Pizza Boats With Pepperoni

If you’re like me, some nights call for a meal that’s equal parts cozy, quick, and crowd-pleasing. That’s exactly where these Pizza Boats with Pepperoni come in. Think of them as the ultimate mashup of garlic bread and pizza—gooey cheese, zesty sauce, crispy edges, and of course, a generous scattering of pepperoni. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school, planning a casual game-night snack, or just craving something indulgent without the fuss of making dough from scratch, these pizza boats are a lifesaver.

I first made these during a busy week when dinner needed to hit the table fast but still feel like a treat. My family devoured them in minutes, and now they’ve become a go-to recipe. There’s something so comforting about pulling a tray of golden, cheesy bread out of the oven, slicing into it, and seeing the strings of mozzarella stretch gloriously. It’s nostalgia wrapped in modern simplicity.

In this article, I’ll walk you through every detail—how to prepare the perfect base, tips for maximizing flavor, and even fun variations for when you want to mix it up. These aren’t just tasty; they’re customizable, making them one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients

• 1 large loaf of French bread (cut in half lengthwise)
• 1 ½ cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 package sliced pepperoni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the bread base. Slice your French bread in half lengthwise, creating two long “boats.” Place them cut-side up on the baking sheet.
3. Brush with oil. Drizzle olive oil lightly over the bread, then sprinkle with garlic powder for extra flavor.
4. Add the sauce. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over each bread half, making sure to go right to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
5. Cheese layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the sauce.
6. Top with pepperoni. Arrange pepperoni slices evenly across the bread, adding more or less depending on your preference.
7. Sprinkle extras. Add Parmesan cheese and dried oregano over the top for that classic pizzeria taste.
8. Bake. Place in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
9. Garnish. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
10. Slice and serve. Cut into portions and enjoy immediately while the cheese is hot and stretchy.

Why You’ll Love These Pizza Boats

• Fast and Easy: No dough-making required—French bread makes the perfect shortcut.
• Customizable: Swap pepperoni for veggies, sausage, or even a white pizza topping with ricotta and spinach.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them, and you can even set up a “pizza bar” so everyone customizes their own half.
• Perfect for Parties: Slice them into smaller portions, and you’ve got an irresistible appetizer for gatherings.

Pizza Boats With Pepperoni

Cheesy French bread pizza boats topped with zesty sauce, melty mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni for the ultimate quick and easy meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 slices

Course: Dinner, Snack

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 loaf French bread cut lengthwise
• 1.5 cups pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 package pepperoni slices
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• fresh basil or parsley optional garnish

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Mixing spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice French bread loaf lengthwise and place on baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder.
4. Spread pizza sauce evenly over bread halves.
5. Top with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices.
6. Sprinkle with dried oregano for flavor.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Remove, cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and slice to serve.

Notes

For extra crispiness, pre-toast the bread for 3–4 minutes before adding sauce and toppings.

Variations to Try

• Veggie Lovers: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, and red onions.
• Meat Feast: Combine pepperoni with sausage crumbles, bacon bits, or ham.
• BBQ Chicken Twist: Use barbecue sauce instead of pizza sauce, top with shredded chicken, mozzarella, and red onion.
• Caprese Style: Add fresh tomato slices, mozzarella, and drizzle with balsamic glaze after baking.

Tips for Success

• Use day-old bread for sturdier boats that hold toppings better.
• Toast the bread for 3–4 minutes before adding sauce if you like a crispier crust.
• Always slice with a sharp serrated knife after baking to keep the toppings intact.
• Leftovers? Wrap them in foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Bringing It All Together

There’s something almost magical about the simplicity of these Pizza Boats with Pepperoni. They bring together everything we love about pizza—cheese, sauce, toppings—on a crisp, chewy base that’s ready in minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that works equally well for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend movie-night snack, or even a fun appetizer for guests.

So next time you’re tempted to order takeout, grab a loaf of French bread instead. With just a handful of pantry staples and 20 minutes, you can create a dish that’s warm, cheesy, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile.