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French Bread Pizza Boats Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/french-bread-pizza-boats-recipe/