A Different Kind of French Bread Pizza

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with "A Different Kind of French Bread Pizza," a sophisticated twist on a family favorite. This recipe starts with crisp, golden slices of French bread as the base and swaps traditional marinara for a luscious homemade garlic-Parmesan white sauce. Layered with gooey mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, tender shredded chicken, and vibrant spinach, each bite bursts with flavor and texture. A sprinkle of fresh basil and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes provide a refreshing zing and gentle heat. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make, gourmet-inspired pizza is perfect for busy evenings or casual entertaining. Whether you're searching for unique French bread pizza recipes or creative pizza ideas, this one is guaranteed to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 French bread loaf
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Milk
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup Cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup Spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, then cut each half into two pieces to create four equal bread bases.

Step 3

Lightly brush the cut sides of the bread with olive oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up.

Step 4

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to lightly toast it. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 7

Cook the sauce until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 8

Spread the white sauce evenly over the toasted French bread pieces.

Step 9

Top the bread with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes, shredded chicken, and spinach leaves.

Step 10

Return the bread to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 12

Serve hot and enjoy your 'Different Kind of French Bread Pizza'!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1047.1 grams (1047.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2035

Total Fat 122.70g	157%
Saturated Fat 56.50g	283%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.80g
Cholesterol 467mg	156%
Sodium 3670mg	160%
Total Carbohydrate 68.80g	25%
Dietary Fiber 4.90g	18%
Total Sugars 16.80g
Protein 156.40g	313%

Vitamin D 110IU	551%
Calcium 2252mg	173%
Iron 7mg	39%
Potassium 1646mg	35%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.1%

Protein: 31.2%

Carbs: 13.7%