Introduction
Indulging in a delicious, homemade pizza can be a delightful experience, and this easy-to-follow recipe for Cheesy Bread Pizza combines the best of both worlds. With a crispy French bread base topped with rich pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and an array of your favorite toppings, this dish is perfect for a casual family dinner, a game day snack, or a fun party appetizer. Let’s dive into the ingredients and directions to create this flavorful treat!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 loaf French bread
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– 1 cup pizza sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni, sliced red onion, sliced bell pepper, sliced black olives
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-5
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and Italian seasoning until well mixed.
3. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and spread the seasoned butter evenly over the cut sides.
4. Place the bread halves on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 6-7 minutes, or until the tops are toasty and the edges are golden brown.
5. Remove the bread from the oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over each half.
6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and add any desired toppings.
7. Return the bread to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through.
8. Remove from the oven, slice each half into 4-5 pieces, and serve immediately.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Bread Pizza!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and Italian seasoning until well mixed.
Step 3: Slice the Bread
Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and spread the seasoned butter evenly over the cut sides.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Place the bread halves on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 6-7 minutes, or until the tops are toasty and the edges are golden brown.
Step 5: Add the Pizza Sauce
Remove the bread from the oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over each half.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and add any desired toppings such as sliced pepperoni, sliced red onion, sliced bell pepper, or sliced black olives.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the bread to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Remove from the oven, slice each half into 4-5 pieces, and serve immediately.
Notes
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven ensures that your dish cooks evenly and helps achieve the desired texture and doneness.
Mixing Ingredients
When combining the butter and Italian seasoning, ensure they are well mixed to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the bread.
Slicing Bread
Slicing the French bread lengthwise allows for more topping area and creates an easier means to spread the butter and sauce.
Baking Until Toasty
Baking the bread until the tops are toasty and edges are golden brown enhances flavor and texture.
Layering Toppings
Spread the pizza sauce evenly and layer the cheese and toppings to ensure a balanced flavor and consistent melting of cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Cutting the baked bread into pieces makes it easier to serve and enjoy as finger food, perfect for sharing.
FAQ
Can I use other types of bread?
Yes, you can use other types of bread, such as Italian or ciabatta, for different textures and flavors.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
You can substitute with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of your favorites.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I add more toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like mushrooms, spinach, or cooked sausage.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
To reheat, place the slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness.
Conclusion
This delicious pizza bread is a quick and easy dish that combines the flavors of Italian seasoning, pizza sauce, and melty mozzarella to create a satisfying meal or snack. Perfect for sharing or a fun family dinner, it can be customized with various toppings to suit everyone’s preferences. Enjoy this delightful treat fresh from the oven!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Bread Pizza
Transform your pizza bread by adding minced garlic and parsley to the butter mixture, creating a savory garlic bread base before adding pizza sauce and toppings.
Caprese Style Pizza Bread
Switch things up by using fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves after adding the pizza sauce for a fresh twist on the traditional flavors.
BBQ Chicken Pizza Bread
Replace the pizza sauce with BBQ sauce and top with shredded cooked chicken, red onions, and cilantro for a smoky, sweet flavor profile.
Veggie Supreme Pizza Bread
Load your pizza bread with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a healthy and colorful option.
Meat Lover’s Pizza Bread
For meat enthusiasts, add a combination of sausage, ham, and bacon on top of the cheese for a hearty and satisfying pizza bread experience.
