Whole Grain French Bread Pizza

This Italian-American dinner recipe combines authentic flavors with modern cooking techniques. Ready in 25 minutes, serves 4 people. Serve hot alongside a large mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or roasted asparagus spears.

Cuisine: Italian-American Type: Dinner Time: 25 min Servings: 4 Calories: 482 per serving
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Nutrition Information

Each serving contains approximately 482 calories and 31.25g of protein. Macronutrients include 52.25g carbohydrates and 16.25g fats per serving.

Per Serving

Calories
482
Protein
31.25g
Carbohydrates
52.25g
Fats
16.25g

Total

Calories
1930
Protein
125.0g
Carbohydrates
209.0g
Fats
65.0g

Ingredients

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This recipe requires 8 ingredients. All ingredients are commonly available at grocery stores.

  • 1.0 whole Whole Wheat French Bread
    large loaf, cut in half lengthwise
  • 1.0 cup No Sugar Added Marinara Sauce
    low sodium, spread evenly
  • 8.0 oz Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
    shredded (approx. 2 cups)
  • 4.0 oz Turkey Pepperoni
    nitrate-free, lower sodium
  • 2.0 cups Fresh Baby Spinach
    finely minced (to mix into sauce)
  • 1.0 whole Red Bell Pepper
    cored and diced small
  • 1.0 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
    salt-free blend
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
    thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

Follow these 5 steps to prepare this dish. Each step includes detailed instructions for best results.

1. Mise en Place & Equipment Setup

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and ensure a rack is in the center position
  2. Gather equipment: large baking sheet, cutting board, chef's knife, mixing bowl, and measuring spoons
  3. Remove 1 cup No Sugar Added Marinara Sauce (240ml), 8 oz Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese (225g), and 4 oz Turkey Pepperoni (115g) from the refrigerator
  4. Wash 1 Red Bell Pepper (150g), 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach (60g), and 0.25 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (10g) under cold water and pat dry
  5. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup

2. Ingredient Preparation

  1. Core the red bell pepper and dice it into small 1/4 inch (0.6cm) pieces
  2. Finely mince the fresh baby spinach leaves to ensure they blend well into the sauce
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, minced spinach, and 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning (2g); stir until uniform
  4. Slice the 1 Whole Wheat French Bread loaf (350g) in half lengthwise carefully if not pre-sliced
  5. Stack the fresh basil leaves, roll them tightly, and slice thinly (chiffonade) for the final garnish

3. Crisp the Bread Base

  1. Place the bread halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet
  2. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven
  3. Bake the empty bread for a short duration to lightly toast the surface and prevent sogginess
  4. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and place on a heat-safe surface

4. Assemble the Pizzas

  1. Spread the spinach-infused marinara sauce evenly over the cut surfaces of both bread halves, going all the way to the edges
  2. Distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce
  3. Arrange the turkey pepperoni slices across the cheese layer
  4. Sprinkle the diced red bell pepper over the top

5. Bake and Serve

  1. Return the assembled French bread pizzas to the oven
  2. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on the edges
  3. Remove from oven and let the pizza cool slightly on the baking sheet to set the cheese
  4. Garnish with the reserved fresh basil ribbons

Plating

  1. Transfer the hot French bread pizza to a large wooden cutting board and let it rest for 2-3 minutes; this allows the cheese to set slightly so it stays on the bread during slicing.
  2. Using a sharp serrated bread knife, slice the bread on a 45-degree diagonal bias into 2-inch wide strips. This angled cut increases the surface area and creates a more elegant, restaurant-style appearance.
  3. Arrange the slices on a warmed serving platter or rustic wooden board, slightly overlapping the pieces to create height and showcase the colorful peppers and melted mozzarella.
  4. Scatter the fresh, thinly sliced basil generously over the top immediately before serving. The residual heat will release the herb's essential oils, providing a fresh aroma and a vibrant green contrast against the red sauce.

Family Beverage

Sparkling water with fresh cucumber slices and mint sprigs

Alcohol Beverage

Medium-bodied Chianti or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot alongside a large mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or roasted asparagus spears.

Notes

Pre-baking the bread for a few minutes before adding toppings ensures a crispy crust. Fresh basil leaves added immediately after baking provide a burst of fresh flavor. Finely chopped spinach or kale can be mixed into the sauce for extra vitamins without altering the taste significantly.

Storage

Allow the pizza to cool completely to room temperature to prevent condensation from making the bread soggy. Wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil or place them in a single layer in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To restore the crust's crispness, reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or toaster oven for 5-8 minutes; avoid microwaving as it will soften the texture.

Freezing

For meal prep, wrap cooled individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place wrapped slices in a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the center is hot.

Dietary Information

Allergen information: This recipe contains or may contain the following allergens: wheat, gluten, milk, dairy. Always check ingredient labels if you have severe allergies.

Dietary considerations: Consult the nutrition information above for detailed macronutrient breakdown. This recipe can be modified to accommodate various dietary preferences.

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