A cheese French bread pizza can contain a wide range of calories depending on the size, crust, cheese, and toppings used. In general, a single serving of cheese French bread pizza contains around 300-500 calories.
Quick Answer
Most 6-8 inch personal sized cheese French bread pizzas contain 300-450 calories. A large 10-12 inch pizza may have 500-800 calories. The amount of cheese and any additional toppings will also increase the calorie count.
Calories in French Bread Pizza Base
The base of a French bread pizza starts with the bread itself. A 6-8 inch section of French bread generally provides 200-300 calories. This can vary depending on the recipe, ingredients, and baking method.
For example, a 7-inch section of basic French bread may contain around 250 calories. Enriched or egg-based French bread recipes tend to be slightly higher in calories. Whole wheat or multigrain versions provide a bit more fiber and micronutrients but still clock in around 200-300 calories for a personal sized portion.
Calories in Pizza Crust
After slicing a section of French bread, additional toppings and ingredients are added to make it into French bread pizza. Traditional pizza sauce or olive oil may be spread or brushed on the bread before any other ingredients.
A thin layer of tomato/marinara sauce adds around 50-100 calories to the total. Two tablespoons of olive oil adds about 240 calories. Other simple pizza crusts like naan bread, pita, or Boboli crusts contain 200-300 calories per serving.
Cheese Calories
The defining ingredient for cheese French bread pizza is the cheese baked on top. Most versions use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella. Here are the calories in common cheeses used for pizza:
| Cheese | Calories per 1/4 cup |
|---|---|
| Shredded mozzarella | 90 |
| Cheddar | 110 |
| Provolone | 90 |
| Parmesan | 85 |
Pouring up to 1/2 cup of shredded cheese leads to an additional 180-220 calories in the cheese French bread pizza base.
Calories for Cheese French Bread Pizza Toppings
Beyond the basic cheese, additional toppings can be added on top of French bread pizza to make it more flavorful and filling. Common options like meats, vegetables, and condiments add more calories per serving.
Meat Toppings
Lean meats like chicken, turkey, and ham add protein while keeping calories in a reasonable range. Regular pepperoni and sausages significantly increase the calorie counts. Here are some typical calorie amounts for 2-3 ounces of French bread pizza meat toppings:
| Meat | Calories |
|---|---|
| Pepperoni | 250 |
| Sausage | 280 |
| Ham | 140 |
| Turkey | 120 |
| Chicken | 180 |
| Bacon | 220 |
Going with multiple types of meat or extra-large servings can add 300-500+ calories to the total.
Vegetable Toppings
Common veggie pizza toppings like mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and jalapeños all have minimal calorie content. Having 1/4 to 1/2 cup total of sautéed or fresh vegetables adds around 25-75 calories total to the pizza.
Other Toppings
Ingredients like pineapple, banana peppers, herbs and seasonings add very few calories. Sauces like barbecue, buffalo, and pesto often have around 50-150 calories per tablespoon.
What About Pizza Slices?
French bread pizzas are often sliced and served in smaller pieces rather than eating the whole thing. Here are some typical calorie amounts for French bread cheese pizza slices:
| Pizza Slice Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1/4 of 6 inch pizza | 110 |
| 1/4 of 8 inch pizza | 165 |
| 1/3 of 10 inch pizza | 240 |
| 1/4 of 12 inch pizza | 300 |
In most cases, a single slice of cheese French bread pizza ranges from 150-250 calories depending on the size. Extra meats, toppings, and condiments added to each slice would increase these values.
Low Calorie French Bread Pizza Options
There are ways to enjoy French bread pizza while reducing the calorie count. Some ideas include:
- Use lighter French or Italian bread instead of enriched white bread.
- Brush on a thin layer of tomato sauce instead of oil.
- Choose reduced-fat mozzarella cheese.
- Load up on veggies instead of meats.
- Skip the extra Parmesan cheese topping.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of ranch for dipping.
- Eat one slice instead of multiples.
Making these simple swaps helps decrease the calories while still providing the classic flavors of cheese French bread pizza.
Highest Calorie French Bread Pizzas
On the opposite side, loaded French bread pizzas with extra cheese and toppings can end up quite high in calories. Some examples of indulgent combinations include:
- Extra cheese, pepperoni, and Italian sausage
- Alfredo sauce base with bacon and chicken
- Double pepperoni with stuffed cheese crust
- Meat lover’s with 4+ types of meat
Choosing multiple high-calorie meats and sauces paired with extra cheese can easily make a single French bread pizza contain 800-1200+ calories.
Calories in Homemade vs Frozen French Bread Pizza
Homemade French bread pizzas tend to be lower in calories than frozen, store-bought varieties. This is because homemade recipes use fresher ingredients, less oil, and reasonable cheese amounts. Frozen pizzas may include preservatives, sodium, and extra processed ingredients that add more calories per serving.
That said, homemade pizzas loaded with cheese and fatty toppings can still end up high in calories. And thin crust frozen pizzas with lots of veggies can be a relatively light option when eating store-bought.
Nutritional Profile of French Bread Pizza
Beyond just calories, here is the full nutritional breakdown for a typical 6-inch cheese French bread pizza:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
As you can see, cheese French bread pizza provides a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and both healthy and unhealthy fats. The sodium content can quickly add up, especially if using cured meats, cheese, salty toppings like olives, and regular tomato sauce.
Ways to Burn off the Calories
A 300-500 calorie French bread pizza can be worked off with regular exercise. Here is how long it would take to burn off those pizza calories:
- Walking – 60-100 minutes
- Jogging – 30-50 minutes
- Biking – 35-60 minutes
- Swimming – 30-50 minutes
- HIIT workout – 20-35 minutes
As you can see, an hour of brisk walking or half hour of high intensity interval training is enough to offset the indulgence of cheese French bread pizza. Pairing it with a large salad and fresh fruit helps balance the meal even further.
Should You Eat French Bread Pizza on a Diet?
French bread pizza can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. Having a single slice along with veggies and lean protein is a reasonable lunch or dinner option on many types of diets. However, those limiting carbohydrates or overall calories may want to avoid it more often.
Low-carb diets like keto restrict bread and starchy foods, so a French bread pizza would not fit the guidelines. Low calorie diets also advise limiting oil, cheese, and fatty meats that drive up the totals. Consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian can provide personalized advice on whether French bread pizza fits into your dietary needs.
Healthier Alternatives to French Bread Pizza
If wanting to cut back on calories, carbs, or sodium, some healthier alternatives to French bread pizza include:
- Cauliflower pizza crust
- Thin whole wheat crust
- Veggie and goat cheese flatbread
- Portobello mushroom pizza caps
- Pizza stuffed peppers or zucchini boats
There are so many ways to get the delicious flavors of pizza in a lighter package by swapping out the bread for veggie slices or using thin crusts. This allows you to still enjoy the cheeses, sauces, and toppings you love without all the starchy calories.
Should Kids Eat French Bread Pizza?
French bread cheese pizza can be a kid-friendly option in moderation. The simple ingredients of bread, sauce, and melted cheese are usually a hit with children. However, there are some precautions parents may want to take:
- Avoid extra greasy or salty Pepperoni and sausage
- Use reduced-fat cheese and go light on the amount
- Load up the pizza with veggie toppings for balance
- Allow just 1 small slice rather than multiple
- Pair it with a side salad, fruits, or yogurt
Following kid-friendly French bread pizza tips like these provides important nutrition instead of just empty calories. It also teaches them healthier eating habits while allowing them an occasional treat meal.
Conclusion
A cheese French bread pizza can range from 300-500 calories depending on size and toppings. Choosing lighter ingredients like veggies along with just one slice helps reduce the calorie count. While French bread pizza tastes great, alternatives like cauliflower crust and stuffed peppers provide even more nutrition. Overall, enjoying French bread pizza occasionally can be part of a varied diet as long as you balance it with other healthy foods.
