French Bread Pizza Perfected

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   Preheat the oven to 425 F. 2.

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   Slice the French bread in half the long way, forming two long halves (like a hot dog bun but dont keep them attached).

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   Lightly press on the bread with the palms of your hands or with the bottom of a flat baking sheet until the bread is compressed to about half of what it was (generally about 1/2-inch or so thick, but like I mentioned in my post, homemade French bread doesnt flatten quite as well in my experience).

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   3.

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   Drizzle the olive oil on the cut side of both halves, about 1/2 tablespoon for each half, and brush oil lightly into the dough.

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   Sprinkle with just a touch of garlic powder.

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   4.

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   Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese across the cut side of each half.

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    Place the loaves of bread on an aluminum-foil lined baking sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes, until the Parmesan cheese is just barely starting to turn golden and has hardened a bit to the touch.

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    Take care not to burn the Parmesan!

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    Remove from oven.

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    5.

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    Spread pizza sauce on top of the Parmesan-crusted loaves and top with pizza toppings of your choice.

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    I usually go with about 1 cup of mozzarella cheese for each half and throw on some pepperoni and olives but the sky is definitely the limit here!

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    6.

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    Bake the pizzas for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the bread are starting to crisp up and turn golden.

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    Remove from oven.

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    7.

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    Using a serrated knife, cut each half into pieces and serve immediately.

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    Recipe source: Mels Kitchen Cafe (inspired by tips from Serious Eats and Cooks Country).

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.