Save Mummy French Bread Pizzas are my secret weapon for turning weeknights or Halloween gatherings into an almost instant party. Crunchy, gooey, and cute enough to make anyone smile, these mini pizzas always vanish fast from the table. With just a loaf of bread and a handful of toppings, you get something festive that even picky eaters want to build themselves.
I first tried these on a whim for a Halloween potluck at my daughter's preschool. Every child wanted a mummy with silly olive eyes and now it is our October tradition for family movie night.
Ingredients
- French bread: big and crusty works best for sturdy pizzas
- Pizza sauce or marinara: give a bright zesty base go for low sugar versions for best flavor
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: for classic gooey melt and mild taste use whole milk mozzarella for extra creaminess
- Black olives: sliced into rounds these make fantastic mummy eyes look for firm plump olives
- Red bell pepper: optional for pops of color and fun add sweetness buy firm bell peppers for best texture
- Mozzarella cheese slices or string cheese: for mummy bandages choose high-quality cheese for easier peeling and neater strips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Warm oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit which makes cheese melt perfectly and bread toast without drying out
- Portion the Bread:
- Slice French bread lengthwise using a serrated knife for clean cuts then cut each half into three pieces for six sturdy pizza bases
- Arrange and Sauce:
- Lay bread pieces cut side up on a large parchment-lined baking sheet this prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup generously spoon pizza sauce over each piece making sure to cover all edges for flavor in every bite
- Layer Shredded Cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the bread pressing lightly so it adheres to the sauce do not go too thick or it may not melt evenly
- Make Mummy Bandages:
- Drape strips of mozzarella slices or peeled string cheese randomly across bread simulating mummy wrappings leave small spaces to reveal the sauce and create spots for olive eyes
- Decorate the Eyes:
- Set two black olive slices onto each pizza pressing gently to anchor them for the pupils tuck in tiny red bell pepper bits into each olive center for extra personality and color
- Bake:
- Slide baking sheet into hot oven and bake twelve to fifteen minutes watch for cheese to bubble and just start browning edges should be golden and crisp but not overdone
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove pizzas from oven let stand three to five minutes so cheese sets slightly serve warm for best gooey texture
Save Every time I prep these pizzas my son insists on adding his own pepper slices so the mummies look surprised. It is hard to choose a favorite ingredient but I love mozzarella for how it turns golden ribbons over the bubbling sauce.
Storage Tips
Store cooled pizzas in an airtight container they keep for two days in the fridge and reheat well in the oven or toaster oven. If you want them crisp again skip the microwave. These also freeze beautifully just wrap leftovers in foil and pop straight into the oven when you need a quick snack.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try baguette or Italian loaf for slightly different crunch. If mozzarella is not available provolone or Monterey Jack melt well and add new flavor notes. Allergic to olives swap in capers or halved cherry tomatoes for bright edible eyes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pizzas as a fun dinner with vegetable sticks animal crackers or popcorn for a playful meal. For Halloween parties try cutting bread smaller and make mini mummies that fit perfectly on appetizer trays.
Cultural or Historical Context
French bread pizza became popular in American school cafeterias and family kitchens in the 1980s because it was faster than dough-based pizza. Dressing them up as mummies is pure creative joy and shows how recipes can become playful traditions.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use green bell pepper or sliced jalapenos for holiday colors Layer thinly sliced roasted veggies under cheese for autumn warmth Swap pizza sauce for pumpkin puree mixed with a little tomato paste for extra Halloween flavor
Success Stories
My neighbor started making these for her annual Halloween block party and credits them for getting picky eaters to actually try vegetables. Kids really do love being hands-on for the decorating and more than one adult has joined in each year.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Assemble pizzas but skip the baking. Stack between parchment sheets in a freezer bag. When you need a fast snack bake straight from frozen at 400 degrees for seventeen to twenty minutes.
Save Make these mummy pizzas once and you will see why they disappear from the table so quickly. For October fun or any weeknight, the smiles are guaranteed.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make cheese strips look like mummy bandages?
Peel mozzarella string cheese or slice fresh mozzarella into thin strips. Layer them across bread pieces, leaving gaps for eyes.
- → Can I use other bread types?
Yes, baguette or ciabatta bread works well. Ensure slices are sturdy and wide enough for toppings.
- → What can I substitute for olives as eyes?
Try sliced cherry tomatoes, stuffed olives, or even capers for creative mummy eyes.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. Stick to cheese, sauce, and vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- → How do I avoid soggy bread?
Use a moderate amount of sauce and bake at high heat to crisp the bread while melting the cheese.
- → Can I prepare these ahead?
Assemble in advance and bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.