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–+ servings
Two Monster French Bread Pizzas topped with melted cheese, pepperoni, and herbs on a wooden board.

Monster French Bread Pizza

Transform a simple loaf of French bread into a spooky and satisfying Halloween treat. This easy recipe is perfect for busy parents and creative home cooks looking for festive, crowd-pleasing fun without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Sauce Simmer Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 pizzas
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pepperoni Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 ounces minced or grated pepperoni plus about half a stick very thinly sliced pepperoni
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped or grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon granulated onion
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1 14-ounce can diced or crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • A few leaves basil torn
For the Cheese Blend
  • 1.5 cups shredded brick mozzarella cheese
  • 1.5 cups shredded red pepper flake pecorino cheese
To Serve
  • 1 loaf French bread
  • To pass Finely chopped fresh parsley, granulated garlic, red pepper and dried oregano like at the pizzeria!

Equipment

  • Saucepot
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Bowl

Method
 

  1. For the sauce, heat olive oil over medium heat in a small saucepot. Melt the grated or minced pepperoni into it. Add garlic and swirl for a minute. Add red pepper flakes, oregano, onion, and parsley. Swirl. Add tomatoes, sauce, and basil. Bring to a bubble and thicken over low simmer for 15 minutes.
  2. For the cheese blend, combine cheeses in a bowl.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400°F with the rack positioned above center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the 4 planks of French bread on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly toast the bread for 4 to 5 minutes.
  4. Top the toasted bread evenly with the sauce and cheese blend. Arrange the thinly sliced pepperoni among the cheesy topping. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes more, until the pizza is browned and bubbly.
  5. Top with fresh parsley and pass the additional toppings at the table.

Notes

This recipe was inspired by a Halloween movie marathon with family, where simple ingredients were transformed into fun monster faces. It's a tradition that brings smiles and laughter every year.

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