Name: Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe With Pepperoni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (about 10 inches wide, sliced half lengthwise); 1.5 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup pizza sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning (dried, optional); 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); 1 cup pepperoni; 1 tbsp parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 1 sprig basil (fresh); Extra pizza sauce (as desired)

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, this Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe With Pepperoni is the perfect solution. It’s a fun twist on traditional pizza that combines the crispiness of French or Italian bread with all your favorite pizza toppings. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is not just easy; it’s also a fantastic way to get creative with toppings and flavors. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or a snack for game day, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe With Pepperoni is special for several reasons. First, it uses a simple loaf of French or Italian bread, which means you can achieve that delightful crispy crust without the hassle of making dough from scratch. Second, the flexibility of toppings lets you customize each piece to suit different tastes, making it a hit for families or gatherings. Lastly, the combination of gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering experience that rivals any pizzeria.

The Ingredient Lineup

To make this Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe With Pepperoni, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 loaf French bread or Italian bread, about 10 inches wide, sliced half lengthwise
1.5 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup pizza sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning (dried, optional)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup pepperoni
1 tbsp parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 sprig basil, fresh
Extra pizza sauce as desired

Appliances & Accessories

To create this delightful dish, you’ll need:

Oven: For baking the pizzas to perfection.
Baking sheet: To hold the bread as it toasts.
Knife: For slicing the bread.
Brush: For applying olive oil.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure proper ingredient ratios.

Method: Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe With Pepperoni

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your pizza bakes evenly and gets that perfect crispy finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Take your loaf of French or Italian bread and slice it in half lengthwise. Place the halves cut side up on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Apply Olive Oil and Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and garlic powder. Use a brush to spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. If you’re using Italian seasoning, sprinkle it over the oil-coated bread for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 4: Add the Pizza Sauce

Spread about half a cup of pizza sauce on each half of the bread. Be generous, but make sure not to overdo it, as you want the bread to maintain its structure.

Step 5: Layer the Cheese and Pepperoni

Sprinkle a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each half. Then, distribute the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese, making sure every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan

For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top of the pepperoni.

Step 7: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let it cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Customize for Your Needs

This Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe With Pepperoni is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it:

Swap out the pepperoni for your favorite protein, like cooked chicken or sausage.
Add veggies like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for a healthier twist.
Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or feta, for unique flavors.
Make it a vegetarian delight by skipping the meat altogether and loading it up with vegetables.

Slip-Ups to Skip

To ensure your Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe With Pepperoni turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

Don’t skip preheating the oven; this is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.
Avoid overloading the bread with sauce or toppings, as it can make the bread soggy.
Make sure to keep an eye on the baking time; ovens vary and you don’t want burnt cheese.
Let it cool for a minute before slicing; this helps the cheese set and makes for cleaner cuts.

Make-Ahead & Storage

If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can slice the bread and prepare the toppings earlier in the day. Just assemble the pizza right before baking.

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for best results.
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the bread may become soggy upon reheating.

That’s a Wrap

In just a few easy steps, you can whip up a delicious Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe With Pepperoni that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity. Customize it to your heart’s content and enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade pizza without the fuss.

Whether you’re having a cozy night in or celebrating with friends, this Easy French Bread Pizza Recipe With Pepperoni is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pizza perfection!