French Bread Pizzas with Mozzarella and Pepperoni

sandwich bake kid-friendly quick & easy dinner lunch italian american mozzarella basil sausage snack snack week peanut free tree nut free soy free small plates

Katherine Sacks

4 servings

Source

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

Method

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.

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

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