French Bread Pizza

Recipe From: Cook’s Country Magazine
Adapted By: Tammy Ammon
Serves: 6

• 6 tbsps. extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tsps. dried basil
• 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• pizza toppings, e.g. pepperoni
  

1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and preheat oven to 475 degrees.
2. Microwave oil, garlic, 1 tsp. basil, and pepper flakes on high power in small microwave-safe bowl until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds.
3. Brush half of oil mixture over crust and edges of bread and arrange cut-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle Parmesan evenly over bread and bake until cheese begins to brown, about 3 minutes.
4. Whisk pizza sauce, remaining basil, and remaining oil mixture in bowl. Spread sauce evenly over bread, then top with mozzarella and pizza toppings.
5. Bake until cheese is spotty brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Cut into individual pieces and serve immediately.