Description
Jamie Oliver’s pizza bread brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with rustic charm. Melted cheese, aromatic herbs, and crispy edges create a simple yet irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1 ½ cups (375 ml) shredded mozzarella
- Pepperoni slices
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup (240 ml) marinara or pizza sauce
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly grated Parmesan
Garnish:
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Freshly chopped basil, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
- Slice the bread lengthwise into two equal halves, creating a symmetrical surface for topping.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave, then infuse it with minced garlic, stirring to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Using a pastry brush, generously coat the cut sides of the bread with the garlic-infused butter, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet with the buttered sides facing upward, then transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 10 minutes until the bread edges turn golden and crisp, creating a crunchy base for the toppings.
- Remove the bread from the oven and spread marinara sauce evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Distribute pepperoni slices uniformly over the sauce, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes across the top for an added touch of heat and complexity.
- Return the topped bread to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and becomes slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, to add a vibrant, aromatic finish.
- Slice into portions and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- Timing is crucial for achieving the perfect melt without burning the bread or overcooking the cheese.
- Experiment with different cheese blends to create unique flavor combinations that tantalize your taste buds.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother spreading and more even melting.
- Opt for high-quality bread with a sturdy structure that can support multiple toppings without becoming soggy.
- Sharp cheese adds an extra punch of flavor, complementing milder ingredients beautifully.
- Fresh herbs transform a simple dish into a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
- Slice ingredients thinly to ensure even cooking and balanced bites throughout the dish.
- Preheating your cooking surface prevents soggy bottoms and promotes a crispy, golden crust.
- Don’t overload the base to maintain a balanced texture and prevent soggy results.
- Consider dietary preferences by swapping ingredients for vegetarian or gluten-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg