Pizza Boats

This pizza is SO DANG GOOD and easy to make... as long as you start pre-heating your oven ahead of time. It's also cheap considering the amount it makes. I absolutely loved it and will make it again and again. This recipe comes from Cook's Country... a highly recommended magazine.


French Bread Pizza
Serves 4 to 6

Contadina brand pizza sauce is the test kitchen's favorite. For crisp (but not tough) crust, use soft supermarket French bread rather than a baguette.

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

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.