The Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe – A Fusion of Two Comfort Classics
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza combines crispy garlic bread with gooey cheese and classic pizza toppings. Ideal for quick meals, game-day snacks, or party dishes, it offers a perfect blend of flavor and comfort.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe | The Ultimate Easy Pizza Recipe for Cheese Lovers
DifficultyEasy
Servings4-6
Prep time10 minutes
Cook time15 minutes
Total time25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread Base:
- 1 large French baguette or Italian bread, cut in half lengthwise
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Pizza Layer:
- 1 cup pizza sauce (marinara or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Optional Toppings:
- Pepperoni slices
- Cooked bacon bits
- Sliced mushrooms
- Chopped basil
- Black olives
Let's Get Cooking!
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Garlic Bread Base:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the cut baguette halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Brush the mixture generously over the cut sides of the bread.
- 2
Toast the Garlic Bread:
- Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and set aside.
- 3
Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the toasted garlic bread.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone on top.
- Add any desired toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bacon.
- 4
Bake Until Cheesy & Golden:
- Return the tray to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- 5
Slice & Serve:
- Let cool slightly before slicing into pizza-style pieces or strips.
- Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes.
Recipe Notes & Variations
Recipe Notes & Variations
Recipe Notes
✔ Use the Right Bread – A French baguette, Italian bread, or ciabatta works best for a crispy yet chewy texture.
✔ Don’t Skip Pre-Toasting – Baking the garlic bread before adding toppings prevents sogginess and creates a sturdy base.
✔ Broil for Extra Crispiness – After baking, a 1-2 minute broil gives the cheese a golden, bubbly finish.
✔ Balance the Garlic Butter – Too much butter can make the bread greasy; use just enough for rich flavor without oversaturation.
✔ Make It Ahead –
- Garlic butter can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge.
- You can pre-toast the garlic bread a few hours ahead and assemble later.
Variations & Substitutions
Cheese Variations
✔ Classic Mozzarella & Parmesan – Traditional pizza flavors with great meltability.
✔ Cheddar & Monterey Jack – A richer, sharper cheese blend.
✔ Provolone & Asiago – For an authentic Italian taste.
✔ Vegan Cheese Alternative – Use dairy-free mozzarella or cashew cheese.
Sauce Variations
✔ Marinara Sauce – The classic choice for pizza lovers.
✔ White Garlic Sauce – Swap out tomato sauce for a creamy Alfredo-style garlic sauce.
✔ BBQ Sauce – Add smoky-sweet flavor for a BBQ chicken pizza twist.
✔ Pesto Base – Use basil pesto instead of tomato sauce for a herby, fresh alternative.
Topping Variations
✔ Meaty Additions:
- Pepperoni or Salami – Classic, slightly crispy edges.
- Crumbled Sausage or Bacon – Adds a salty, savory bite.
- Grilled Chicken – Great for BBQ or buffalo-style pizzas.
✔ Vegetarian Options:
- Mushrooms, Spinach, or Bell Peppers – Adds freshness and texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes & Fresh Basil – Caprese-style with balsamic drizzle.
- Olives & Artichokes – Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
✔ Spicy Twist:
- Red Pepper Flakes or Jalapeños – Turn up the heat.
- Spicy Honey Drizzle – Sweet and spicy contrast.
Bun & Bread Substitutions
✔ Hawaiian Rolls – Adds a slight sweetness.
✔ Ciabatta or Sourdough – For a more rustic, crunchy base.
✔ Keto & Gluten-Free Option – Use low-carb or GF bread alternatives.
Fun & Unique Variations
✔ Stuffed Garlic Bread Pizza – Layer cheese inside the bread before baking for an ultra-cheesy bite.
✔ Garlic Bread Pizza Sticks – Slice into thin strips for a shareable appetizer.
✔ Breakfast Garlic Bread Pizza – Top with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.
✔ Buffalo Chicken Garlic Bread Pizza – Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese.
Nutrition
| Calories | 420 |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 5g |
The History and Evolution of Garlic Bread and Pizza
Both pizza and garlic bread have deep roots in Italian cuisine, though their evolution has taken different paths.
- Pizza, originating from Naples, Italy, was traditionally made with a thin, wood-fired crust and simple toppings like tomato, mozzarella, and basil (the classic Margherita). Over time, American-style pizza emerged, leading to a variety of thicker crusts, deep-dish styles, and overloaded toppings.
- Garlic bread, on the other hand, is believed to have evolved from Italian bruschetta, where toasted bread was rubbed with garlic and olive oil. The Americanized version introduced buttery, cheesy garlic bread, often served alongside pasta and pizza.
This cheesy garlic bread pizza brings the best of both worlds together, creating a crispy, garlicky crust loaded with melted cheese and pizza toppings.
The Art of Making the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza
Key Components of the Recipe:
✔ The Perfect Garlic Bread Base – Instead of traditional pizza dough, this recipe uses thick garlic bread as the base for extra crispiness.
✔ Garlicky Butter Spread – A mix of melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian herbs ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
✔ Melty Cheese Blend – A combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone gives this pizza the ultimate cheesy pull.
✔ Customizable Toppings – Add pepperoni, mushrooms, bacon, or even fresh basil for your own unique twist.
What Makes This Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza Special?
✔ Faster than Traditional Pizza – No need to make or roll out dough!
✔ Crispy, Cheesy, and Buttery Goodness – A perfect fusion of flavors in every bite.
✔ Great for Sharing – Perfect for parties, movie nights, or game day snacks.
✔ Fully Customizable – Keep it classic with cheese and marinara, or get creative with bold toppings.
Perfect Occasions for This Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
- Game Day & Parties – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to eat.
- Family Dinners – A quick and simple dinner option everyone will love.
- Movie Nights – The perfect cheesy comfort food for a night in.
- Late-Night Cravings – Ready in minutes and better than takeout.
