Baguette pizzas are a fun twist on the classic pizza! Just take a crispy baguette, split it open, and load it up with your favorite toppings like cheese, pepperoni, and veggies.
It’s like having mini pizzas that are super easy to make. I could eat these for lunch every day—a perfect way to use up leftover ingredients too! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A crusty baguette provides the perfect base for these pizzas. If you can’t find a baguette, any crusty bread like ciabatta or focaccia can work well.
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza sauce for convenience. If you prefer homemade, simply blend canned tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and your favorite Italian herbs.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice for that melty goodness. If you want a twist, try using provolone or even a dairy-free cheese if you have dietary needs.
Goat Cheese: This adds creaminess and tang. If you’re not a fan, feta cheese serves as a suitable substitute, or you could leave it out entirely.
Chicken & Pepperoni: Cooked chicken is optional! If you want a vegetarian option, skip the meats or consider adding veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Caramelized Onions: They bring a sweet flavor to the pizza. If you’re short on time, you can use raw onions for a bite or skip them altogether.
How Do I Perfectly Caramelize Onions for My Pizza?
Caramelized onions can elevate your baguette pizzas with their sweet, rich flavor. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Use yellow or sweet onions for the best results. Slice them thinly.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter.
- Once hot, add the onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally.
- Cook for about 20-30 minutes until they are golden brown. Low and slow is the key!
- If they start to stick, add a splash of water to the pan.
After making these, you’ll find they add a lovely depth to your pizza flavors. Enjoy the process!
How to Make Baguette Pizzas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Baguette Pizza:
- 1 large baguette, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and shredded chicken (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions
- 1/4 cup pickled banana peppers (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to bake, making the total time around 25 minutes. This includes cutting the baguette, spreading the sauce, and layering delicious toppings before baking your pizzas to cheesy perfection. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important, so your baguette pizzas bake evenly and get that perfectly melted cheese!
2. Prepare the Baguette:
Place the halved baguette on a baking sheet with the cut sides facing up. This will be your canvas for the tasty toppings. Drizzle a little olive oil over the cut sides and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper to add flavor.
3. Spread the Pizza Sauce:
Now, spread a nice, thick layer of pizza sauce evenly over each half of the baguette. Don’t be shy—this is where the flavor begins!
4. Add Toppings to the First Half:
On one half of the baguette, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, add the caramelized onions and crumbled goat cheese on top of the mozzarella. This combination is delicious!
5. Add Toppings to the Second Half:
On the other half of the baguette, top it with the remaining mozzarella cheese. If you’re using chicken, sprinkle it over the cheese, followed by the sliced pepperoni. If you like a little spice, add some pickled banana peppers to this half too!
6. Time to Bake:
It’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 12-15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt, bubble, and turn slightly golden.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When your baguette pizzas are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Slice into pieces and enjoy your warm, cheesy baguette pizzas!
Can I Use Another Type of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While a baguette works great for its crisp texture, you can substitute with any crusty bread, such as ciabatta, French rolls, or even pita bread. Just adjust the baking time if you’re using a thinner bread to prevent burning.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make the baguette pizzas vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and pepperoni. You can further enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Feel free to load up on toppings that you love!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover baguette pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the bread crispy and cheese melted.
Can I Make These Baguette Pizzas Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the baguette with sauce and toppings ahead of time! Assemble the pizzas without baking, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to eat, just pop them in the oven to bake as instructed!
