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French Bread Pizza

A quick and easy recipe for homemade French Bread Pizza, perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 loaf French bread loaf Choose a good-quality French bread; a fresh, crusty loaf works best.
  • 1 cup marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade, but make sure it’s thick; you don’t want a soggy pizza!
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Freshly shredded melts better compared to pre-shredded.
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices Feel free to substitute with turkey pepperoni or leave it out for a veggie version.
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers Any color you like! Organic is preferred for better flavor.
  • 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms Fresh mushrooms are best for added texture.
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives Canned works fine; just drain them well.
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano Opt for Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder For that delicious garlicky aroma.
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust this based on your heat preference.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the pizza.
  2. Carefully slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise to create two long pieces.
  3. Place the bread halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment.
  4. Spread marinara sauce evenly over each bread half using a spoon or spatula.
  5. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  6. Evenly distribute the pepperoni slices, bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives over the cheese.
  7. Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes over the toppings.
  8. Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting into individual portions.
  10. Gather everyone around and serve your delicious French Bread Pizza!

Notes

For an extra crispy base, consider toasting the bread halves before adding sauce. You can also add fresh basil after baking for added freshness.