It’s Father’s Day! Let’s celebrate all the extraordinary dads all around the world with a special recipe for French Bread Pizza. What could be better than combining two delights: crispy French bread and flavorful pizza? This delicious and creative dish is a perfect way to show your father how much you love and appreciate him. Get ready to delight his taste buds with this easy-to-make yet delicious pizza recipe. So, put on your aprons and embark on this culinary adventure with 7 Star All Purpose Flour.

Ingredients

For Bread

• 5 ½ – 6 cups 7 Star All-Purpose Wheat Flour
• 2 ¼ cups warm water 
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant or active dry yeast 
• 2 ¼ teaspoons salt 
• 2 tablespoons oil

For Pizza

• 4 tbsp. butter melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 c. marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• Pepperoni slices or a meat topping of your choice such as sausages 
• 2 tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Freshly chopped basil, for topping

How to Make

French Bread

1. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until it becomes bubbly and foamy (around 3-5 minutes) if using active dry yeast. If using instant yeast, you can proceed without waiting for the yeast to activate.
2. Add salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the mixture and mix. Gradually add 2 1/2 to 3 more cups of flour until the dough forms a soft ball that doesn’t stick too much to your fingers.
3. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth. If the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, add a little flour at a time until it forms a soft and sturdy ball.
4. Leave the dough in the mixer and cover it with a lid or towel. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then briefly mix it for about 10 seconds. Repeat this resting and mixing process five more times.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly greased surface and divide it in half. Shape each portion into a thick rectangle, roughly 9×13 inches. Roll up the dough starting from the long edge, pressing out any air bubbles, and pinch the edge to seal.
6. Place the loaves seam side down on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Use a sharp knife or bread lame to make diagonal cuts on the top of each loaf. This step is optional and can be done before or after the dough rises.
8. Cover the loaves with greased plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rise for about an hour, or until they become noticeably puffy and nearly double in size.
9. Preheat the oven to 190°C and make sure the oven rack is in the centre position. If you prefer a darker crust, you can increase the temperature to 200-220°C, and adjust the rack position accordingly. Be cautious not to burn the bread, especially the bottom.
10. Bake the loaves in the preheated oven until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. This typically takes about 25-30 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
11. Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing. 

Pizza

1. Slice the bread in half lengthwise.
2. Mix melted butter and garlic together, then brush the mixture all over the cut side of the bread.
3. Bake the bread in the oven for 10 minutes at 200°C to lightly toast it.
4. Spread marinara sauce on top of the bread.
5. Place mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes on top of the marinara sauce.
6. Bake again until the cheese is melted, which should take about 10 minutes more.
7. Remove from the oven and top with basil before serving.
8. Enjoy your delicious French bread pizza!