Description
Crispy French bread pizza delivers a quick, mouthwatering twist on classic Italian comfort food. Melted cheese, zesty sauce, and personalized toppings create a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed and torn into pieces
Bread and Base:
- 1 loaf French bread (about 18 inches long)
- 3/4 to 1 cup (177 to 237 milliliters) pasta sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
Toppings and Seasonings:
- 78 ounces (2,211 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) white onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) black olives, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Crushed red pepper, for serving (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sizzle the sausage in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing for the pizza transformation.
- Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise, creating two symmetrical halves. Generously brush the inner surfaces with olive oil to enhance flavor and crispiness.
- Layer each bread half with a thin spread of pasta sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Distribute most of the mozzarella cheese across the bread, creating a creamy base. Strategically arrange cooked sausage, diced onions, and sliced olives over the cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, along with a dusting of oregano and garlic powder to intensify the aromatic profile.
- Position the loaded bread pieces on a baking sheet, ideally with a cooling rack to promote even heating. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching closely to achieve a perfectly golden, crispy crust and fully melted cheese.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Optional: Garnish with crushed red pepper and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor kick before serving.
Notes
- Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian versions, ensuring the same savory flavor profile and crispy texture.
- Select French bread that’s slightly stale for better sauce absorption and crunchier base without getting soggy during baking.
- Customize toppings by adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and vibrant colors.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid and achieve perfectly crisp pizza edges without compromising cheese meltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1300 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg