Name: Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread; 1/2 cup unsalted softened butter; 3-6 cloves garlic, grated with a microplane, finely chopped, or pressed; 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded, not pre-grated); 1-2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped; Pinch salt (omit if using salted butter); 12-17 oz. pizza sauce (your favorite brand); 2 cups low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup pepperoni; Fresh basil; Black pepper; Chili flakes; Grated Parmesan cheese; Ranch dressing (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 80 reviews

If you love the irresistible combo of crusty bread, garlicky butter, and melty cheese, then this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a clever twist on two classic favorites, delivering a crispy, flavor-packed base topped with gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, and vibrant marinara. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or a fun appetizer to share, this recipe combines simple ingredients into an unforgettable, crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two side-by-side images show the process of making a herb butter mix in a beige bowl on a white marbled surface with a whole garlic bulb nearby. On the left side, the bowl contains distinct layers: a large block of pale yellow butter on the bottom left, finely chopped light yellow garlic at the bottom, grated pale yellow parmesan cheese covering most of the bowl, bright green chopped herbs scattered on top, and a small pile of white salt near the butter. A spoon with a wooden handle rests inside the bowl. On the right side, the ingredients are fully mixed into a pale yellow creamy spread with small green herb flecks throughout, showing a smooth and firm texture with a spoon inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet crucial for building layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays its part in bringing that perfect balance of richness, zest, and cheesiness.

French or Italian bread: Provides a sturdy, crunchy base that holds all those delicious toppings without getting soggy.
Unsalted softened butter: Creates the luscious garlicky spread that infuses flavor right into the bread’s crumb.
Fresh garlic: Adds that classic punch that makes this bread so addictive—adjust the amount to fit your garlic love level.
Finely shredded Parmesan cheese: Packed with savory depth, it blends beautifully into the butter for a gourmet touch.
Fresh parsley: Brings a pop of green freshness and bright herbal notes that contrast the rich cheese and butter.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of butter and cheese perfectly.
Pizza sauce: Your favorite marinara base that provides tangy sweetness and moisture under the cheese layer.
Low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives that melty, stretchy texture everyone loves on pizza.
Pepperoni slices: Add a little spicy, salty kick that complements the garlicky base beautifully.
Optional garnishes: Fresh basil, black pepper, chili flakes, and extra Parmesan elevate the final presentation and flavor burst.

How to Make Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. Slice your loaf of French or Italian bread in half lengthwise, placing the cut sides up on the baking sheet. Here’s a helpful trick: to keep the bread from curling while baking, gently press it down with another baking sheet or a cutting board. That way, it stays flat and perfect for layering.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter with freshly grated or finely minced garlic, shredded Parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt—unless you’re using salted butter, then you can skip the extra salt. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite bursts with garlicky, herby goodness that soaks right into the bread.

Step 3: Spread and Bake the Base

Generously slather the garlic butter mixture over both cut sides of your bread. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. During this time, the butter melts deeply into the bread while the Parmesan develops a subtle golden crust. This step transforms plain bread into the luscious foundation of your garlic bread pizza.

Step 4: Add Pizza Toppings

Remove the garlic bread from the oven and start layering. First, spread your pizza sauce evenly over the buttery surface. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of low-moisture shredded mozzarella, add pepperoni slices, and feel free to toss on any of your favorite pizza toppings. This is your chance to get creative, so go wild or keep it classic—both ways are delicious.

Step 5: Final Bake and Broil

Return the bread to the oven for another 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and melts into a gooey, golden dream. If you like a slightly crispier, browned top, switch your oven to broil for a minute or two at the end—but keep a close eye to avoid burning. That final touch adds a pretty caramelized finish to this fabulous Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

The image shows thick square slices of focaccia pizza with a golden brown, soft, and airy bread base as the bottom layer. On top, a layer of melted creamy white cheese spreads evenly with some browned spots, followed by round slices of crispy, reddish-brown pepperoni arranged neatly. Bright green small basil leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh look. The pizza slices rest on a crumpled brown paper surface, all set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Once out of the oven, elevate your Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or chili flakes for a subtle heat kick. These garnishes brighten the dish visually and add complex layers of flavor that make every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This garlic bread pizza stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of fresh tomato soup to round out your meal. For a more indulgent feast, roasted vegetables or a creamy coleslaw provide texture contrasts and refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or casual gatherings, slice your garlic bread pizza into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange on a wooden board with little bowls of extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, and chili flakes on the side. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy this crowd-pleaser, and those who want to customize their bites will appreciate the options.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The garlic bread pizza stays delicious for up to 2 days and can be enjoyed as a quick snack or light meal.

Freezing

To freeze, place unbaked garlic bread halves or fully assembled pizzas on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. When freezing garlic bread pizza, keep toppings intact and freeze for up to 1 month for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes to regain that perfect crisp crust and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While French or Italian bread give the best crust and texture, you can experiment with sourdough or even a sturdy baguette. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold toppings without becoming soggy.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply skip the pepperoni and load up on your favorite veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach. This Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe adapts beautifully to whatever toppings you love.

Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic gives the brightest, most pungent flavor that really shines in the butter mixture. However, if you’re short on time, high-quality jarred minced garlic can work in a pinch.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast, and choose dairy-free mozzarella. With these tweaks, the Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe can still be a flavorful delight.

What’s the best way to prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the garlic buttered bread before adding sauce and toppings helps set the crust and absorb moisture. Also, pressing the bread flat before baking keeps it from curling and promotes even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels totally special but comes together with such ease. It’s comforting, cheesy, garlicky, and endlessly customizable—perfect for busy weeknights or fun gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you love. So grab your loaf, garlic, and cheese, and let’s make some unforgettable magic in your kitchen!