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French Bread Pizzas with Mozzarella and Pepperoni

5.0

(7)

Image of french bread with mozzarella and pepperoni on a cutting board and stacked on a plate next to it.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks.

Forget about the freezer aisle! This classic is just as easy to make from scratch. For a spicy kick, add red-pepper flakes.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    40 minutes

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1 (12–14") soft loaf French or Italian bread, split in half lengthwise
1 garlic clove, smashed
1/2 cup store-bought tomato sauce
1 cup coarsely grated mozzarella (about 4 ounces)
3 ounces sliced pepperoni
1/4 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh basil

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Position rack in top third of oven and preheat to 425°F. Place bread, cut side up, on a rimmed baking sheet and bake 5 minutes. Remove from oven and rub cut sides with garlic.

    Step 2

    Spread tomato sauce on cut sides of bread. Top with mozzarella, pepperoni, and red-pepper flakes, if using.

    Step 3

    Bake until cheese is melted and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Top with basil.

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