French Bread Pizzas are the perfect solution for a quick, customizable lunch or dinner! You can use a variety of toppings and ingredients you have on hand, making them a fun and easy meal for the whole family. Whether you’re craving a classic pepperoni pizza or something a little more unique like caramelized onions and sausage, these pizzas are easy to assemble and bake in minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 whole wheat pita pockets (or similar crusty rolls)

• 1/4 cup peanut butter

• 1/8 teaspoon each ground allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg

• 2 medium apples, sliced

• 2 medium bananas, sliced

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cut pita pockets in half and lay them on a baking sheet.

3. Spread each half with marinara sauce or pesto.

4. Top with cheese, sausage, caramelized onions, and any other toppings you desire.

5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and the bread is slightly crisp.

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 324 kcal

• Fat: 17g

• Sodium: 320mg

• Carbohydrates: 36g

• Protein: 12g

Why Choose French Bread Pizzas?

There are many reasons why French Bread Pizzas make for a great dinner choice. First and foremost, they’re incredibly quick to prepare. In just about 15 minutes, you can go from assembling the pizzas to having them ready to eat. This makes them an ideal option for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time but still want something satisfying and delicious.

Another benefit is the ability to customize each pizza to suit individual preferences. With French Bread Pizzas, you’re not restricted to just one flavor profile. Whether you prefer a simple cheese pizza or something more creative, like a barbecue chicken pizza with red onions, the possibilities are endless. You can even make each pizza different, allowing everyone in the family to have their own personalized pizza creation.

The Key Ingredients for a Perfect French Bread Pizza

To create a tasty and balanced French Bread Pizza, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Each of these components plays a role in building flavor and texture, resulting in a satisfying meal. Here’s a look at the basic ingredients:

Pita Pockets or Crusty Rolls: The Perfect Base

The first step in making French Bread Pizzas is selecting your base. While traditional French bread can work, pita pockets or other crusty rolls are a great alternative. Pita pockets offer a sturdy yet soft foundation that crisps up perfectly in the oven. They’re also more compact, making them ideal for individual pizzas.

The best part is that pita pockets are a great way to add whole grains to your meal, especially when using whole wheat pita. This not only gives the pizza a more complex texture but also adds fiber, helping to make the meal more filling.

Sauce: The Flavorful Foundation

The sauce is another essential element in building a delicious French Bread Pizza. While marinara sauce is the classic option, pesto provides a flavorful and fragrant twist. Both options work well as a base for toppings, and you can even switch things up by using a white sauce, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.

Cheese: The Melty Goodness

Cheese is what truly makes pizza, well, pizza. For French Bread Pizzas, you’ll want to use a good melting cheese like mozzarella. Mozzarella adds that signature stringy texture that everyone loves. However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses for added flavor.

Toppings: Customize to Your Taste

The beauty of French Bread Pizzas is the freedom they offer when it comes to toppings. You can create a simple cheese pizza or pile on your favorite ingredients. Here are some delicious topping ideas:

• Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, chicken, or bacon all make great additions to your pizza.

• Vegetables: Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, spinach, olives, or tomatoes add freshness and texture.

• Specialty Toppings: For a more gourmet pizza, consider caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes.

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil, oregano, or arugula can elevate the flavor of your pizza and add color.

How to Make French Bread Pizzas

Making French Bread Pizzas is incredibly simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assemble and bake them:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pizza bakes evenly and crisps up perfectly.

2. Prepare the Pita Pockets: Cut the pita pockets in half and lay them flat on a baking sheet. These will be the base of your French Bread Pizza.

3. Spread the Sauce: Spread each half of the pita with marinara sauce, pesto, or your sauce of choice. Use a spoon or a small spatula to ensure an even layer of sauce.

4. Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the sauce, and then add your favorite toppings. This could include anything from pepperoni and sausage to vegetables or caramelized onions.

5. Bake: Place the prepared pizzas in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the pita are slightly crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning the crust.

6. Serve: Once baked, remove the pizzas from the oven. Let them cool for a minute before slicing and serving. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Customizing Your French Bread Pizza

French Bread Pizzas are highly customizable based on personal preferences. Here are some ways to make your pizzas even more unique:

• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re avoiding gluten, use gluten-free pita pockets or gluten-free rolls as the base.

• Veggie Delight: For a healthier option, load up your pizza with a variety of vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also add some goat cheese or feta for extra flavor.

• Meat Lovers: For a more hearty meal, add a variety of meats like grilled chicken, sausage, or even prosciutto for a gourmet touch.

• Cheese Options: In addition to mozzarella, try blending in other cheeses like parmesan, goat cheese, or ricotta for different textures and flavors.

Conclusion: A Fun and Flavorful Meal

In conclusion, French Bread Pizzas are the perfect dinner solution for anyone looking for a quick, customizable, and fun meal. With endless topping combinations and a super simple preparation process, these pizzas can be tailored to suit any taste, making them ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Whether you stick to the classic cheese and pepperoni or get creative with unique toppings, French Bread Pizzas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!