Ever find yourself in a time crunch but still craving something homemade and utterly delicious? French Bread Pizza has saved my day more times than I can count. I remember first making it when my kids had friends over for an impromptu playdate. The pantry was nearly empty, and I needed something quick. Enter the humble French Bread Pizza. With a loaf of soft French bread, some pizza sauce, and whatever cheese or toppings I could find, it was a hit. The kids devoured it, and I was the hero mom of the afternoon.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to be an expert chef to whip this up—just a handful of ingredients and a love for pizza. It’s so easy even the kids can help. There’s something about letting them sprinkle the cheese or lay down the pepperoni that makes the process all the more fun and interactive. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those odds and ends in the fridge.
I still remember the first time my husband came home to the aroma of this delightful makeshift pizza. He was skeptical at first, expecting a soggy bread disaster, but one bite in, and he was hooked. It’s now become a staple in our household, especially on those busy weekday nights when I’m juggling work, errands, and family time.
French Bread Pizza isn’t just a meal; it’s a mini-adventure every time. You can mix and match toppings based on what you have or what you’re craving. Feeling a bit fancy? Add some fresh basil and olives. Want to go classic? Stick to pepperoni and mozzarella. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this dish a joy to prepare.
So next time you’re in need of a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, give French Bread Pizza a try. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home just like it did in ours. Let’s get cooking!
How to Make French Bread Pizza
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Ingredients:
- 1 loaf soft French bread
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter (or regular butter)
- ⅔ cup pizza sauce, any kind
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly grated is best!)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup pepperoni (mild or spicy, regular or minis)
Directions:
- Set your oven to preheat at 425°F, positioning one of the racks in the top section to prevent the base from over-baking.
- Slice the French bread lengthwise and flatten it slightly to prevent curling edges. Spread garlic butter generously on the cut sides.
- Toast the bread in the oven for around 4-5 minutes, or broil for 2-3 minutes until the top becomes dry and crispy. It’s not necessary to brown it. Remove and adjust the oven temperature to 400°F.
- Apply a thin layer of pizza sauce over each bread half, ensuring it’s enough to add flavor without turning soggy.
- Top with mozzarella cheese, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and arrange the pepperoni slices or any preferred toppings.
- Bake in the top section of the oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned to your desired level.
- Once done, slice and serve immediately. Enjoy this delicious and easy treat!
Swaps for French Bread in This Dish
If French bread isn’t on hand, you can substitute with a baguette or even a ciabatta loaf for a crustier texture. English muffins or bagels also make a fun base, especially for individual servings. To keep it gluten-free, opt for a suitable gluten-free bread variety.
Best Ways to Store Leftover French Bread Pizza
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices individually with foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in an oven at 350°F until hot and crispy, or use a toaster oven for a quick refresh.
Perfect Pairings for French Bread Pizza
Pair your French Bread Pizza with a fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. A chilled glass of iced tea or a fruity soda complements the pizza well, while a side of garlic knots or a cup of tomato soup adds extra comfort.
Secrets to Perfecting French Bread Pizza
To avoid a soggy pizza, ensure the bread is toasted slightly before adding toppings. Use freshly grated mozzarella for meltier and richer cheese coverage. Feel free to get creative with toppings, incorporating vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a sweet kick.
Adapting French Bread Pizza for Any Time of Year
In summer, incorporate fresh basil and ripe tomatoes for a Caprese twist. During fall, add caramelized onions or roasted pumpkin. In winter, try toppings like spinach and goat cheese. For spring, fresh asparagus and artichokes make a delightful addition.
FAQs:
Can I make French Bread Pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep French Bread Pizza in advance by assembling the ingredients on the bread, then covering it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This way, you can have a ready-to-bake meal at your convenience.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for its meltability and mild flavor. However, you can experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra savory touch. Mixing different cheeses can add complexity to the flavor profile.
What if I don’t have pizza sauce?
If you’re out of pizza sauce, marinara sauce or even a simple tomato paste mixed with Italian herbs can work in a pinch. You could also try pesto or a white sauce for a unique twist. Let your creativity guide your substitution choices!
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the pepperoni and add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives. You can also use plant-based pepperoni alternatives available in most grocery stores to maintain the classic pizza feel.
Can I prepare this on a grill?
Absolutely! Grilling French Bread Pizza adds a wonderful smokiness. Preheat the grill, place the prepared pizzas on a grill-safe tray, and cook with the lid down until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
How can I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
To avoid sogginess, ensure the bread is adequately toasted before adding the sauce and toppings. Using a thin layer of sauce also helps, as too much can seep into the bread and soften it. Baking at a high temperature will evaporate moisture and keep the bread crispy.
French Bread Pizza
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 loaf soft French bread
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter (or regular butter)
- ⅔ cup pizza sauce any kind
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese freshly grated is best
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup pepperoni mild or spicy, regular or minis
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F, ensuring that one rack is positioned in the upper third of the oven to avoid burning the base.
For Assembly:
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and slightly flatten it to prevent curling. Spread the garlic butter on the cut surfaces.
- Toast the bread in the oven for 4-5 minutes, or broil for 2-3 minutes until just dried and crusty on top without browning further. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 400°F.
- Apply a light coating of pizza sauce on each half of the bread, just enough for flavor without making it soggy.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, add a hint of Italian seasoning, and place your pepperoni on top (or other favorite toppings).
- Bake in the top section of the oven for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden to your preference.
- Once baked, slice the pizza and indulge!
