Can I freeze pizza bread?

Yes! Assemble it and freeze before baking. When ready, bake directly from frozen at 375°F, adding 5 minutes.

What’s the best bread to use?

Italian loaf or French bread work best, but any sturdy bread, like white or sandwich bread, can be substituted.

Can this be made vegan?

Yes! Use vegan cheese and margarine for the garlic herb butter.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Brush the bread with olive oil or garlic herb butter to create a barrier before adding sauce.

What’s a good side dish for pizza bread?

Pair with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely—just swap the bread with a gluten-free loaf.

What’s the secret to extra crispy bread?

Toast the bread lightly before adding toppings for extra crunch.

Make Italian Pizza Bread That Everyone Will Love

Name: Italian Pizza Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 loaf Italian bread (halved lengthwise); 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Toppings of choice: (e.g., pepperoni, diced bell peppers, sliced olives, mushrooms); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil; Optional garnishes: grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves

Description

Italian Pizza Bread combines the simplicity of Italian bread with the flavors of classic pizza. This recipe starts with a garlic herb butter base that adds a rich and savory foundation, making it slightly unique compared to traditional pizza bread recipes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or snacks, this recipe is easy to customize and brings pizza to the table in minutes.

Equipment

Baking sheet
Silicone brush
Small mixing bowl
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf Italian bread (halved lengthwise)
3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried parsley
1 cup pizza or marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings of choice: (e.g., pepperoni, diced bell peppers, sliced olives, mushrooms)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
Optional garnishes: grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter:
In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, oregano, and parsley. Stir well.
Prepare the Bread:
Place the Italian bread halves, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each piece generously with the garlic herb butter, ensuring even coverage. Let it soak into the bread for 1-2 minutes.
Add the Sauce:
Spread a thin, even layer of pizza or marinara sauce over the buttered bread halves.
Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Use more or less cheese based on preference.
Customize with Toppings:
Arrange your desired toppings on top of the cheese. Be creative or stick to your favorite pizza classics.
Season:
Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly over the bread for a burst of flavor.
Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is slightly crisp around the edges.
Optional Broil:
For a golden finish, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the bread from the oven. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice into portions and serve immediately.

Notes

Unique Element: The garlic herb butter base elevates this recipe by infusing every bite with rich, buttery flavor and a hint of garlic and herbs. This step creates a crispy, flavorful foundation that sets this recipe apart from others that skip directly to the sauce layer.
Bread Tip: For even crispier bread, lightly toast it in the oven for 3-4 minutes before adding the garlic butter.
Topping Variations: Try prosciutto with arugula, caramelized onions, or a blend of cheeses like fontina and Parmesan for gourmet variations.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispness.
Freezing: Assemble the bread without baking, then freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cook time.

Nutrition

Calories: 320
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 14g