French Bread Pizza
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
634 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
French Bread Pizza
Description
This recipe begins by slicing a loaf of French bread lengthwise, then toasting the cut sides after spreading a mixture of softened butter, olive oil, garlic powder, and kosher salt. A light layer of Parmesan cheese adds saltiness and depth during the initial bake. Once lightly toasted, a simple sauce of crushed tomatoes blended with olive oil and salt is spread evenly over the bread halves.
The pizza is layered with generous amounts of low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese, additional Parmesan, and sliced pepperoni. Baking at 450°F melts the cheese and crisps the edges, giving a contrast between the crunchy bread and gooey cheese topping. Pepperoni slices develop a slightly curled and crispy texture that enhances the overall flavor.
This style of pizza is ideal for a quick homemade meal that captures classic pizza flavors with minimal preparation. The garlic-buttered bread provides a rich base that pairs well with many toppings and makes reheating leftovers simple.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 6 tablespoons butter , softened at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , divided
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt , divided
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese , grated and divided
- 8 ounce crushed tomatoes canned
- 10 ounces mozzarella cheese grated, low-moisture
- 4 ounces pepperoni sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. If you have a pizza stone, place it on the middle rack and preheat it for 15 minutes.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Mix the butter, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a small bowl. Spread the butter mixture on the cut sides of the bread then sprinkle with ⅛ cup of Parmesan cheese. Move the bread to a baking sheet or place it on the pizza stone, and bake for 5-7 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Mix the crushed tomatoes with the remaining olive oil and kosher salt. Remove the French bread halves from the oven. Spread each half with the crushed tomato sauce then top with heaping amounts of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Add the pepperoni slices or your favorite toppings. Sprinkle with more Parmesan and transfer to the oven on a baking sheet or on the pizza stone. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown and the pepperoni cups curl. Remove from the oven, slice, and serve with more grated Parmesan, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- The garlic butter spread is adapted from Serious Eats’ method for a rich, flavorful crust.
- Using low-moisture mozzarella aids in achieving a nicely melted and slightly browned cheese topping without excess moisture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 634 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 634kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 43g | 66% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 89mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 1591mg | 66% |
| Potassium | 300mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 783IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 344mg | 34% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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