Best French Bread Pizza (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 loaf of Italian or French bread, about 18 inches long and 4 inches wide
02 - 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, shredded fresh
03 - 14.5-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
04 - 2 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese

→ Flavoring & Base

05 - 4 garlic cloves, chopped up finely
06 - 3 tablespoons of butter, unsalted
07 - 1/4 cup of minced fresh parsley and/or basil leaves
08 - 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided into two parts
09 - Tiny pinch of red chili flakes
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - Kosher salt to season as needed

# Instructions:

01 - Set your oven rack high and preheat it to 425°F. Melt butter together with 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Toss in the garlic, chili flakes, and oregano; cook until the garlic softens without turning brown (about 2 minutes). Stir through half the herbs and some salt, then turn off the heat.
02 - Slice the bread lengthwise and then across the middle, splitting it into four pieces. Lay the bread, cut-side facing up, onto a baking pan. Press down lightly to flatten it slightly, reducing its thickness to about two-thirds. Brush on half the garlic butter mixture so it spreads evenly over the surface.
03 - Pour the crushed tomatoes into what's left of the garlic butter in the pan. Simmer it gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up. Taste and add salt as needed.
04 - While the sauce is simmering, sprinkle 1/4 of the mozzarella over the prepared bread. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 8 minutes, long enough to start melting the cheese.
05 - Spread the thickened tomato mixture over the bread, then top it with the remaining shredded mozzarella. Bake everything until the cheese is melty and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with the leftover herbs, Parmesan cheese, and drizzle the last tablespoon of olive oil on top. Cool for a few minutes, then serve.

# Notes:

01 - You’ll get a crunchy yet soft pizza-like bread packed with garlicky, cheesy goodness.
02 - Using a sturdy loaf of bread, like Italian or French, is important so it holds the toppings without getting soggy.

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