Easy French Bread Pizza
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What’s Up, Hungry People
Did you know that (most) Jimmy John’s will give out any bread they didn’t use the day before for a discounted price? Since my college days, I’ve been taking advantage of this awesome deal. I used to make all sorts of things with it in college like garlic bread or, my favorite, French bread pizza as a go-to college student meal!
Nowadays, I make more complex dishes like banana bread pudding from this day-old bread, but the pizza bread remains my top choice for using the bread. For just fifty cents* a loaf, it’s an unbeatable deal to snag some on your next visit.
Here’s What You Need
- Day-Old French Bread: Acts as a crispy, sturdy base for your pizza toppings.
- Pizza Sauce: Adds moisture and rich tomato flavor to complement the toppings.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, stretchy layer, enhancing the texture.
- Toppings (e.g., Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Spinach, Sausage): Offer personalization and variety in flavor and texture.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Provide a burst of freshness and a subtle herbal aroma.
Let’s Cook
To create your pizza bread, first, slice a loaf down the center. Next, spread a tablespoon or two of your preferred pizza sauce onto the bread. Be careful not to apply the sauce too thickly, as it can make the bread soggy.
For my pizzas, I opted for slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, but feel free to customize with your favorite toppings: from pepperonis to mushrooms, spinach to sausage! Bake the pizza bread until the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey. I finished mine with a sprinkle of homegrown basil, adding a fresh twist to a classic margherita pizza. This entire meal probably costs less than $3 – an absolute bargain for such a satisfying dish!
Tips for Perfecting Your easy French Bread Pizza
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a day-old French bread for the best texture. It’s sturdy enough to hold toppings without getting too soggy.
- Balance Your Sauce: Too much sauce can make the bread soggy. Spread it thinly and evenly.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to mix and match your favorite pizza toppings. The more personalized, the better.
- Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on your pizza while it bakes to avoid overcooking. The cheese should be just melted and slightly golden.
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh mozzarella and basil can significantly enhance the flavor of your pizza. They add a touch of gourmet to this simple dish.
- Preheating is Key: Always preheat your oven for a consistent cooking temperature. This ensures your pizza cooks evenly.
And there you go, a simple yet delicious way to transform day-old bread into a fantastic meal that won’t break the bank. It’s perfect for those busy nights or when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Remember, the beauty of this easy French bread pizza is its flexibility. You can use whatever toppings you have on hand and still end up with something amazing. Give it a try the next time you snag a loaf of discounted bread, and enjoy the magic of turning something simple into a meal that’s both satisfying and easy on the wallet.
Easy French Bread Pizza
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old French bread (discounted bread from Jimmy John's recommended)
- 2 tablespoons your favorite pizza sauce
- 1-2 slices Fresh mozzarella cheese as desired
- Your choice of toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, spinach, sausage, etc.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Take a loaf of day-old French bread and slice it down the center lengthwise. This creates two halves, each serving as a base for your pizza.
- Add the Sauce: Spread a tablespoon or two of your favorite pizza sauce on each half of the bread. Be cautious with the amount; too much sauce can make the bread soggy.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Place slices of fresh mozzarella cheese over the sauced bread. Then, unleash your creativity by adding your preferred toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, spinach, or sausage.
- Bake the Pizza Bread: Place the prepared bread in the preheated oven. Bake until the cheese melts and starts to bubble, creating a deliciously gooey texture. This should take about 10-15 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, add a final touch of flavor and color with some fresh basil leaves. These can be whole leaves or chopped, depending on your preference.
- Enjoy: Your easy French bread pizza is now ready to be devoured! This quick, budget-friendly meal is perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering with friends.
