Summer’s HERE! And you know what that means: easy meals, minimal cleanup, and maximum fun. That’s why I’m SO excited to share my recipe for Grilled French Bread Pizza! Seriously, if you’re looking for a super quick dinner that everyone will love, this is it. I mean, who doesn’t love pizza?!
Growing up, Friday night was *always* pizza night. We’d order delivery, but sometimes, my mom would get creative. One night, she whipped up this genius Grilled French Bread Pizza, and it was a total game-changer. It was faster than waiting for delivery, and honestly? Way more delicious. The crispy, grilled bread? *Chef’s kiss!*
I’ve tweaked her recipe over the years, and trust me, it’s foolproof. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a total newbie, you can totally nail this. So ditch the takeout menu and fire up that grill! This Grilled French Bread Pizza will become your new summer staple. I promise you’ll have a blast making (and eating!) it.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled French Bread Pizza
Okay, so why is this recipe about to become your new obsession? Let me break it down for you. It’s all about speed, ease, and pure deliciousness. Seriously, what more could you want?
Quick and Easy
We’re talking from-fridge-to-table in, like, 20 minutes, tops! That’s faster than ordering takeout, and way more satisfying. Perfect for those nights when you just can’t be bothered to cook.
Customizable Toppings
This isn’t just a pizza, it’s a blank canvas! Feeling classic pepperoni? Go for it! Want to load it up with veggies? Absolutely! The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own. My favorite part is using up leftover veggies from the fridge!
Perfect for Summer Grilling
Who wants to heat up the kitchen in the summer? Not me! Grilling adds this amazing smoky flavor that you just can’t get any other way. Plus, it means you get to hang out outside while dinner cooks. Win-win!
Ingredients for Your Grilled French Bread Pizza
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You don’t need anything fancy here, which is part of what makes this Grilled French Bread Pizza so awesome. Just grab a few basics, and you’re good to go. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf French bread: Get a nice, crusty one! We’re gonna halve it lengthwise, so make sure it’s not too skinny.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce, or if you’re feeling ambitious, whip up your own!
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: I usually go for low-moisture mozzarella, but honestly, whatever you’ve got on hand works just fine.
- Toppings of your choice: This is where you get to have some fun! Pepperoni slices are always a classic, but I also love diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even some crumbled sausage.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is for brushing on the bread – it helps it get nice and crispy on the grill.
- Fresh or dry herbs: A sprinkle of oregano or basil really kicks it up a notch. I prefer fresh, but dried works in a pinch.
How to Make Grilled French Bread Pizza: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get down to business! This Grilled French Bread Pizza is seriously easy, but I’m gonna walk you through it step-by-step so you can nail it every time. Don’t worry, it’s way easier than it looks!
Prepare the Grill
First things first, preheat your grill to medium heat. You’ll want it nice and hot so the bread gets all crispy. And hey, while you’re at it, give those grates a good scrub! Nobody wants pizza with last week’s burger bits on it, yuck!
Prepare the French Bread
Now, grab your French bread and brush the cut sides with olive oil. Don’t be shy, give ’em a good coating! This helps the bread get nice and golden on the grill, and adds a little extra flavor. Yum!
Grill the Bread
Carefully place the bread on the grill, cut-side down. You’ll want to grill it for about 2-3 minutes, until it’s lightly toasted and has those beautiful grill marks. Keep an eye on it, though – nobody likes burnt bread! We’re going for golden brown perfection here.
Add Toppings
Remove the bread from the grill (careful, it’s hot!) and spread it with pizza sauce. Then, pile on that mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings! Seriously, go wild! This is your chance to get creative. Don’t be afraid to load it up!
Grill the Pizza
Now, carefully return the topped bread to the grill. Close the lid and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. OMG, it’s gonna look and smell amazing! Just be sure to keep a close watch so the bottom doesn’t burn. When the cheese is gooey and delicious, you’re good to go!
Tips for the Best Grilled French Bread Pizza
Want to take your Grilled French Bread Pizza from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my top tips for grilling perfection:
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: Give your pizzas some breathing room! If you cram too many on there, they won’t cook evenly.
- Use a pizza stone (if you have one!): This helps distribute the heat and prevents the bottom of the bread from burning. If you don’t have one, no biggie – just keep a close eye on it!
- Watch carefully to prevent burning: Grills can be tricky! Keep a close watch on your pizza and adjust the heat as needed. Burnt pizza is sad pizza.
- Consider using a thermometer: If you’re serious about grilling, a grill thermometer is your best friend! It helps you maintain a consistent temperature for perfect results every time.
Grilled French Bread Pizza Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Grilled French Bread Pizza. Now what? Time to get adventurous! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s SO easy to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Sauce swap: Ditch the pizza sauce and try pesto for a fresh, herby twist. Or, go BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor. Yum!
- Cheese, please!: Mozzarella is great, but why stop there? Try cheddar for a sharper flavor, or provolone for a creamy, melty experience.
- Meat mania: Sausage and bacon are always a good idea. Just sayin’.
- Veggie overload: Onions, olives, bell peppers…the possibilities are endless! Load up your pizza with all your favorite veggies.
Serving Suggestions for Grilled French Bread Pizza
So, your Grilled French Bread Pizza is hot off the grill and looking gorgeous. What do you serve with it? Honestly, it’s pretty great on its own, but if you wanna make it a full-on meal, here are a few ideas. A simple side salad is always a winner. Or, how about some garlic bread? Who can say no to more bread?! If you’re having a party, throw out some appetizers like mozzarella sticks or some Caprese skewers. Simple and yummy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled French Bread Pizza
Got questions about making the perfect Grilled French Bread Pizza? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked:
Can I use a different type of bread?
Sure! French bread is my go-to, but a baguette or even some thick slices of Italian bread would work great too. Just adjust the grilling time as needed, since different breads will toast at different rates.
Can I bake this in the oven?
Absolutely! If the weather’s not cooperating, or you just don’t feel like firing up the grill, you can totally bake this in the oven. Just preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Ah, the million-dollar question! The key is to keep a close eye on it and adjust the heat as needed. If your grill is running super hot, you might want to move the pizza to a cooler part of the grill, or even turn the heat down a bit. A pizza stone can also help prevent burning.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You *can*, but I usually prefer to shred my own mozzarella. It melts a little better, and it doesn’t have any of those anti-caking agents that some pre-shredded cheeses have. But hey, if you’re short on time, pre-shredded is totally fine!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutrition info, right? Well, here’s the deal: it’s tough to give exact numbers since toppings vary *so* much. But, roughly, you’re looking at around 350 calories, 15g of fat, 15g of protein, and 40g of carbs per slice. Keep in mind these are estimates based on the ingredients I listed!
Enjoy Your Grilled French Bread Pizza!
There you have it! My super easy Grilled French Bread Pizza recipe. I hope you love it as much as my family does! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And hey, snap a pic and share it on social media! I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy grilling!
Print
Disgustingly Easy Grilled French Bread Pizza in 20 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy grilled French bread pizza for a simple meal.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, vegetables, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Brush cut sides of French bread with olive oil.
- Grill bread, cut-side down, for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Remove bread from grill and spread with pizza sauce.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings.
- Return to grill, close lid, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from grill, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Customize toppings to your preference.
- Use a pizza stone on the grill for even heating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
