What To Know
- Instead of using a round pizza crust, it features a crisp and chewy French bread baguette as the base.
- It is possible that it was inspired by the popularity of French bread during that time, as well as the desire for a quick and portable pizza option.
- French bread pizza uses a French bread baguette as the crust, while traditional pizza uses a round dough crust.
French bread pizza, also known as “pizza francese” or “pizza alla francese,” is a unique and delicious variation of traditional pizza. Instead of using a round pizza crust, it features a crisp and chewy French bread baguette as the base. Topped with your favorite pizza ingredients, such as sauce, cheese, and toppings, it’s a quick and easy meal that combines the best of both worlds.
History and Origin
The exact origins of French bread pizza are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. It is possible that it was inspired by the popularity of French bread during that time, as well as the desire for a quick and portable pizza option.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for French bread pizza are:
- French bread baguette: A long, narrow loaf of French bread with a crispy crust and chewy interior.
- Pizza sauce: A flavorful tomato sauce made with tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
- Cheese: Typically mozzarella or a blend of cheeses, such as Parmesan or cheddar.
- Toppings: Any desired pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, or olives.
How to Make French Bread Pizza
Making French bread pizza is a simple and straightforward process:
1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Slice baguette: Cut the French bread baguette in half lengthwise.
3. Spread sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the cut side of the baguette.
4. Add cheese: Sprinkle the desired amount of cheese over the sauce.
5. Add toppings: Arrange your favorite pizza toppings on top of the cheese.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Variations
There are endless variations of French bread pizza, allowing you to customize it to your taste:
- Different breads: Use different types of bread, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or Italian bread.
- Sauces: Experiment with different sauces, such as white sauce, pesto, or barbecue sauce.
- Cheeses: Use different types of cheeses, such as ricotta, goat cheese, or feta.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings, such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or fruit.
Serving Suggestions
French bread pizza can be served as an appetizer, main course, or snack. It pairs well with:
- Salads: A fresh green salad or Caesar salad.
- Soups: A warm bowl of tomato soup or minestrone.
- Drinks: A glass of wine, beer, or soda.
Health Benefits
While French bread pizza is not a health food, it does offer some nutritional benefits:
- Carbohydrates: The French bread base provides carbohydrates for energy.
- Protein: The cheese and toppings provide protein for muscle building.
- Vitamins and minerals: The vegetables and herbs in the sauce and toppings provide vitamins and minerals.
French Bread Pizza vs. Traditional Pizza
French bread pizza differs from traditional pizza in several ways:
- Crust: French bread pizza uses a French bread baguette as the crust, while traditional pizza uses a round dough crust.
- Shape: French bread pizza is typically rectangular or oval, while traditional pizza is round.
- Thickness: French bread pizza is generally thicker than traditional pizza.
- Cooking time: French bread pizza cooks more quickly than traditional pizza due to its thinner crust.
Recommendations: Elevate Your Pizza Experience
French bread pizza is a delightful and versatile dish that offers a unique twist on the classic pizza. With its crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and endless topping possibilities, it’s a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a simple appetizer or a hearty main course, French bread pizza is sure to impress.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: What is the best type of French bread to use for French bread pizza?
A: A classic French bread baguette with a crispy crust and chewy interior is ideal.
Q: Can I use other types of bread for French bread pizza?
A: Yes, you can use different types of bread, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or Italian bread.
Q: What is the best way to spread the pizza sauce on the French bread?
A: Use a spoon or brush to spread the sauce evenly over the cut side of the baguette.
Q: How long should I bake the French bread pizza?
A: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Q: Can I add other toppings to my French bread pizza?
A: Yes, you can add any desired pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, or olives.
