Pizza Bread: A Quick and Delicious Family Treat
Do you ever find yourself facing a crowd of hungry kids (and maybe a partner who’s feeling peckish too) with just a short window to satisfy their cravings? The genius pizza bread recipe from chef Michelle McGlinn is here to save the day. With a cook time of just about 22 minutes, you have a quick yet scrumptious solution that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves! It’s time to create a delicious meal that’s sure to please even the fussiest eaters.
Gather Your Ingredients
The beauty of pizza bread lies in its versatility. While McGlinn recommends a specific list, feel free to adjust it based on your family’s preferences. At its core, you’ll need a fresh baguette or loaf of French bread, a garlic clove, olive oil, tomato sauce, dried herbs, and some high-quality toppings. McGlinn uses pepperoni and fresh mozzarella, but you can easily swap out the pepperoni for veggies, like black olives and onions, or switch it up entirely with barbecue chicken.
Here’s a quick checklist of ingredients to gather:
- 1 fresh baguette or French bread
- 1 garlic clove
- Olive oil
- Tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Dried thyme
- Slices of pepperoni (or your choice of protein)
- Fresh mozzarella
- Fresh oregano and marjoram for garnish
Slice and Prep the Bread
To kick things off, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, take your loaf of French bread and slice off the rounded ends, which can be quite firm. Next, cut the loaf in half and then slice each piece down the middle, leading to four manageable sections. Place these on a baking sheet, cut side facing up.
Now, let’s create that tantalizing garlic oil! Grate or mince your garlic and mix it with some olive oil in a small bowl. Brush this fragrant oil onto each slice of bread, ensuring every bit gets a loving coat. Once that’s done, spread the tomato sauce evenly on each piece. Your kitchen should already smell fantastic!
Top Off Your Pizzas
With the foundation laid, it’s time for toppings! Start by sprinkling the dried thyme over each slice, then follow with a light dash of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Arrange your pepperoni evenly, and don’t hesitate to get creative with additional toppings you love. This is the fun part, so go wild!
Next, add fresh mozzarella. McGlinn suggests this adds a delightful freshness, but if you prefer, shredded cheese works well too. Combinations like Monterey Jack, cheddar, and mozzarella will give you that beloved melty goodness. Once your toppings are perfection, slide the baking sheet into the oven.
Bake and Broil to Crispy Perfection
Let the pizza bread bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bread has turned golden brown. If you want to elevate the crispiness, give it a quick broil. Just make sure to use foil on your baking sheet, as parchment can burn under high heat. A quick 2-minute stint under the broiler will yield an irresistible crisp top!
Once it’s hot and bubbly, sprinkle fresh oregano and marjoram over the melted cheese. Slice the pieces into smaller portions, making them perfect for serving.
Time to Serve!
Your delicious pizza bread is ready for its grand debut! Serve it hot, and watch as your family dives in with joy. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a love letter to comfort food, combining simple ingredients to create something unforgettable. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this delightful recipe is guaranteed to uplift spirits and fill hungry tummies. Enjoy it alongside a fresh salad or some crisp veggies, and your meal is complete. Now, get cooking and relish every mouthwatering bite of your homemade pizza bread—the smiles it brings are the best sauce of all!