We have to assume that we have more pizza choices than your average family. There’s all the chains that deliver, but also plenty of local family establishments–some of which are nationally acclaimed. And yet we still dread the idea of another Friday night with expectations of the usual pizza delivery. It doesn’t even matter that we can order the antipasto plate. We know that we’re supposed to enjoy the evening away from the kitchen, but we want some variety–and something a little more elaborate than just throwing pizza sauce on an English muffin. So we did our research, and proudly present the glory of the French Bread Pizza Dippers… [photo via cbsop]
Ingredients
1 loaf of French bread
1 can or jar of pizza or pasta sauce
2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (or any kind of shredded cheese)
Pepperoni (or another favorite pizza topping)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Slice the French bread down the middle as if you were making a huge sub sandwich. Place the two halves (cut side up) on a cookie sheet or baking pan.
Spread each half with a thin layer of pizza sauce, but not too much. You don’t want mushy dippers that you’ll have to eat with a fork!
Place the pepperoni (or other toppings) on top of the pizza sauce. Stick to just one topping, as more than one would probably be too much for pizza “sticks.”
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of your unbaked “pizza” and leave a little hanging off the edges.
Bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown, about 25 minutes.
Remove the French bread pizza halves from the oven, and then wait until they are cool enough to cut, about 10 minutes.
While they are cooling, microwave the remaining pizza sauce in a glass measuring cup with a spout.
Cut across the pizzas to make sticks about an inch or so wide and transfer them to a basket or to plates.
Stir and pour the pizza sauce into coffee cups for easy dipping.
Enjoy!
French Bread Pizza Dippers are fun for kids and adults alike! You can also use more toppings, cut these pizzas into bigger pieces, and have French bread pizza for dinner. Try buffalo sauce or ranch dressing as additional dipping sauces. Go ahead and indulge–and don’t be surprised if you end up cooking more on another Friday night.
