Ingredients:

  • 1 large French Baguette (approximately 240g to 300g total)
  • 8 oz (227g) Low-Moisture, Whole-Milk Mozzarella, shredded
  • 1 cup Prepared Pizza Sauce or Marinara
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 Tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette lengthwise down the center to create two open halves. Place the halves cut-side up on a large baking sheet.
  2. Brush the exposed cut sides of the baguette halves lightly with olive oil. This acts as a moisture sealant to prevent sogginess.
  3. Pre-bake the baguette halves for 5 to 7 minutes until the bread is slightly toasted and dry.
  4. Remove the bread from the oven. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface of both halves, using just enough to coat and leaving a small half-inch border along the crust edge.
  5. Sprinkle the sauce layer with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mozzarella is completely melted, bubbly, and the crust edges are golden brown and crispy.
  7. Slice each baguette half into two equal sections (yielding 4 servings total) and serve immediately.