Description
This easy and delicious French Bread Pizza recipe transforms a classic baguette into a tasty homemade pizza. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun snack, it features a crisp bread base topped with rich pizza sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and savory pepperoni slices, all baked to perfection in under 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 large French baguette (or Italian bread)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20 slices of pepperoni (or your favorite toppings)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French baguette in half lengthwise to create two long bread bases. Place the cut sides facing up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops evenly with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning to add flavor and help crisp the bread.
- Add the Sauce and Toppings: Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over each bread half. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices across the cheese for balanced coverage.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted thoroughly, bubbly, and has developed a slightly golden color, ensuring the bread is crisp and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven and immediately sprinkle with freshly chopped basil for a burst of fresh herb flavor. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick. Slice the French bread pizza into portions and serve warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for added nutrition.
- If you prefer a softer crust, wrap the bread halves in foil during baking, removing the foil in the last few minutes to brown the cheese.
- Using freshly grated mozzarella yields better melting results than pre-shredded cheese that may contain anti-caking agents.
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container and reheat in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free baguette or bread.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
