French Bread Pizza

By mrboyton

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 (24-inch) loaf French bread, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 8 even pieces
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup pizza sauce (see note)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation

Step 1

1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 475 degrees. Microwave oil, garlic, 2 tablespoons basil, and pepper flakes on high power in small microwave-safe bowl until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds.

2. Brush half of oil mixture over crust and edges of bread and arrange cut-side up on foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle Parmesan evenly over bread and bake until cheese begins to brown, about 3 minutes.

3. Whisk pizza sauce, remaining basil, and remaining oil mixture in bowl. Spread sauce evenly over bread, then top with mozzarella. Bake until cheese is melted and spotty brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Serve.