When was the last time you had a french bread pizza? Back in the day they were pretty popular, some of you might remember the frozen ones you could buy and heat up for a quick dinner, they still sell them but they’re pretty basic with lots of unknown ingredients.
It’s so easy to make your own, grab a nice baguette, get creative and customize it with whatever toppings you want, add some sauce and cheese and you’re good to go!
Times have changed and now it’s fun to go a little gourmet with your french bread pizzas. Here’s a few ideas that might give you some inspiration and maybe something you might want to serve up at your upcoming Super Bowl party this weekend.
You’ll want to have all your toppings prepped and ready to go, you can even use leftover veggies and protein you might have in the fridge. Here I swiped my bread with a red pepper sauce then added some roasted shrimp, roasted tomatoes, feta, a little shredded mozzarella, oregano and parsley.
The crispy crust makes every bite super scrumptious!
For another version I placed shredded mozzarella on top of the bread, added caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms, parsley and thyme.
One of my favorites!
I had some leftover chicken so I added that to the base of shredded mozzarella, then tucked in some jarred artichokes hearts, fresh wilted spinach and olives.
Top them off with a drizzle of olive oil, place on a parchment lined baking sheet in a 400 F oven for around 15 minutes or so, you’ll know when they’re done because the top will be golden, the cheese melted and the crust nice and crispy.
Of course I had to make one with cheese, sausage and peppers. The sausage and peppers were already pre-cooked, so again I swiped the bread with a red pepper sauce then added shredded mozzarella, sausage and peppers.
Don’t forget to garnish your french bread pizzas with fresh and dried herbs, red pepper flakes and a drizzle of good olive oil, salt and pepper.
This is the perfect party food, get a sharp knife and make slices for everyone to share, perfect for game day. It’s also a quick and very economical weekday meal for your family, kids can make their own with their favorite toppings and you can go ahead and kick it up a notch for yourself, and everyone will be happy!
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I’m Marie, a wife, mother, mother-in-law, and gramma of two beautiful girls. My passion is food, clear and simple but especially Italian food, hence the name of my blog, Proud Italian Cook. I want you to feel right at home here so grab a cup of coffee, I’ll get the pastries, take a look around and enjoy your visit! {
AHA! THIS is what will go on the Super Bowl Spread! Thanks for the idea! Hope you are staying warm in the “Polar Vortex”. It’s a balmy “O F” here in New England (without the windchill).
Awesome Erika! Would you believe the temp is rising to 50 on Sunday, yay!
I have a few baguettes in my freezer, and when your email came in I was beyond excited to see your latest creations of a new twist on pizzas. I will be making a couple of them tomorrow, we’re having friends over for lunch. I know the pizzas will be a Hit! Thank you Marie for another fabulous recipe 🥰
I could eat all of those and ask for more … ❤️
You have really kicked these up a notch from the French bread pizzas I remember from the 1970s.
They all look super delicious!
I am trying the shrimp feta versions…..I love all of these combos…..genius!
Hi Marie – these look beautiful. Is there a recipe in your archives for the red pepper sauce?
I actually roast a few red peppers, then remove seeds and skin and then pulse it in a food processor so it’s sort of chunky and add in some marinara so you have a little bit of both together, so good Kit!
Thank you!