Irresistible French Bread Pizza Boats Recipe

Introduction

French Bread Pizza Boats are a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza, perfect for a quick dinner. Crispy bread loaded with classic pizza toppings makes this dish both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup pepperoni slices
• ½ cup cooked sausage crumbles
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup diced green bell peppers
• ¼ cup diced red onions
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out some of the soft interior to create shallow boats for the toppings.
3. Step 3: Brush the inside of each bread half with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning.
4. Step 4: Spread pizza sauce over the bread, then layer with shredded mozzarella cheese. Add pepperoni slices, sausage crumbles, black olives, green bell peppers, and red onions on top.
5. Step 5: Place the prepared bread boats on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread edges turn golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and sausage and add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach.
• Use other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a different flavor.
• To make it spicier, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
• Leftover French bread can be toasted and used for this recipe anytime you need a quick meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute French bread with Italian bread or a sturdy baguette, but the texture and size will slightly change the outcome.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and be sure to check the pizza sauce ingredients for any dairy content.

Irresistible French Bread Pizza Boats Recipe

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4.6 from 482 reviews

These French Bread Pizza Boats are a delicious and easy dinner option featuring a crusty French bread base loaded with classic pizza toppings and baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a quick family meal, they combine the convenience of sandwiches with the flavors of traditional pizza in one satisfying dish.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

French Bread Base

• 1 loaf French bread
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Toppings

• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup pepperoni slices
• ½ cup cooked sausage crumbles
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup diced green bell peppers
• ¼ cup diced red onions
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out some of the soft interior to create shallow ‘boats’ that will hold the toppings without spilling over.
3. Brush and Season: Brush the insides of the hollowed bread halves generously with olive oil. Sprinkle the olive oil-coated bread with Italian seasoning to infuse flavor into the bread.
4. Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread pizza sauce evenly inside each bread half. Next, layer on the shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by pepperoni slices, cooked sausage crumbles, sliced black olives, diced green bell peppers, and diced red onions to build your pizza layers.
5. Bake: Place the prepared bread boats on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely, is bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crispy.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the pizza boats to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then slice into portions and serve warm for a delicious dinner.

Notes

• You can customize toppings to your preference, such as adding mushrooms or substituting meats.
• For a crispy crust, brush the outside of the bread lightly with olive oil before baking.
• Use precooked sausage to save time and ensure it’s fully cooked before baking.
• Fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness but is optional.
• Serve with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Keywords: French bread pizza, pizza boats, easy dinner, homemade pizza, quick pizza recipe, Italian-American cuisine