Get ready to transform an ordinary loaf of French bread into a mouthwatering pizza masterpiece that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds! These Black Bean French Bread Pizzas are the perfect solution for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and anyone craving a delicious, quick meal that doesn't compromise on flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a crowd-pleasing dish that's both satisfying and incredibly easy to make.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, halved
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Slice the French bread lengthwise into two equal halves, creating two long pizza bases. Place the bread cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, combine the rinsed and drained black beans with salsa. Mash approximately half the beans slightly to create a more spreadable consistency.
- Spread the black bean and salsa mixture evenly across both bread halves, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the bean mixture, covering the entire surface of each bread half.
- Distribute sliced olives and chopped green onions evenly across the topped bread.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the bread edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Slice each bread half into 4 equal pieces for serving.
- Optional: Garnish with additional fresh green onions or a sprinkle of cilantro before serving.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Choose a fresh, crusty French bread with a sturdy texture to prevent sogginess. Day-old bread works great too!
- Bean Mashing Technique: When combining black beans and salsa, partially mash the beans to create a creamy base that spreads easily and adds rich texture.
- Cheese Matters: Use a blend of cheeses for more complex flavor. Consider mixing mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for extra excitement.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even cooked ground turkey for added protein.
- Crispy Edges Trick: For extra crispy bread edges, brush with a little olive oil before adding toppings.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the perfect combination of melted cheese and crispy bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
