These French Bread Pizza Boats are an easy and delicious meal that the whole family will love. With crispy bread, melty cheese, and flavorful toppings, they make a fun twist on traditional pizza and are perfect for a quick dinner or snack.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into halves or quarters
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or any favorite topping)
- 1/4 cup sliced green bell pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the French bread halves or quarters on a baking sheet.
- Brush the bread with olive oil.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on top of each piece of bread.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, bell pepper, and onions.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, oregano, and garlic powder over the toppings.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 300-350 per serving (1 boat)
- Protein: 15-18g
- Carbs: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600-700mg
History and Origin of French Bread Pizza
French bread pizza is a modern take on traditional pizza, making it an easy and quick version of a classic favorite. The concept of French bread pizza became popular in the 1970s and 1980s, as convenience food became more prevalent. It utilizes French bread or baguettes as the base instead of a traditional pizza crust, making it a more accessible option for busy families. The idea was likely inspired by the need to create a fast, no-fuss meal without sacrificing the beloved flavors of pizza.
Why French Bread Pizza Boats are a Family Favorite
French Bread Pizza Boats are a family favorite for several reasons. They offer an interactive and customizable meal that allows everyone to choose their own toppings. This makes them perfect for families with diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time. The French bread base provides a satisfying crunch while still being soft enough to hold the toppings, making each bite delicious.
Health Benefits of French Bread Pizza Boats
While French bread pizza boats may not be the healthiest option, they do offer some benefits. By using whole grain bread or adding vegetables like bell peppers and onions, you can increase the nutritional value of the meal. The homemade marinara sauce can also be lower in sugar and preservatives compared to store-bought pizza sauce. By customizing your toppings, you can control the portion of cheese and meat, making the dish slightly more balanced.
Customizing Your Toppings
One of the best parts of French Bread Pizza Boats is the ability to customize the toppings. You can use classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms, or get creative with options like grilled chicken, bacon, or vegetables. For a vegetarian version, try toppings like spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes. Adding different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or goat cheese can change the flavor profile of the pizza as well.
Choosing the Right Bread for Your Pizza Boats
The bread you choose for your pizza boats plays a major role in the final product. Traditional French bread provides a crunchy exterior and a soft, airy interior. However, you can also use other types of bread, such as baguettes, hoagie rolls, or even sourdough, to achieve different textures and flavors. It’s important to choose a bread that can hold the weight of the toppings without becoming soggy.
Making Homemade Marinara Sauce
For an even more personalized meal, try making your own marinara sauce at home. Homemade marinara sauce is often fresher and more flavorful than store-bought varieties. Simply sauté garlic and onions, add crushed tomatoes, and simmer with herbs like basil and oregano for a delicious, homemade sauce. This allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
French Bread Pizza Boats for Special Diets
French bread pizza boats can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs. For those on a gluten-free diet, gluten-free bread can be used as the base. Dairy-free and vegan options are also available, with plant-based cheese and non-dairy toppings like vegan pepperoni or mushrooms. Additionally, for those looking to reduce their carb intake, cauliflower crusts or low-carb bread alternatives work as excellent substitutes.
Using Leftovers in Your French Bread Pizza Boats
French Bread Pizza Boats are a great way to use up leftovers. You can add any leftover meats, vegetables, or cheeses to the pizza. This is an excellent option for reducing food waste and creating a meal that is both flavorful and resourceful. For instance, leftover cooked chicken can be added for a protein boost, or extra veggies from a previous dinner can be tossed on top.
Preparing French Bread Pizza Boats in Advance
If you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing meals for the week, French Bread Pizza Boats can be made ahead of time. After assembling the pizzas, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes it easy to prepare a large batch and bake them quickly when needed. Just make sure to bake them at a slightly lower temperature for longer if they are chilled.
Perfect Pairings for French Bread Pizza Boats
French bread pizza boats pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect balance to the richness of the pizza. Garlic bread or a bowl of pasta can also complement the meal, making it more substantial. If you want to stick to a lighter meal, a fresh fruit salad or roasted vegetables would be excellent choices.
Why Kids Love French Bread Pizza Boats
French Bread Pizza Boats are a hit with kids due to their fun, handheld nature and the ability to customize toppings. Children enjoy the process of choosing their favorite ingredients, making them feel like they’re part of the cooking process. The individual servings make it easier for kids to eat, and the pizza boats can be made to suit their taste preferences, ensuring everyone is happy.
French Bread Pizza Boats for Game Day
If you’re looking for a fun and easy snack for a game day or party, French Bread Pizza Boats are a perfect choice. Their individual servings are ideal for guests to grab and go, and they can be served alongside chips, dips, or finger foods. You can even offer a variety of toppings so everyone can create their own personalized pizza boat.
How to Make the Crust Extra Crispy
If you love a crispy crust, there are a few tricks to achieving the perfect crunch. One method is to toast the bread before adding the sauce and toppings. Simply place the bread under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the exterior. Another way is to bake the pizza boats for a few extra minutes to achieve the desired level of crispiness.
French Bread Pizza Boats for Meal Prep
For busy individuals, French Bread Pizza Boats make an excellent meal prep option. Assemble the pizzas and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. They can be baked in the oven when needed, making them a convenient and satisfying meal during the week. You can also freeze the pizzas before baking them and heat them up later for a quick, homemade dinner.
Using Different Types of Cheese
Cheese is one of the main components of French Bread Pizza Boats, and choosing the right type can significantly impact the flavor. While mozzarella is the classic choice, there are many other cheeses that work well. Provolone adds a smoky flavor, while cheddar offers a sharper taste. For a more gourmet touch, try using goat cheese, ricotta, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Making French Bread Pizza Boats for Parties
For parties, French Bread Pizza Boats can be made into mini versions for easy serving. Simply slice the bread into smaller portions and load them up with your favorite toppings. This makes them perfect for parties or gatherings where guests can easily grab a bite. The variety of toppings will keep everyone satisfied, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
Baking Tips for Perfect Pizza Boats
To ensure your French Bread Pizza Boats bake perfectly every time, keep a few tips in mind. First, preheat your oven to the right temperature to ensure even cooking. Second, avoid overloading the bread with too many toppings, as this can cause the pizza boats to become soggy. Lastly, make sure to watch the pizzas closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning the cheese.
Freezing and Reheating French Bread Pizza Boats
If you have leftovers or want to prepare French Bread Pizza Boats in advance, freezing is an excellent option. After assembling the pizza boats, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze them. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake the frozen pizzas at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until they’re hot and the cheese is melted.
French Bread Pizza Boats for Vegans and Vegetarians
French Bread Pizza Boats are incredibly versatile and can easily be made to accommodate both vegan and vegetarian diets. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat toppings and load up on veggies like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and spinach. For vegan pizza boats, use dairy-free cheese and plant-based toppings like vegan sausage or grilled vegetables.
Conclusion
French Bread Pizza Boats are a simple yet satisfying meal that can be easily customized to suit any taste. With their crunchy, toasted bread base and endless topping options, they provide a fun twist on traditional pizza. Whether you’re preparing them for a quick family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving them at a party, these pizza boats are sure to impress. They offer a great way to incorporate different ingredients and experiment with flavors, making them a versatile and enjoyable choice for all.