This pizza bread combines the flavors of a classic pizza with crispy bread, gooey mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Topped with a homemade slightly tangy pizza sauce, it’s perfect for a quick, flavorful meal!

Ingredients

For the Tangy Pizza Sauce:

– 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

– 1 teaspoon sugar

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried basil

– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

– Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pizza Bread:

– 1 loaf of French or Italian bread (sliced in half lengthwise)

– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

– 20–25 slices of pepperoni

– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the bread)

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, stirring to combine. Stir in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning as needed, adding more balsamic vinegar for extra tang.
5. Slice the French or Italian bread in half lengthwise. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle a little garlic powder for flavor.
6. Spoon a generous amount of the tangy pizza sauce onto each half of the bread, spreading it evenly to coat the surface.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then layer the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
8. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pepperoni and mozzarella.
9. Place the pizza bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the bread are crispy and golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired.
11. Slice the pizza bread into pieces and serve warm. Enjoy your cheesy, tangy pizza bread!