How To Prepare French Bread Pizza

This French Bread Pizza is a delightful twist on the classic pizza. With a crispy baguette base, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in a snap. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover baguette or French bread. Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe is a winner!

Ingredients:

• 1 French baguette (about 12 inches long)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the baguette: Cut the French baguette in half lengthwise. If it’s too long for your baking sheet, you can trim it to fit.
3. Spread the marinara sauce: Place the baguette halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over each half.
4. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
5. Top with your favorite toppings: Get creative! Add pepperoni slices, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or any other toppings you love. Remember, this is your pizza canvas.
6. Bake to perfection: Pop the prepared French bread pizzas into the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the baguette are golden brown.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Slice into individual portions and serve hot.

Cook’s Note:

• Alternative ingredients: If you’re out of marinara sauce, try using pesto, alfredo sauce, or even olive tapenade as the base. Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or feta.
• Nutritional Information: Each serving (half of the baguette) provides approximately 350 calories, 15g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 15g fat.