French Bread Pizza

Enjoy crafting and savoring this flavorful French Bread Pizza !

Whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful meal for guests, this recipe combines savory, sweet, and spicy elements to satisfy diverse palates.

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients

Bread and Base Components 

• French Bread: 1 loaf, kept whole (do not slice)
• Chive & Onion Cream Cheese: 1 container (8 ounces), softened for easy spreading
• Canola Oil Cooking Spray: For greasing the bread

Topping Ingredients

• Cherry Tomatoes: 12 ounces, thinly sliced
• Cooked Chicken: 1 cup, shredded
• Pineapple Tidbits: 1 can (8 ounces), drained of excess liquid
• Jalapeño Pepper: 1, halved, seeds removed, and sliced
• Garlic Cloves: 2, finely chopped
• Red Onion: 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup, thinly sliced
• Roasted Red Peppers: 1⁄3 cup, coarsely chopped (from a jar)
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded

Seasonings

• Salt: To taste
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste
• Dried Red Pepper Flakes: As desired (optional)

Necessary Equipment

• Pizza Oven
• Baking Sheet or Cookie Sheet
• Canola Oil Cooking Spray
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowls
• Spoon or Spatula

Instructions

Step1: Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even baking.

Step2: Prepare the French Bread Base:

Place the unsliced French bread on a cutting board.

Carefully slice the bread in half.

Lightly spray each cut side with canola oil cooking spray.

Step3: Bake the Bread Bases:

Place the prepared bread halves in the preheated oven.

Bake for 5-8 minutes or until the cut sides are lightly browned.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and set the bread aside to cool slightly, but ensure it remains warm for easier spreading.

Once the bread is cool enough to handle, evenly spread the softened chive & onion cream cheese over each cut side of the bread. The cream cheese acts as a flavorful base sauce for your pizza toppings.

Step4: Add Toppings: 

Distribute the sliced cherry tomatoes evenly over the cream cheese layer on both bread halves.

Add the shredded cooked chicken over the tomatoes.

Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste over the chicken and tomatoes.

Evenly distribute 1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the seasoned toppings. 

Step5: Add Additional Toppings:

Scatter the drained pineapple tidbits over the cheese layer.

Add the sliced jalapeño peppers for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Sprinkle the finely chopped garlic cloves evenly.

Distribute the thinly sliced red onions.

Top with the coarsely chopped roasted red peppers.

Step6: Final Baking:

Return the baking sheet with the prepared bread pizzas to the oven.

Bake for an additional 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the bread base is heated through.

If you prefer your vegetables to be less crisp, you can microwave them for about 60 seconds to soften before adding them to the pizza.

Tips:

• Protein Alternatives: Swap out the shredded cooked chicken for grilled shrimp, turkey, or even plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.

• Cheese Options: For a different cheese profile, try using feta, goat cheese, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

• Bread Alternatives:While French bread serves as a sturdy base, feel free to use baguettes, ciabatta, or even naan bread for a different texture.

• Storage:Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven for best results.

• Freezing:To freeze, assemble the pizza without the final bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready to eat.