French Bread Pizza

I remember having frozen French bread pizza many years ago and although quite novel and under the radar at the time, after making this recipe it doesn't seem to be that way. This was an instant hit in our house and one that definitely will be repeated. Unlike the former lacklustre store bought French bread pizza, this is a glorified garlic toast brimming with the familiar and classic flavours, slathered with garlic and cheesy goodness, it's an absolute joy to create such deliciousness with minimal effort. You can change or add whatever toppings you wish. I used a leftover meat pasta I made to replace the pizza sauce and the recipe can easily be doubled as you can see. So not only a breeze to make but also easy to devour and share. 

French Bread Pizza

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1 loaves French Bread 

4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

2 cups pizza sauce

2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 

slices of fresh mushrooms, peppers, onions, pineapple

slices of pepperoni, chicken, ham or salami, optional

fresh basil leaves 

Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Line a large baking tray with baking parchment paper. 

Slice the French loaf in half lengthwise. Mix the melted butter, minced garlic and dried thyme together and brush all over the cut side of the bread. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven to lightly toast. 

Remove from oven and spread the pizza sauce on top and sprinkle lightly with mozzarella cheese. Top with whatever slices of vegetables and meat, if using, you wish and fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle with more cheese and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese has melted.