Pizza Boats are french bread pizzas, but so much better than the frozen variety. So quick to make with your favorite pizza toppings.
If you like this recipe, check out my Pizza Dip (made for the slow cooker) next!
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These boat-shaped pizzas are one of the easiest ways to answer the question, “What’s for dinner?” I always like the idea of a french bread pizza. But to be honest the frozen brands always disappoint. They’re dry and not much flavor. But these fun pizza boats are a perfect meal when you don’t feel like actually cooking.
They are freshly baked and customized with your favorite pizza flavors. The bread replaces pizza dough. They are quick and easy for a busy night. My own twist on pizza boats is to add extra protein. Keep scrolling or click that button at the top to get the free, printable recipe card at the bottom!
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Ingredients for pizza boats
- Italian Bread – Go to your grocer’s bakery and find a freshly baked boat-shaped loaf of bread. I liked the look of this Italian bread. Or you could use french bread, hoagie rolls or even burger bun halves.
- Ground Turkey – My twist on these pizza boats is to add some extra protein. 99% fat-free ground turkey added to the sauce adds flavor and makes this a really satisfying dinner that will keep your hungry family full.
- Pasta Sauce – Use your favorite brand of tomato sauce for this recipe.
- Italian Seasoning – Added to the sauce for more flavor.
- Pepperoni – I used turkey pepperoni to save on a few calories. But you can use regular pepperoni or mini pepperoni slices if you prefer.
- Pizza Cheese – Freshly shredded mozzarella or provolone are great. But the easy and convenient option is to use a shredded pizza cheese mixture.
- Olive Oil – Add a little to the ground turkey as it is cooking. This is optional.
- Salt
- Variations – You can top these pizza boats with your favorite toppings. Sausage, ground beef, olives, bell pepper, red onion, mushrooms, etc… You can also add a couple of fresh garlic cloves to the sauce.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Slice the bread in half. Use a large spoon to scoop a bit of the insides out and tamp down the center. This way you can fill it with a little more sauce and toppings and have kind of crust around the edge.
In a large skillet, cook the turkey, add the Italian seasoning, salt and pasta sauce. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes. Top each pizza boat half with a cup of the sauce. Sprinkle the top of each half with one cup of cheese. Layer the pepperoni on top of the cheese. Top with any additional toppings. Bake for 10-12 minutes on the prepared baking sheet. Top with a sprinkling of parm or fresh herbs if desired. Slice and serve with extra sauce for dipping.
Pro tips
- You’ll have some extra sauce leftover. Save it for another smaller meal over pasta for one or two people. Use it as dipping sauce for Air Fryer Ravioli or mozzarella sticks. Or serve it over a baked potato.
- Make pizza boats in whatever flavor combination you like! Top the bread with barbecue sauce, rotisserie chicken or leftover pulled pork. Or try Alfredo sauce topped with marinated artichoke hearts and frozen chopped spinach.
Serving suggestions
Pizza boats make for an easy lunch or easy suppers. They could even be cut into smaller slices for an easy app on game days. Set out some cut veggies and dip with your pizza boats. Fresh fruit like grapes or orange sections. Or make one of my salads to go with it –
Storage directions
Store any leftover pizza boat slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed in a zippered plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Kitchen tools
- I cooked the turkey and sauce in a nonstick pan with glass lid
- These are the sheet pans I use in my kitchen
- Use a sharp, heavy knife to slice the pizza boats into individual slices
Pizza Boats
Ingredients
- 16 oz Italian bread loaf
- 16 oz ground turkey breast 99% fat free
- 24 oz jarred pasta sauce Use your favorite brand
- 8 oz pizza cheese shredded
- 18 slices pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Cut the bread in half lengthwise. Scoop out a little of the bread in the middle. Use the back of spoon to press down the bread, leaving a little higher around the edge.
- In a nonstick pan over medium high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the turkey and cook, breaking it up into small pieces. Season it with the Italian seasoning and salt.
- Pour in the jar of pasta sauce. Give it a good stir and allow it to simmer for a few minutes.
- Spread about 1 cup of the cooked sauce evenly over each of the bread halves. Top each pizza boat with 1 cup of the shredded Italian cheese. Then top each half evenly with the pepperoni slices.
- Bake in the oven fo 10-12 minutes. Or until the cheese is completely melted. Slice and serve with more of the sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
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Meg says
I love this recipe. It’s so much like one we had when I was little. We actually got the Stouffer’s French Bread Pizzas from the frozen food aisle, even though my mom generally made everything homemade; it was like the one exception. So I have fun fond nostalgic memories and look forward to a more homemade version, which is sure to be better!
foodtasticmom says
Oh that’s so great to hear! I love that food can transport us back in time and to fond memories. 🙂
Angela Campos says
Wow, this was amazing! It was easy to prepare and so delicious. I can’t wait to make it again.
foodtasticmom says
Yay so happy to hear this!