Ah, the humble French bread pizza—a culinary masterpiece I stumbled upon one chaotic Tuesday evening when the fridge was barren but for a loaf of bread and a few forlorn toppings. It’s like the universe decided to whisper, “Why not transform this into something extraordinary?” With just the right balance of crispiness and gooey cheese, it’s a symphony of flavors that somehow manages to turn the mundane into the magical.
Steps
- Adjust your oven rack to a higher position and preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). For easier cleanup, line an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil if desired.
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise to create two long sections, then cut each section in half to make four pieces. Arrange these pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Coat both sides of each bread piece with olive oil. Place them in the preheated oven, cut side up, and toast for 4 minutes.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over each piece of bread. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and add any additional toppings you like.
- Return to the oven and bake until the cheese melts completely, approximately 10 to 13 minutes. For a more browned finish, broil for the last minute, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
- Serve the French bread pizza warm and enjoy as a delicious snack or meal.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread (14 oz, approximately 17 inches long and 4 inches wide)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup (scant) pizza sauce, preferably homemade
- 1 3/4 cups (7 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- Desired toppings (such as meats, cheeses, and vegetables)
Nutritional Values
Calories 2360 | Calories from Fat 1008 | Fat 112g | Saturated Fat 40g | Cholesterol 172mg | Sodium 4800mg | Potassium 1388mg | Carbohydrates 240g | Fiber 12g | Sugar 20g | Protein 100g | Vitamin A 2472IU | Vitamin C 16mg | Calcium 1472mg | Iron 20mg
FAQ
- Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of aged mozzarella for French Bread Pizza?
- Yes, fresh mozzarella slices can be used for an even creamier texture. However, aged part-skim mozzarella provides a nice balance of flavor and texture that works well for this recipe.
- How should I store leftover French Bread Pizza?
- After allowing the pizza to cool, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. This will help maintain its freshness.
- What is the best way to reheat French Bread Pizza?
- To reheat, place the slices on a foil-lined tray and use a countertop oven to toast them for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat the pizza in a conventional oven at 375°F until it is heated through.
- Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of homemade?
- Absolutely! While homemade sauce is recommended for the best flavor, a high-quality store-bought pizza sauce can be a convenient alternative. Consider adding a minced garlic clove and some Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
- What are some topping variations I can try?
- You can experiment with different sauces like pesto, marinara, or BBQ sauce. Topping options include various cheeses like provolone or feta, meats such as pepperoni or bacon, and produce like tomatoes or olives. Feel free to get creative with your favorite ingredients!
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for soft-crusted French bread wrapped in plastic rather than paper to prevent it from becoming overly dry and cardboard-like after baking. Day-old bread is ideal as it provides a sturdier base and avoids sogginess.
- Homemade Sauce Advantage: While store-bought pizza sauce can save time, making your own allows for richer flavors. If using store-bought, enhance it with minced garlic and Italian seasoning for added depth.
- Efficient Cheese Melting: For a quick finish, use the broil setting in the oven to melt the cheese. Keep a close watch to prevent burning, ensuring a perfectly browned top.
- Flexible Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Experiment with different cheeses, meats, and vegetables to cater to your taste or dietary preferences, just like traditional pizza.
Equipment
- Rimmed Baking Sheet (18 by 13-inch) – If you don’t already have a large baking sheet, you may need to purchase one to fit the French bread pieces.
- Aluminum Foil – Useful for lining the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
- Pastry Brush – Handy for brushing olive oil evenly over the bread.
- Oven Thermometer – To ensure your oven is accurately preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
