Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice each French bread loaf in half lengthwise to create 4 long pizza bases and arrange them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the spicy garlic butter by combining softened butter with minced garlic and red chili flakes in a small bowl, mashing with a fork until evenly blended. Spread the garlic butter evenly across each piece of bread, reaching all the way to the edges.
- Toast the buttered bread in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the butter is bubbling. Remove from oven when you smell toasted garlic and the surface feels dry to the touch.
- Sprinkle freshly grated mozzarella evenly across the toasted bread halves, then layer pepperoni slices on top. Season with Italian seasoning and additional red chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- Return to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and showing golden-brown spots on top. The pepperoni edges should curl slightly and release their oils.
- Pull the pizzas from the oven and immediately drizzle hot honey across the surface in a back-and-forth pattern while the cheese is still bubbling. Use 1-2 tablespoons per bread half depending on desired sweetness.
- Let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly, then slice each bread half into 3-4 pieces and serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition
Notes
Freshly grated mozzarella melts far superior to pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For best results, buy a block of low-moisture mozzarella and grate it just before using. The spicy garlic butter creates a moisture barrier that prevents the bread from getting soggy, so don't skip the initial toasting step. Apply hot honey immediately after removing from the oven so the residual heat helps it spread and integrate with the cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.