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French Bread Pizza Boats

French Bread Pizza Boats
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Fun and customizable pizza boats made with French bread, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings. Ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf French bread
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F for crispy bread and perfectly melted cheese.
  2. Slice French bread in half lengthwise using a sharp serrated knife. Cut each half into two shorter sections to create four pizza boats.
  3. Using a spoon, gently scoop out some soft bread from the center of each piece to form a shallow trench. Leave about 1/2 inch of bread for structure.
  4. Brush inside of each bread boat generously with olive oil, coating bottom and sides. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning.
  5. Spread pizza sauce evenly inside each boat, using about 1/4 cup per boat. Make sure sauce reaches corners without overflowing.
  6. Layer each boat with shredded mozzarella cheese, distributing evenly. Cheese prevents bread from getting soggy.
  7. Add desired toppings like pepperoni, sausage, olives, bell peppers, and onions. Don’t overload for even cooking.
  8. Place assembled pizza boats on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space slightly apart for heat circulation.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots. Bread edges should be crispy and toasted.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh torn basil if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh bakery French bread for best texture. Look for wider loaves to fit more toppings.
  • Don’t scoop out too much bread – leave 1/2 inch for structure. Pre-cook watery vegetables to prevent sogginess.
  • Can be assembled ahead without cheese/toppings and refrigerated. Freeze assembled boats for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/french-bread-pizza-boats/