Introduction

French Bread Pizza Boats are a quick, delicious dinner option that the whole family will love. Crispy on the outside and loaded with classic pizza toppings, they make a fun twist on traditional pizza night.

Two long toasted bread slices lie side by side on a baking tray. Each slice has a base layer of melted creamy white cheese, topped with small browned sausage pieces scattered evenly, along with bright red mini pepperoni slices and black olive rounds placed on top. A light sprinkle of chopped green herbs adds a fresh touch across the melted cheese. The bread edges are golden and crisp, contrasting with the soft cheese and toppings inside. The tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and sausage and add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead.
Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and provolone for extra flavor.
Try different sauces, such as pesto or Alfredo, to switch things up.
If you like it spicy, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the toppings before baking.

Storage

Store leftover French Bread Pizza Boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Two long, thick slices of bread, hollowed out and filled like open-faced sandwiches, sit side by side on a black baking tray. Each slice has three main layers: a base layer of browned ground meat, a melted white and light yellow cheese layer on top, and small round pepperoni slices and black olives scattered evenly across the surface. Some finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled over everything, adding small pops of color. The bread crust is golden and crisp, and the inside looks soft and fluffy. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, sturdy breads like baguettes or hoagie rolls work well, but French bread offers the ideal balance of crusty exterior and soft interior.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Use vegan cheese and substitute the meat toppings with plant-based alternatives or extra vegetables. Be sure to check that the pizza sauce is free of animal products.

French Bread Pizza Boats Recipe

Print Recipe

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These French Bread Pizza Boats are a fun and easy dinner option perfect for family meals or casual gatherings. Crusty French bread is transformed into mini pizza vessels loaded with classic toppings like mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, olives, and fresh vegetables, all baked to golden perfection with melted cheese and seasoned olive oil.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Base

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

Sauce

1 cup pizza sauce

Toppings

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

Garnish (optional)

Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out some of the soft bread interior to create shallow ‘boats’ that will hold the pizza toppings without spilling.
Brush and Season: Brush the insides of the bread halves with olive oil. Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly over the oiled surfaces to infuse the bread with flavor during baking.
Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce inside each bread half. Distribute shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce. Next, layer on the pepperoni slices, cooked sausage crumbles, black olives, diced green bell peppers, and diced red onions for a well-balanced, flavorful topping mix.
Bake: Place the prepared pizza boats on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the edges of the bread turn a golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza boats from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added aroma and a fresh bite. Slice the boats into manageable pieces and serve warm.

Notes

You can customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have available.
If you prefer a crispier crust, broil the pizza boats for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking.
Use cooked sausage to avoid extra cooking time during baking.
Fresh basil adds a lovely touch but can be omitted if preferred.
Try using different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for variation.

Keywords: French bread pizza, pizza boats, easy dinner, homemade pizza, baked pizza boats, family meal