Description
This French bread pizza recipe offers a quick and easy way to satisfy your pizza cravings without the hassle of making dough from scratch. Using a loaf of French bread as the base, this recipe allows you to create two delicious variations: one with crispy turkey bacon for a healthier spin and the other with savory beef pepperoni for a classic twist. Both options are customizable with your favorite toppings and can be made using affordable, convenient ingredients from Walmart. Perfect for a quick dinner, a fun family meal, or even a snack, this French bread pizza is versatile, delicious, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
For both pizzas:
- 1 loaf French bread (from Walmart), cut in half
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For Pizza 1: Pepperoni & Sausage
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- ½ cup cooked sausage crumbles
- ¼ cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
For Pizza 2: Chicken & Spinach
- ½ cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup fresh spinach leaves
- ¼ cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
Optional additional toppings (for customizing):
- Sliced mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Black olives
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2️⃣ Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and place both halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3️⃣ Spread pizza sauce evenly over both halves of the bread.
4️⃣ For Pizza 1 (Pepperoni & Sausage): Top one half with pepperoni slices, cooked sausage, and turkey bacon. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
5️⃣ For Pizza 2 (Chicken & Spinach): Top the other half with shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and turkey bacon. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
6️⃣ Add any optional toppings as desired.
7️⃣ Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are crispy.
8️⃣ Remove from the oven, let cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
- French Bread: Opt for a fresh loaf of French bread from Walmart’s bakery section. Toasting the bread before adding toppings will help create a crispy crust.
- Turkey Bacon: A lean alternative to pork bacon, turkey bacon offers a crispy texture without the extra fat. Pre-cooking the turkey bacon before adding it to the pizza ensures it retains its crunch after baking.
- Beef Pepperoni: If you’re avoiding pork but still want the traditional pepperoni flavor, beef pepperoni is a great substitute. You can preheat it slightly in a pan to release its oils for extra flavor.
- Cheese: Whole milk mozzarella will give you the best melt, but you can also mix in cheddar or provolone for a richer taste. For a vegan option, use plant-based cheese alternatives.
- Sauce: Walmart carries a range of pizza sauces in jars or cans. Use a thicker sauce if you prefer a heartier pizza or try pesto or Alfredo for a unique flavor twist.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and spinach make great additions to both pizza variations and boost the nutritional value.
- Cooking Tip: For a golden, bubbly top, use the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.