Enjoy Irresistible French Bread Pizza Boats for Dinner Tonight!

Get ready to elevate your pizza night with these irresistible French Bread Pizza Boats! Crispy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful on the inside – this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for weekend gatherings. Loaded with your favorite pizza toppings and baked to perfection, these pizza boats are a delicious twist on a classic dish that the whole family will love.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for French Bread Pizza Boats

To make these French Bread Pizza Boats, you’ll need just a handful of simple 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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make these delectable French Bread Pizza Boats:

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

Tips for Perfect French Bread Pizza Boats

Here are a few tips to help you make the best French Bread Pizza Boats:

• Customize the Toppings: Feel free to mix and match your favorite pizza toppings. Mushrooms, peppers, onions, and even pineapple can all be delicious additions.
• Brush with Garlic Butter: For an extra flavor boost, try brushing the bread with a garlic butter mixture before adding the toppings.
• Use a Variety of Cheeses: In addition to mozzarella, try adding some Parmesan, cheddar, or provolone for a cheesier pizza boat.
• Avoid Overstuffing: Be careful not to overload the bread with too many toppings, as this can make the center soggy.
• Let it Cool Slightly: Allowing the pizza boats to cool for a few minutes before serving will help the toppings set and prevent them from sliding off.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

French Bread Pizza Boats make a fantastic main course, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Try serving them with a fresh garden salad, garlic knots, or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete and satisfying meal. For a heartier option, pair them with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a zesty Italian pasta salad.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any French Bread Pizza Boats leftover, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the boats on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to keep French bread pizza from getting soggy?

To prevent your French Bread Pizza Boats from getting soggy, be sure not to overstuff the bread with too many toppings. Avoid using too much sauce, and make sure to brush the bread with olive oil or garlic butter before adding the toppings. Baking the boats on a preheated baking sheet also helps create a crispy crust.

What temperature to cook French bread pizza at?

For the best results, bake your French Bread Pizza Boats at 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the bread to get crispy on the outside while the cheese and toppings melt and bubble to perfection.

Is French bread pizza better than regular pizza?

Whether French Bread Pizza Boats are better than regular pizza is a matter of personal preference. French bread pizza offers a unique texture and crust that some may find more appealing, while others may prefer the traditional pizza dough. Ultimately, both can be delicious options depending on your mood and taste preferences.

Where was French bread pizza invented?

The origins of French Bread Pizza Boats are a bit unclear, but the dish is believed to have first gained popularity in the United States in the 1980s. It likely emerged as a clever way to use up leftover French bread and turn it into a quick and easy pizza-inspired meal.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
• Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake

Conclusion

French Bread Pizza Boats are a delicious and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a fun, customizable format. With their crisp exterior, gooey cheese, and endless topping possibilities, these pizza boats are sure to become a new family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to dive into a tasty slice of cheesy, saucy perfection!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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