SERVES 4 to 6
TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes
For crisp (but not tough) crust, use soft supermarket French bread rather than a baguette. For the pizza sauce, consider using our No-Cook Pizza Sauce.
|
2 |
ounces sliced pepperoni |
|
6 |
tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil |
|
4 |
garlic cloves, minced |
|
⅛ |
teaspoon red pepper flakes |
|
1 |
(24-inch) loaf French bread, cut into 4 equal lengths and halved lengthwise |
|
1 |
ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup) |
|
1½ |
cups pizza sauce |
|
¼ |
cup chopped fresh basil |
|
8 |
ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups) |
1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 475 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Arrange pepperoni between double layers of coffee filters on plate and microwave until fat begins to render, about 30 seconds; set aside. Microwave oil, garlic, and pepper flakes in bowl until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds.
3. Brush half of garlic oil over crust side of bread, then arrange cut side up on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake until cheese begins to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Combine pizza sauce, basil, and remaining garlic oil, then spread on top of melted Parmesan. Sprinkle with mozzarella and top with pepperoni. Bake until cheese is melted and spotty brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve.