French bread filled with ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs, topped with marinara and cheese for a satisfying baked dish.
# Components:
→ Bread Component
01 - 1 large French baguette
→ Ricotta Cheese Blend
02 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
03 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
04 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 clove garlic, minced
07 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnishes and Sauce
10 - 1 cup marinara sauce
11 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
→ Optional Additions
14 - Sliced black olives
15 - Sliced mushrooms
16 - Pepperoni
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Slice the French baguette in half lengthwise. Carefully hollow out a portion of the soft interior of each half, creating a shallow well while maintaining approximately a 1/2-inch crust. Reserve the removed bread for other uses or discard.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until a smooth and homogenous blend is achieved.
04 - Evenly distribute the prepared ricotta mixture into the hollowed-out sections of the baguette halves.
05 - Spoon the marinara sauce over the ricotta filling, ensuring even coverage across the surface.
06 - Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the marinara sauce. Add any desired optional toppings, such as olives, mushrooms, or pepperoni (omit if preparing a vegetarian version). Finish with dried oregano.
07 - Place the assembled baguette halves onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, and the bread edges achieve a golden-brown hue.
08 - Remove the French bread pizzas from the oven. Allow them to cool for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
