This Cheese and Pepper French Bread Pizza is all about simple and bold flavors. It’s quick, cheesy, and perfect for when you want pizza without tomato sauce!
Inspired by the bold combination of tangy pepperoncini peppers (also known as banana peppers), black olives, and earthy mushrooms, this recipe takes French bread pizza to a whole new level. Imagine gooey melted cheese, zesty pepperoncini, and sautéed mushrooms atop crusty French bread – a flavor-packed, no-sauce treat!
If you love the tang of banana peppers, you will want to try this BBQ Beef Slider recipe here on my website!
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Why You'll Love French Bread Pizza
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights; ready in under 30 minutes.
Customizable: Use your favorite cheeses and toppings for a personalized touch.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, it’s always a hit.
Ingredients
This French bread pizza is a tasty treat without the use of red sauce! Packed with flavor from olive oil and toppings.
- French bread
- Olive oil
- Part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Banana peppers
- Black olives
- Red onion
- Fresh mushrooms
Tip: Banana peppers (also known as pepperoncini peppers) are in a vinegar brine which adds a tangy bite. This ingredient is what adds a lot of flavor to the recipe and you can use regular, hot, Italian style, or sweet and spicy! (affiliate links)
How to Make French Bread Pizza
Prep french bread
Spread olive over top of french bread that has been sliced in half.
Add toppings
Top bread halves with cheese and veggies.
Bake
Bake as directed and serve as desired.
See recipe card below for full ingredient list and instructions.
Substitutions
Cheese: Swap mozzarella for Cheddar or Gruyère or a combination of both.
Bread: Use sourdough or Italian bread if French bread isn’t available.
Butter: Replace olive oil with melted butter for a slightly different flavor profile.
Variations
Add Protein: Top with shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy pancetta, or seasoned tofu.
A Touch of Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary on top for added aroma and flavor.
Garlic Lovers: Rub the bread with a garlic clove before spreading the butter.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Cutting board
- Spoon (to spread olive oil)
- Chef’s knife
Top Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Don’t Skimp on olive oil: It’s the base for the sauce and adds richness.
InfuseGarlic Flavor: toast french bread with olive oil first, then rub a garlic clove over the warm bread before adding toppings. Bake as directed.
Layer Cheese Evenly: Spread the cheese to cover the entire surface for every bite to be cheesy and satisfying.
How to Store Leftover French Bread Pizza
Let the french bread pizza cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from getting too soft.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with a side of warmed homemade pizza sauce or creamy garlic dipping sauce.
Serve as part of a game-day snack spread with your favorite chicken wings and clam dip.
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📖 Recipe
Cheese and Pepper French Bread Pizza
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Ingredients
- 1 small loaf french bread
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup banana peppers
- ¼ cup black olives
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup sauteed mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°. Cut the loaf of french bread in half. Then cut the two halves in half.
- Place cut pieces on a large baking sheet. Drizzle the cut side of each bread section with ½ tablespoon of olive oil.
- Evenly distribute the cheese, mushrooms, banana peppers, black olives, and red onion slices over top of the oil drizzled bread.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is lightly browned and crusty.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
I've been making this recipe for well over 39 years! I started making this when I joined weight watchers after the birth of my first child. It's a great way to have a tasty lunch without blowing your diet. A family favorite and we love dipping it in the homemade pizza sauce found on this website.