Save Ricotta-Stuffed French Bread Pizza is my favorite weeknight cheat when everyone is craving something melty and comforting but I want to keep it a little special. The creamy ricotta filling tucked inside crisp, golden baguette makes this so much more memorable than a standard pizza, and you can have it on the table in under 40 minutes.
I stumbled on this hybrid pizza one busy night when the fridge was nearly empty. The kids were delighted by the gooey cheesiness and now it is a near-weekly request when we want “pizza night” but without the hassle of pizza dough.
Ingredients
- French baguette: Choose one with a crisp crust that feels heavy for its size for best results
- Ricotta cheese: Go for whole milk ricotta so the filling bakes up rich and creamy
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives the classic pizza cheese flavor
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated has the deepest flavor but pre-grated works for convenience
- Large egg: Helps bind the ricotta filling and adds extra creaminess
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the filling a wonderful aroma
- Fresh basil or dried basil: Adds that classic Italian flavor fresh basil brings brightness
- Salt and black pepper: Season the filling so it stands out against the bread
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce a thicker sauce will prevent soggy bread
- Dried oregano: Classic pizza spice for the perfect finishing touch
- Optional toppings: Black olives mushrooms or veggie pepperoni add extra flavor and color
For mozzarella Parmesan and ricotta pick blocks if you can and shred or scoop yourself for freshest taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius and allow it to fully heat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the bread will not stick and for easy clean up
- Prepare the Baguette:
- Slice the baguette in half lengthwise using a serrated knife. With your fingers or a spoon gently remove some of the soft center bread from each half creating a shallow well. Leave a half-inch shell so the bread folds up to the filling. Either save the removed bread for breadcrumbs or discard
- Mix the Ricotta Filling:
- In a medium bowl combine ricotta mozzarella Parmesan egg garlic basil salt and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to blend until completely smooth and evenly mixed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl so there are no pockets of unblended ingredients
- Stuff the Bread:
- Divide the ricotta mixture evenly and spoon it into the hollowed-out baguette halves. Use the back of the spoon to spread and level it so you get a nice thick filling evenly along the length of the bread
- Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Spoon the marinara sauce over the ricotta layer spreading it gently so it covers most of the filling without overflowing the edges. Sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for lots of golden melted cheese on top. Add any optional toppings and finish with dried oregano for that classic pizza flair
- Bake Until Golden:
- Carefully move the stuffed bread halves to your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling and the bread edges look golden brown. Watch closely towards the end so the cheese does not burn
- Cool and Slice:
- Take from the oven and let rest for two to three minutes so the filling sets up. Slice crosswise into pieces and serve while warm for the best texture and flavor
Save I will never forget the first time my kids raced to the kitchen drawn by the aroma of garlic and basil. They hovered until I gave them pieces before the cheese even cooled. The best bites come from the center where the ricotta stays most creamy.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 degrees for best results. Microwaving works in a pinch though it will not have the same crispiness. Avoid freezing after baking as the ricotta filling will change texture but you can assemble the bread ahead and freeze unbaked for up to two months.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try light ricotta for a leaner filling or swap in whole wheat baguette for more fiber. If you want extra veggies stir sautéed spinach or chopped roasted bell peppers into the filling. To make it dairy free use a plant-based ricotta and vegan mozzarella. For added richness stir a spoonful of pesto into the filling before stuffing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve on its own for a casual meal or cut into smaller pieces for party appetizers. I love to pair it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. For something heartier try it alongside a tomato soup or roasted broccoli. If making for a crowd offer a few toppings on the side so everyone can customize their own slice.
Cultural and Historical Context
French bread pizza became a household favorite during the rise of supermarket baguettes and convenience foods in America. Italian-American cooks have always found creative ways to use leftover bread and cheese so stuffing a baguette with classic pizza flavors is a natural fit. It is a playful take on both pizza and traditional ricotta-stuffed breads from southern Italy.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use roasted squash or pumpkin in the filling for fall flavor
Add cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a summer twist
Try sundried tomatoes and roasted red peppers stirred into the ricotta filling for a rich winter version
Success Stories
When I served this at a family movie night there were no leftovers and everyone wanted the recipe. My neighbor made a tray for her book club and it disappeared before the main course. One mom friend doubles the recipe for kids’ birthdays and lets everyone pick their own toppings at the table.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can assemble the stuffed bread up to the sauce and cheese step then wrap tightly and freeze before baking. To cook from frozen bake at 375 degrees until heated through and bubbling about thirty minutes. Add fresh cheese and toppings halfway through if needed for the best results.
Save This Ricotta-Stuffed French Bread Pizza is a delicious and easy weeknight meal. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Hollow out the baguette and assemble just before baking. The cheese filling acts as a barrier, and high oven heat helps maintain crisp edges.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, fill the bread and store in the fridge up to 8 hours in advance. Add marinara and cheese topping right before baking for best results.
- → What are some tasty vegetarian topping options?
Sautéed spinach, roasted peppers, sliced olives, or mushrooms are delicious additions to both the filling and as a topping.
- → Can I use different cheeses in the filling?
Absolutely! Try blending in provolone, fontina, or goat cheese for a twist on flavor and texture alongside the ricotta and mozzarella.
- → Is there a gluten-free alternative?
Substitute a gluten-free baguette or similar bread. Ensure all other ingredients, especially marinara, are gluten-free as well.