Garlic Bread Pizza Bake

You know that moment when you can’t decide between garlic bread and pizza? This recipe solves that problem forever.

I’m talking about buttery, garlicky bread serving as the base for all your favorite pizza toppings. It’s the kind of dish that makes people lean back in their chairs and ask for seconds.

The best part is how forgiving this recipe is. Use store-bought garlic bread if you’re short on time, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.

Either way, you’re about to create something that’ll become a regular request in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is comfort food that doesn’t require you to choose between two of the best things in the carb world.

The garlic bread gets crispy on the edges while staying soft enough to soak up all those pizza flavors. And because you’re working with a thicker base than traditional pizza dough, you can pile on the toppings without any sogginess.

It comes together faster than ordering delivery. Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes if you use pre-made garlic bread.

Kids love it because it tastes like their two favorite foods combined. Adults love it because it’s actually satisfying and doesn’t leave you feeling like you need a nap afterward.

Plus, it’s perfect for using up whatever’s in your fridge. Got some leftover peppers? Throw them on. Half a package of mushrooms? Perfect. This recipe adapts to whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Bread Base:

• 1 large French bread loaf or Italian bread (about 16 inches long)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pizza Toppings:

• 1½ cups marinara sauce or pizza sauce
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• ½ cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Prep the oven and bread:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Slice the bread loaf in half lengthwise so you have two long pieces. Place them cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet.

Make the garlic butter:

Mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Get in there with a fork until everything is well combined.

Spread this mixture generously over both cut sides of the bread. Don’t be shy here—this is what makes it garlic bread, after all.

Toast the bread:

Pop the buttered bread into the oven for 8-10 minutes. You want it lightly golden and crispy on the edges but not completely hard.

Take it out and let it cool for just a minute or two while you get your toppings ready.

Add the pizza toppings:

Spread the marinara sauce evenly over both pieces of toasted garlic bread. Go all the way to the edges if you like a lot of sauce, or keep it a bit lighter if you prefer.

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the Parmesan. Layer on your pepperoni and any other toppings you’re using.

Finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning over the top.

Bake until bubbly:

Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden in spots.

If you want extra crispy pepperoni, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it carefully so nothing burns.

Serve:

Let the garlic bread pizza cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing. This gives the cheese a chance to set slightly so it doesn’t all slide off when you cut it.

Slice each half into 4-6 pieces depending on how hungry everyone is. Serve with red pepper flakes on the side if you like a little heat

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