This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors.

If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page.

"Okay, I know everyone of a certain age and maybe even today's kids are like, 'Hands off, RR! This is Stouffer's jam!' I sooooo agree and get that, but these are good too and a great way to use up forever piling-up stale bread in our home. For each recipe, buy 1 large grocery store soft-style French bread loaf, as opposed to a crusty thin baguette. Each loaf will make 4 planks or servings of pizza." –Rach

For more of Rach's nostalgic riffs, check out her Mushroom Lovers' French Bread Pizza and her Classic French Bread Pizza.

And for more guilty pleasures from this episode, check out this Cheesy Salsa Dip, Rice Krispie Chicken and Walking Tacos (and this hilarious food-fessions video).

Ingredients

For the pepperoni sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • 2 ounces minced or grated pepperoni (⅓ cup), plus about half a stick very thinly sliced pepperoni
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped or grated
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano  
  • 1 teaspoon granulated onion
  • 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • One 14-ounce can diced or crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
  • One 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • A few leaves basil, torn
For the cheese blend:
  • About 1½ cups shredded brick mozzarella cheese
  • About 1½ cups shredded red pepper flake pecorino cheese 
To serve:
  • 1 loaf French bread
  • Finely chopped fresh parsley, granulated garlic, red pepper and dried oregano, to pass (like at the pizzeria!)

Yield

Serves: 4

Preparation

For the sauce, heat EVOO over medium heat in small saucepot and melt the grated or minced pepperoni into it, then add garlic, swirl a minute and add flakes, oregano, onion and parsley, swirl, add tomatoes, sauce and basil, bring to a bubble and thicken 15 minutes over low simmer. 

Rachael Ray Classic Brights 3-Qt. Covered Saucepan

Rachael Ray Classic Brights 3-Qt. Covered Saucepan

For the blend, combine cheeses in bowl. 

Preheat oven to 400˚F with rack 1 above center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the 4 planks of French bread and lightly toast 4 to 5 minutes. Top evenly with sauce and cheese blend, then arrange thinly sliced pepperoni in among the cheesy topping, then bake 12 to 15 minutes more to brown and bubbly, and top with parsley and pass toppings at table.