Deep-Dish French Bread Pizza

Just like your average American family, my family loves pizza.  But I am going to let you in on a secret...that is not really a secret:  take-out pizza can get 1) boring, 2) expensive, and 3) detrimental to your wardrobe.

The great thing about pizza is that it is easy (at least the take-out kind), and a great option for long days where cooking dinner just doesn't sound so great.  This argument seemingly nixes my suggested alternative: Homemade Pizza.  But wait, not so fast.  Homemade pizza can be easy!  It is called French Bread Pizza.  You know those sandwich rolls you have in your cupboard?  Cut them in half, spread some pizza sauce on them, sprinkle cheese and toppings, and bake them.  Easy as making a sandwich!

Now, this option is great for the kids who only like one or two toppings on their pizza, but if you are anything like me, you love the combination of flavors multiple toppings provide.  With French Bread Pizza, multiple toppings can be tough.  They usually fall off, and that can get frustrating.  Well, I found a solution to all of your problems (at least as they pertain to French Bread Pizza).  It is called Deep Dish French Bread Pizza.  The process is just a couple more steps, but it takes virtually no time at all.

Instead of cutting the Roll in half, just cut the top 1/2" off.  Using a small serrated knife (i.e. steak knife) cut around the inside of the roll to loosen it up.

Hollow out the roll, leaving about 1/4" - 1/2" rim and crust all around.

Add the pizza sauce all the way around the edges, not just on the bottom.  This will add to the flavor greatly!

And then we layer!  Cheese, toppings, more cheese.  I even sprinkle garlic spread on top of mine to give it a bit of a kick!

Bake on 400°F for 8 minutes, or until it reaches your desired crunchiness.

So now your only argument is that your local pizza joint needs your business.  It is a fact, the take-out pizza industry is thriving.  It does NOT need your business.  Don't think you are supporting it with your weekly (or bi-weekly) purchase.  There!  I have now released you from your dependency on take-out pizza.  That is not to say you can't enjoy take-out from time to time, I do like Papa Murphy's, but that is a treat, not a regular meal!