French Bread Pizza is a delightful and quick alternative to traditional pizza, offering a crispy crust topped with your favorite ingredients. This recipe, inspired by Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, transforms simple deli rolls into delicious personal pizzas that are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.The Pioneer Woman+6The Pioneer Woman+6WBD+6
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can have a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Tailor each pizza to individual tastes by varying the sauces, cheeses, and toppings.
- Family-Friendly: A fun and interactive meal that allows everyone to create their own pizza masterpiece.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Deli rolls or small baguettesThe Pioneer Woman
- Marinara sauce or pesto
- Mozzarella cheese, grated
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ButterThe Pioneer Woman+1The Pioneer Woman+1
- OnionsThe Pioneer Woman
- Italian sausageThe Pioneer Woman+14The Pioneer Woman+14The Pioneer Woman+14
- Optional toppings: sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, etc.The Pioneer Woman
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the deli rolls or baguettes in half lengthwise and place them cut-side up on a large baking sheet.The Pioneer Woman
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread a generous amount of marinara sauce or pesto over each bread half. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the sauce, adding Parmesan cheese if desired.The Pioneer Woman
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate.The Pioneer Woman
- Cook Sausage: In the same skillet, add the Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s no longer pink, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.The Pioneer Woman
- Assemble Pizzas: Distribute the sautéed onions and cooked sausage evenly over the bread halves. Add any additional toppings of your choice.WBD+1The Pioneer Woman+1
- Bake: Place the baking sheet on the lowest rack of the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Then, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C) and move the baking sheet to the highest rack. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.The Pioneer Woman
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pizzas cool slightly before serving. For smaller portions, slice each pizza half into smaller pieces.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings, depending on the size of the bread and portion preferences.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add a variety of vegetables such as spinach, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or feta for unique flavor profiles.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain the crispiness of the bread, reheat the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
What type of bread works best for French Bread Pizza?
Deli rolls, small baguettes, or crusty sandwich rolls are ideal for creating a sturdy base that holds up well to toppings.The Pioneer Woman
Can I make French Bread Pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pizzas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Is it possible to freeze French Bread Pizza?
Absolutely. Assemble the pizzas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding additional time as needed.
How can I prevent the bread from becoming too soggy?
To avoid sogginess, lightly toast the bread in the oven for a few minutes before adding the sauce and toppings. This creates a barrier that helps keep the bread crisp.
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes, store-bought pizza sauce works well and saves time. Choose your favorite brand or flavor to customize your pizza.
What other meats can I use besides sausage?
Pepperoni, cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or even ground beef make excellent alternatives or additions to sausage.
Are there any gluten-free options?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free baguettes or rolls available at many grocery stores.
Can I add fresh herbs to the pizza?
Definitely. Fresh basil, oregano, or parsley can be added after baking for a burst of flavor and color.
How do I make the pizza spicier?
Add ingredients like sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to increase the heat level.
What sides pair well with French Bread Pizza?
A simple green salad, garlic knots, or a cup of soup complement the pizza nicely and round out the meal.
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman’s French Bread Pizza is a versatile and delightful dish that brings the joy of pizza-making into your home with ease. Its
PrintPioneer Woman’s French Bread Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This French Bread Pizza from the Pioneer Woman is a quick and easy dinner or snack. Made with crusty French bread, savory marinara sauce, and your favorite toppings, it’s a fun and customizable meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
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1 loaf French bread, sliced in half lengthwise
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 1/2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or any toppings you like)
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1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Place French bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
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Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 3–5 minutes, just until slightly crispy.
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Spread marinara sauce evenly over each half.
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Top with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, olives, and any other toppings.
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Sprinkle with oregano and red pepper flakes if using.
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Return to oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove from oven and let cool for a minute or two.
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Garnish with fresh basil before slicing and serving.
Notes
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Try other toppings like cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers.
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For a crispier crust, toast the bread a bit longer before adding sauce.
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Great for using up leftover meats and veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of pizza
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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