Name: Margherita French Bread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2-3 Beefsteak tomatoes, roughly chopped; 1/2 tsp Kosher salt; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 Loaf French bread; 2 tbsp Olive oil; 3 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese; Tomato slices (from additional tomatoes or reserved slices); Fresh basil for garnish

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Introduction

Margherita French Bread Pizza is a deliciously easy twist on a classic favorite. Using fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on crispy French bread creates a flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

The image shows thick, rectangular slices of pizza with a dark brown, slightly burnt crust around the edges. The pizza has a base of melted white cheese that is bubbly and golden in spots, topped with bright red tomato slices and halved cherry tomatoes of reddish-brown color, spread evenly across the surface. Thin strips of fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top, adding a touch of freshness. The pizza rests on brown parchment paper on top of a white marbled surface. To the left, there is a clear glass cup with a golden liquid inside, and at the bottom right corner, part of a red tomato is visible. A woman’s hand is reaching toward the pizza from the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2-3 Beefsteak tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 Loaf French bread
2 tbsp Olive oil
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
Fresh cracked black pepper
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
3 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
Tomato slices
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Slice the top off the loaf of French bread and hollow out the middle. Drizzle the inside with olive oil and bake for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mash the mixture to create a chunky tomato sauce.
Step 3: Remove the French bread from the oven. Spread the tomato sauce inside, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese and add slices of tomato on top. Return to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Slice the pizza and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving for a sweet contrast.
Use fresh mozzarella slices instead of shredded for a creamier texture.
For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the tomato sauce before baking.
Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh oregano and thyme for a fresher herbal flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes to restore crispness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows four rectangular slices of pizza arranged in a vertical line on brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each slice has a thick, golden crust with some charred edges and is topped with melted white cheese that is slightly browned, red tomato slices, and halved cherry tomatoes with visible seeds. There are thin strips of fresh green basil scattered on top of the cheese and tomatoes. Some slices are sprinkled with small bits of grated cheese or seasoning. A small white bowl filled with red chili flakes sits to the top right, partially visible. A knife with a worn handle rests beside the bottom slices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Italian bread or a baguette as alternatives, but French bread offers the ideal texture and size for this pizza style.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegetarian version, this recipe is already suitable. To make it vegan, substitute the mozzarella cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure the bread contains no dairy.

Margherita French Bread Pizza Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 88 reviews

This Margherita French Bread Pizza is a delightful fusion of Italian flavors and easy preparation. Featuring a crispy French bread base topped with a fresh tomato sauce made from chopped beefsteak tomatoes, seasoned with Italian herbs, and covered with melted mozzarella cheese, this recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic Margherita pizza with a crunchy twist.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Pizza
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Tomato Sauce

2–3 Beefsteak tomatoes, roughly chopped
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp Italian seasoning

French Bread Base

1 Loaf French bread
2 tbsp Olive oil

Toppings

3 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
Tomato slices (from additional tomatoes or reserved slices)
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Preheat and prepare bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the top off the loaf of French bread and carefully hollow out the middle to create a cavity for the toppings. Drizzle the inside and top of the hollowed-out bread with olive oil, then bake for 5-6 minutes until the bread develops a golden-brown, crispy crust.
Make tomato sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the roughly chopped beefsteak tomatoes, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use a fork or spoon to mash the ingredients together until they form a chunky, flavorful sauce.
Assemble the pizza: Remove the French bread from the oven. Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly inside the hollowed-out bread. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Add fresh tomato slices on top of the cheese for added texture and flavor.
Bake to melt cheese: Return the assembled bread pizza to the oven at 375°F and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Garnish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish, then slice and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Use fresh, ripe beefsteak tomatoes for the best flavor.
Hollowing out the French bread prevents it from becoming soggy and creates space for the toppings.
The tomato sauce is chunky and fresh, not cooked beforehand, which keeps the pizza vibrant and fresh-tasting.
You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between the crispy crust and melted cheese.

Keywords: Margherita pizza, French bread pizza, easy pizza recipe, homemade pizza, Italian pizza, tomato mozzarella pizza