers, olives, onions, or any pizza toppings you already love.
What Size Sheet Pan Do I Need?
Half Sheet Pan (18×13)
A half sheet pan gives the bread enough room to bake evenly without crowding. Line it with foil or parchment for easier cleanup, especially once the cheese starts bubbling.
Step by Step Directions
For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Make the Buttery Garlic Mixture
Mix softened butter, fresh garlic, Parmesan, parsley, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth and spreadable. This mixture is the flavor base of the entire recipe.
Spread It Over the Bread
Slice the bread lengthwise, place it cut side up on a baking sheet, and spread the garlic butter evenly from edge to edge. Bake until the edges begin to turn lightly golden.
Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings
Remove the bread from the oven, spread on pizza sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella, and add pepperoni or your preferred toppings. Bake again until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and warm.
Slice and Serve
Finish with fresh basil, chili flakes, black pepper, or extra Parmesan. Serve with ranch, extra pizza sauce, or marinara for dipping if you like.
Tips and Variations
- No fresh garlic? Garlic powder works as a milder alternative. Start with 1/2 teaspoon, then taste and adjust if needed.
- Try a different sauce: If you are not in the mood for red sauce, use Alfredo sauce or pesto instead.
- Add more cheese flavor: Mix in provolone or cheddar with the mozzarella for extra depth.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan butter, vegan cheese, and plant-based toppings.
- Make it gluten-free: Choose a gluten-free loaf and prepare the recipe the same way.
- Add ricotta: A few dollops of whole milk ricotta make the pizza extra creamy and rich.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make ahead: Spread the garlic butter mixture over the bread, then wrap the bread tightly in foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, continue with the recipe directions. Keep in mind that fresh garlic may give your refrigerator a strong garlic aroma.
- Storage: Store leftover garlic bread pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp edges and melty cheese.
More Recipes to Explore
Game Day and Party Favorites
Cheeseburger Sliders
Sheet Pan Nachos
Four Bean Spicy Crockpot Chili
Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread with Dipping Sauce
Before You Begin! If you make this garlic bread pizza, please leave a review and rating to share how it turned out.
Garlic Bread Pizza
Video available for this recipe.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread Portion
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted softened butter
- 3-6 cloves garlic, grated, very finely chopped, or pressed through a garlic press
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan
- 1-2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
- Pinch of salt, or omit if using salted butter
For the Pizza Portion
- 12-17 oz. pizza sauce
- 2 cups low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni
- For serving: fresh basil, black pepper, chili flakes, Parmesan cheese, ranch, or extra sauce
Last step! If you make this recipe, please leave a review and rating to let others know how you liked it.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
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Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and place it on the baking sheet with the cut side facing up. If you want to help prevent the bread from curling while it bakes, press it gently with another baking sheet or a clean cutting board.
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In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, and salt until combined. Use a spoon or hand mixer, whichever is easier.
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Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
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Remove the bread from the oven. Spread pizza sauce over the top, then add mozzarella, pepperoni, and any other toppings you like.
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Bake again for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1-2 minutes if desired.
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Garnish with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, chili flakes, or black pepper. Serve with extra pizza sauce, marinara, or ranch if desired. Slice and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 492 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 50 g,
Protein: 22 g,
Fat: 28 g,
Saturated Fat: 17 g,
Trans Fat: 1 g,
Fiber: 4 g,
Sugar: 8 g
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should be considered an estimate, not a guarantee. Ingredients can vary, so exact values may differ.
Photography by Sierra Ashleigh Photography.