Garlic bread and pizza—two soul-comforting staples I grew up savoring in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. But it wasn’t until a rainy Saturday, stuck indoors with my two boys and a loaf of day-old baguette, that I stumbled upon my now-beloved garlic bread pizza recipe. It was one of those unplanned moments that turned into a tradition. We layered, we baked, and we barely let it cool before taking that first crunchy, cheesy bite. It’s now our go-to Friday night feast—no takeout required.
In today’s post, I’ll walk you through how to make the ultimate garlic bread pizza recipe using a few pantry staples, a little creativity, and a whole lot of love. Whether you’re transforming leftover bread or starting from scratch, this recipe guarantees crispy edges, gooey cheese, and bold garlic flavor in every bite.
Let’s dive into the ingredients!
Ingredients for Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Pantry-Simple, Flavor-Packed Ingredients
This garlic bread pizza recipe is about marrying crisp buttery bread with bold garlic flavor and the rich, gooey goodness of pizza toppings. Whether you’re starting with a store-bought loaf or homemade dough, you likely already have everything you need in your kitchen. Here’s what makes the magic happen:
Garlic Bread Pizza Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| French baguette or Italian loaf | 1 large (or 2 small halves) |
| Salted butter (softened) | 1/3 cup |
| Fresh garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon (optional) |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 1½ cups |
| Pizza sauce or marinara | ¾ cup |
| Grated parmesan cheese | ¼ cup |
| Pepperoni slices | 12–15 pieces (optional) |
| Fresh basil or parsley | To garnish |
Tip: Want a plant-based option? Use vegan cheese and butter. It turns out just as crispy and satisfying.
I love using baguettes because they get delightfully crunchy on the edges, but softer Italian loaves work great too. And if you’re feeling ambitious, try shaping your own dough into a garlic base, inspired by this wholesome Ezekiel Bread Recipe for added nutrients and texture.
After gathering your ingredients, you’re just a few simple steps away from golden, cheesy garlic bread pizza bliss.
Instructions for Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
Crispy, Cheesy, Ready in 20 Minutes
This garlic bread pizza recipe is all about speed and flavor. With just a few steps, you’ll transform a humble loaf into a bubbling tray of garlicky, melty goodness. Let’s get into it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier. - Slice the Bread
Cut your French baguette or Italian loaf in half lengthwise. For smaller portions, slice into quarters. Set the bread cut-side up on the baking sheet. - Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. This is the flavor bomb that gives the bread its classic garlic kick. - Spread the Garlic Butter
Generously slather the garlic butter over each slice. Ensure that the sauce and toppings cover all areas of the bread, especially the edges. - Bake the Garlic Base
Pop the bread in the oven for 5–6 minutes until slightly toasted. This step locks in the garlic flavor and ensures the bottom stays crisp under the sauce. - Add the Sauce and Cheese
Spread pizza sauce evenly on the toasted bread. Top with mozzarella, a sprinkle of parmesan, and your choice of toppings—pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or go full veggie like in this Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl. - Bake Again
Put the garlic pizzas back in the oven for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Want extra crisp? Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top. Let the pizzas cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tip:
If you’ve got leftover Marble Rye Bread, give this recipe a fun twist by using slices as the base for a more complex, earthy flavor.
Whether you’re pulling this together for a family movie night or just need a quick lunch fix, the golden crust and rich garlic aroma will win everyone over.
Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe Variations & Storage Tips
From Dough to Dinner – Reinvent It Your Way
One of the best things about this garlic bread pizza recipe is how endlessly customizable it is. Once you’ve mastered the base, you can spin it into a dozen delicious directions with just a few ingredient swaps. Let’s explore some crowd-pleasing variations—and how to make the most of leftovers (if you have any!).
Garlic Bread Pizza Variations
1. Use Pizza Dough Instead of Bread
Want to start from scratch? Turn your pizza dough into garlic bread first!
Stretch the dough, brush it generously with garlic butter, and bake at 450°F (232°C) for 6–8 minutes until lightly golden. Then add your toppings and bake again until melty and crisp.
(For dough inspiration, check out this Flourless Cottage Cheese Bread variation—it’s higher in protein and surprisingly chewy.)
2. Make It Vegan-Friendly
Yes, Pizza Hut garlic bread may not be fully vegan—but this version can be!
Swap in plant-based butter and dairy-free mozzarella. Top with mushrooms, olives, and roasted red peppers for rich flavor without the meat. Garnish with a touch of nutritional yeast if you want that savory finish.
(Veggie lovers might also enjoy my Cinnamon Donut Bread for a sweet follow-up treat.)
3. Mini Pizza Party-Style
Use sliced baguette rounds to create mini garlic bread pizzas—perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or picky kids who want to build their own.
Bonus: They crisp up even faster.
Storing & Reheating Garlic Bread Pizza
Fridge:
In an airtight container store any leftovers for up to 3 days.. The bread stays best when reheated properly.
Reheat Like This:
- To reheat in the oven, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy again.
- Air Fryer: 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) brings it right back to life—crispy edges, bubbly top.
- Microwave: Only use if you’re okay with soft bread (not ideal, but quick!).
Freezer Friendly?
Surprisingly, yes. Assemble the garlic bread pizzas and freeze them unbaked on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
Want something hearty to pair it with? I often serve mine with a rustic salad or soup—and if you’re on a wholesome streak, sneak in a side of Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread for a lighter touch.
Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe – FAQs Answered
Real Questions, Real Answers You’ll Actually Use
When it comes to this garlic bread pizza recipe, there’s a good chance you’ve typed one of these FAQs into Google. Let’s break them down with clear, helpful answers—and a few tips from my own kitchen in Asheville.
Q1: How to make pizza with garlic bread?
It’s easier than it sounds! Start by turning your bread into garlic bread—just spread it with butter, minced garlic, and herbs. Bake until slightly crispy, then top with pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake again until bubbly.
This recipe shows you exactly how to do it—no yeast, no dough proofing, just quick, cheesy satisfaction.
Q2: How to make garlic bread from pizza dough?
Roll out your pizza dough and brush with garlic butter. Sprinkle dried herbs and parmesan on top, then bake until golden. You can cut the pizza into strips or serve it whole. This trick is my go-to when I have leftover dough from making Date Nut Bread and want to switch things up.
Q3: Does Pizza Hut have garlic bread?
Yes! Pizza Hut offers garlic bread as a side item—often stuffed or topped with cheese. But here’s the thing: making your own means you can control the ingredients, customize toppings, and enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven flavor that delivery can’t match.
Q4: Is Pizza Hut garlic bread vegan?
Most of the time, no. Their garlic bread typically contains dairy-based cheese and butter. But this homemade garlic bread pizza recipe can be made completely vegan using plant-based substitutes—and honestly, the flavor is still spot-on.
If you’re craving a bolder twist, experiment with savory toppings like caramelized onions or turn the base into a spiced version using Banana Bread Hawaii as your seasoning inspiration. It’s unconventional but surprisingly delicious!
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Making This Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
There’s just something comforting about a dish that’s both nostalgic and customizable—and this garlic bread pizza recipe checks every box. Whether you’re tossing it together with pantry staples or planning a Friday pizza night, it’s fast, crunchy, gooey, and packed with flavor.
With just 20 minutes, a loaf of bread, and a handful of toppings, you can recreate the cozy pizzeria vibes at home. And if you’re like me, standing in your kitchen with basil-scented air and melted cheese on your fingers—you’ll realize this might just beat delivery any day.
For more creative twists on traditional favorites, check out my hearty Cranberry Walnut Bread or my Creamy Burrata Pasta to round out your table with something equally comforting.
Print
Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe – Quick, Cheesy & Crispy in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This garlic bread pizza recipe turns day-old bread into a crispy, cheesy, garlicky pizza night favorite in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
1 French baguette or Italian loaf
1/3 cup salted butter (softened)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
¾ cup pizza sauce
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
12–15 pepperoni slices (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet.
2. Slice bread lengthwise and place cut-side up.
3. Mix softened butter, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
4. Spread garlic butter on each bread half evenly.
5. Bake for 5–6 minutes until slightly toasted.
6. Top with pizza sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and toppings.
7. Return to oven for 8–10 minutes until bubbly.
8. Garnish with basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use vegan cheese and butter for a plant-based version.
Freeze unbaked versions for quick meals later.
Mini slices make great party snacks or kids’ lunches.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg