Italian Bread Pizza

This satisfying, cheesy pizza substitute calls for a large loaf of crispy Italian bread, fresh Parmesan, crushed tomatoes and Italian seasonings like oregano, garlic and olive oil. It’s crisp and saucy, just like a pizza should be.

source	Tuttorosso Tomatoes
categories	appetizer, bread
yield	Serves 6
prep time	15 mins
total time	45 mins

INGREDIENTS

3 Tbsp butter

4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

½ tsp dried oregano

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, or basil or a mix of both

1 tsp kosher salt

1 loaf Italian bread, split in half lengthwise and crossways or focaccia or Naan bread

1 (28 oz) can Tuttorosso® Crushed Tomatoes with basil

2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425o F. Heat butter and 3 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until butter is melted. Add garlic, pepper flakes and oregano; continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until garlic is softened but not browned, about 2 minutes. Stir in half of parsley and salt. Remove from heat.

2. Place bread, cut side up, on a rimmed baking sheet. Press down on bread evenly until compressed to about 2/3rds of original height. Brush half of garlic/butter/oil mixture evenly over the surface of the bread, making sure to get bits of garlic and seasoning on each piece.

3. Add crushed tomatoes to the remaining garlic/butter/oil mixture in a small pan; stir to combine. Increase heat to medium until it boils, then reduce to simmer.Cook until reduced, about 15 minutes. Spread sauce evenly over bread.

4. Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella evenly over surface of bread and return to oven for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and remaining parsley. Allow to cool slightly and serve.