French Bread Pizza Recipe

Cook Time: 14 minutes

This recipe yields 4 servings and is simple to make with just a few ingredients. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it's customizable with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) loaf French bread
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup pizza sauce, or to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, or more to taste
• Pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, Italian sausage, red onion, olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, jalapenos, ham, bacon, or tomatoes
• Red pepper flakes or chopped basil, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, and set it aside.

Step 2: Using a serrated knife, cut the French bread in half, then slice each half lengthwise to create 4 pizza bases.

Step 3: Lightly brush the cut sides of the bread with olive oil, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 4 minutes to toast lightly.

Step 5: Remove the bread from the oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over each piece. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Add your favorite pizza toppings, pressing them gently into the bread to ensure they adhere.

Step 7: Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.

Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with red pepper flakes or chopped basil, if desired.

Cook's Note

For a variation, you can brush the bread with garlic butter instead of olive oil. Pre-baking the bread helps to prevent sogginess from the sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	456
Total Fat	18g (23% DV)
Saturated Fat	7g (33% DV)
Cholesterol	28mg (9% DV)
Sodium	1025mg (45% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	53g (19% DV)
Dietary Fiber	3g (11% DV)
Total Sugars	7g
Protein	21g (41% DV)
Vitamin C	7mg (8% DV)
Calcium	386mg (30% DV)
Iron	4mg (22% DV)
Potassium	379mg (8% DV)

Note: The nutritional information does not include toppings, as these will vary based on your choice.

The Story Behind French Bread Pizza

French bread pizza, a clever twist on traditional Italian pizza, emerged as a quick and accessible solution for home cooks craving the flavors of Italy without the time-consuming process of making pizza dough from scratch. Its origins trace back to mid-20th century America, when French bread became widely available in supermarkets and bakers sought creative ways to use it. The concept was simple yet revolutionary: take a crusty loaf, top it with tomato sauce, cheese, and favorite ingredients, then bake until golden and bubbling. This dish quickly gained popularity for its convenience and customizable nature, becoming a staple for busy families and college students alike.

Regional Variations

While French bread pizza is broadly recognized across the United States, regional differences have shaped its presentation and flavor. In the Midwest, for instance, hearty toppings like sausage, green peppers, and extra cheese dominate, reflecting the regions love for robust, filling meals. On the West Coast, variations often feature fresh vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, and artisan cheeses, echoing Californias farm-to-table ethos. Some Southern adaptations incorporate smoked meats or barbecue sauce, adding a distinct local twist. Despite these variations, the core concepta halved French loaf topped and bakedremains universal.

How It Differs from Traditional Pizza

Unlike classic Italian pizza, which relies on hand-stretched dough, French bread pizza uses a pre-baked, dense loaf as the base. This creates a thicker, chewier texture compared to the crisp, thin crusts of Neapolitan or New York-style pizzas. The preparation is faster, as there is no need to proof or knead dough, and the toppings are often layered more liberally. While traditional pizzas focus on achieving a perfectly balanced crust-to-topping ratio, French bread pizza emphasizes ease, convenience, and adaptability, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Typical Serving Occasions

French bread pizza is most commonly served at informal meals, family dinners, and social gatherings. Its simplicity makes it perfect for kids parties, game nights, or a quick weeknight dinner when time is limited. Pizzerias and casual eateries sometimes offer it as a lighter or more portable alternative to full-size pizzas, while home cooks often prepare it for its flexibility and ability to cater to different tastes simultaneously. Leftovers can be easily reheated, maintaining much of the original texture and flavor.

Interesting Facts

• The dish gained commercial fame in the 1980s, popularized by frozen meal brands that packaged mini French bread pizzas for home ovens.
• French bread pizza allows endless creativity; even dessert versions with chocolate, fruit, or sweet spreads have emerged.
• Its popularity is partly due to the pre-baked bread preventing sogginess, a common challenge with homemade pizza dough.
• The dish bridges cultural culinary traditions, combining French bread with Italian pizza toppings, making it a unique cross-cultural comfort food.
• Many home cooks prefer it as a pizza hack for using leftover bread, reducing food waste while creating a satisfying meal.

FAQ about French Bread Pizza Recipe

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