My favorite part of French bread pizza is the crispy edge of the outer crust. When you make them out of a whole bit loaf of French bread, only some of you get to have that crunchy bite. So I decided to give everyone the whole experience by making them individually. These Individual French Bread Pizzas are so easy to make, you will definitely want to add them to your menu rotation.
These pizzas can work for an easy weeknight dinner but also for a weekend lunch or even as an appetizer or finger food at the your next get together- like the big game. They keep quite nicely and can be reheated as well.
Substitutes and Variations:
You can make this recipe slightly faster and/or simpler by using a jarred pasta sauce or pizza sauce. Also if you make your red sauce differently than I, then by all means use your version. I kept it simple with just cheese and pepperoni toppings. You can fo others – bacon, ham, sausage. I would caution against “wet” toppings like mushrooms and peppers as they can cause things to get very soggy.
Suggestions for Sides:
This is great with a salad on this side. I like to go for a romaine base, with some shredded carrots, chunked cucumber, thin sliced red onion, croutons, cherry tomatoes and ranch. These little pizzas would also go very well with some chicken wings!
Tools that may make this recipe easier:
The key to even toasting of the bread is a baking rack over the baking sheet. I know I harp on this but its absolutely true that giving just the little bit of space between the flat surface of the pan and the underside of the bread will give you a nice crispy bottom.
Now Let’s Get Cookin’!
Individual French Bread Pizzas
Ingredients
- 6 Crusty Deli Rolls sliced in half
- 6 oz Pepperoni Slices
- 2 cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan
- 4 tbsp Butter melted
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Parsley
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
For the Sauce
- 1 15 oz Tomato Puree
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Onion
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 425degF
- In a sauce pan over medium heat, add ingredients for the sauce. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes. Reduce to low and let simmer.
- In a separate bowl, add melted butter, garlic powder, parsley and onion powder.
- Lay split rolls (inside up) out on a baking rack over a parchment paper covered baking sheet. Brush each with the seasoned melted butter mix. Place in oven for 8 minutes.
- Removed tossed rolls from oven and spoon red sauce onto each. Add a portion of mozzarella cheese, then 4-5 slices of pepperoni. Add another small portion of mozzarella cheese, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and then Italian seasoning. Return baking sheet to the oven for 10-12 minutes (until tops are golden brown).
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Looks and sounds delicious! Pinned and will be making this soon.
These look delicious!