French Bread Pizza Boats

French Bread Pizza Boats are my go-to recipe when I need something fast, fun, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy. These crispy, cheesy pizza boats turn a simple loaf of French bread into customizable personal pizzas that are ready in under 30 minutes.

The first time I made French Bread Pizza Boats was on a chaotic Friday night when takeout wasn’t an option and my fridge was basically empty except for some bread and pizza toppings. I sliced that French bread lengthwise, loaded it up with sauce and cheese, and within 20 minutes, I had four golden, bubbly pizza boats that looked like I’d spent hours on them. What makes these pizza boats so brilliant is how everyone can customize their own section with their favorite toppings. No more pizza topping debates or picking off olives. Plus, that crispy exterior with the soft, pillowy interior creates the perfect texture contrast that regular pizza can’t quite match.

Simple Ingredients for These Pizza Boats

I always use a fresh bakery French bread loaf for the best texture and flavor. Pro tip: look for a loaf that’s slightly wider so you can fit more toppings without them spilling over the edges.

• 1 loaf French bread
• 1 cup pizza sauce (I prefer a good quality marinara)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup cooked sausage crumbles
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup diced green bell peppers
• 1/4 cup diced red onions
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make French Bread Pizza Boats

I recommend not scooping out too much bread from the center – you want a sturdy boat that can hold all those delicious toppings without getting soggy.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. This high temperature ensures the bread gets crispy on the outside while the cheese melts perfectly.

Step 2: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise using a sharp serrated knife. Then cut each half into two shorter sections to create four manageable pizza boats.

Step 3: Using a spoon, gently scoop out some of the soft bread from the center of each piece to form a shallow trench. Don’t remove too much – leave about 1/2 inch of bread so the boats stay sturdy. Save the scooped bread for making breadcrumbs later.

Step 4: Brush the inside of each bread boat generously with olive oil, making sure to coat the bottom and sides. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Step 5: Spread pizza sauce evenly inside each French Bread Pizza Boat, using about 1/4 cup per boat. Make sure the sauce reaches into the corners but doesn’t overflow.

Step 6: Layer each boat with shredded mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly. The cheese acts as a barrier that prevents the bread from getting soggy.

Step 7: Add your desired toppings like pepperoni slices, cooked sausage crumbles, black olives, diced bell peppers, and red onions. Pro tip: don’t overload the boats or the toppings won’t cook evenly.

Step 8: Place the assembled pizza boats on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re spaced slightly apart for even heat circulation.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown in spots. The edges of the bread should be crispy and lightly toasted.

Step 10: Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves if desired. Serve warm while the cheese is still gooey and stretchy.

Perfect Pairings for Pizza Boats

These hearty French Bread Pizza Boats pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides that balance out the rich, cheesy flavors.

Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce and tangy Caesar dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy pizza boats, making this a classic pairing.

Garden Salad with Vinaigrette: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese and adds important vegetables to the meal.

Tomato Soup: Serving pizza boats alongside a bowl of warm tomato soup creates the ultimate comfort food combination, perfect for dipping the crispy bread edges.

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes add nutritional value and a slight char that complements the baked pizza flavors.

Garlic Breadsticks: For carb lovers, extra garlic breadsticks on the side make this meal even more satisfying and are great for soaking up any extra pizza sauce.

More Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for Family Gatherings

French Bread Pizza Boats make an excellent casual dinner option that pairs wonderfully with other family-friendly favorites. For a complete meal spread, serve these pizza boats alongside comforting Chicken Tortilla Soup or hearty Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup for a satisfying combination that pleases everyone at the table.

When hosting gatherings or game day parties, complement these pizza boats with other easy-to-eat favorites like Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups and Crispy Chicken Taquitos. For dessert, consider serving Marshmallow Crispy Cookies to round out the meal with something sweet that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Storing Leftover Pizza Boats

Store leftover French Bread Pizza Boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread will soften slightly, but they’re still delicious cold or reheated.

To reheat, I recommend using your oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore some of that crispy exterior. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it makes the bread soggy and chewy rather than crispy.

Pro tip: these pizza boats are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but you can prep them ahead by assembling everything except the cheese and toppings. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add cheese and toppings right before baking.

Your Pizza Boat Questions Answered

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