Skip to main content
Epicurious

French Bread Pizzas with Mozzarella and Pepperoni

5.0

(7)

Image of french bread with mozzarella and pepperoni on a cutting board and stacked on a plate next to it.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks.

Forget about the freezer aisle! This classic is just as easy to make from scratch. For a spicy kick, add red-pepper flakes.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    40 minutes

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1 (12–14") soft loaf French or Italian bread, split in half lengthwise
1 garlic clove, smashed
1/2 cup store-bought tomato sauce
1 cup coarsely grated mozzarella (about 4 ounces)
3 ounces sliced pepperoni
1/4 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh basil

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Position rack in top third of oven and preheat to 425°F. Place bread, cut side up, on a rimmed baking sheet and bake 5 minutes. Remove from oven and rub cut sides with garlic.

    Step 2

    Spread tomato sauce on cut sides of bread. Top with mozzarella, pepperoni, and red-pepper flakes, if using.

    Step 3

    Bake until cheese is melted and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Top with basil.

TagsPizzaItalian AmericanItalianEuropeanMozzarellaCheeseDairyBasilHerbs & SpicesMainLunchDinnerNut FreeQuickEasyWeeknight Meals30 Minutes or LessOven BakeSuper BowlEpicurious

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Broccolini, Balsamic, Burrata, Amen
On this melty toast, the burrata comes in at the end, but it’s most definitely the star.
Halloumi Lasagna
In this lasagna, soft layers of pasta and béchamel are interspersed with a rich tomato sauce laden with hearty Mediterranean vegetables.
Spinach Ramen Gratin
You can consider this recipe a template for creating a gooey, cheesy instant ramen dish with an appetizing golden crust in the oven.
Berberger Pasta
This comforting cheeseburger-inspired pasta from Kiano Moju is bolstered by berbere spice.
Almost Cannoli Galettes
Cannoli and sfogliatelle require complex technique—making them is best left to the professionals. But a galette-inspired variation? That’s a snap to do at home.
Tuna Melt Nachos
Love a tuna melt? Meet your new favorite nachos—fast and filling all thanks to tinned fish.
Mentaiko Spaghetti
In this wafu pasta recipe from author Sonoko Sakai, the only cooking involved is boiling spaghetti.
Melted Anchovy Toast
Among the easiest appetizers ever.