15 Minute Meal Under $10: French Bread Pizza Boats

I got the idea for this recipe because my son loves the kids pizza boat they have at Costello's Subs, a great family friendly sandwich shop with live acoustic music we frequent in Lincoln Square. It is super simple, costs under $10 for 8 servings and fun for the kids to assemble.

You will need:

1 - loaf of french bread from the grocery store bakery

1 - 15 oz can of Pizza Sauce

2 - 8 oz packages of shredded Mozzarella Cheese or 4 Cheese Italian blend

Oregano or Italian Seasoning Blend

Optional Toppings:

1 - Package of Pepperonis

1- Large Tomato sliced into wheels

Garlic Powder

Basil (dry or fresh)

Or any other toppings you enjoy on your pizza

First preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut the bread in half lengthwise and then again into 4 sections. I used 2 mini loaves instead of one long french bread loaf and because I only have 3 people in my family, I saved a section for sandwiches at a later time. Each boat is filling enough for 1 per person, but I like to make an extra one for each of us because they make a great leftover lunch, just pop the leftover boat in the microwave for 1 minute and it's ready to eat! Put the bread onto a flat metal cookie sheet. 

Next take a spoon and evenly spread the sauce over the whole boat, not too thick or the cheese and toppings will slide off as they cook.

Then add the cheese to your liking. My husband and son like extra cheese, so I loaded theirs up with mozzarella. I used the 4 cheese Italian blend for my own.

And finally, add the toppings. I did pepperoni sprinkled with oregano for the guys and tomato slices sprinkled with garlic powder, basil and oregano for myself. Brush the cheese that fell over the sides off of the pan or it will burn before placing it into the oven.

Bake in the oven 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted. Let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving, will be very hot.

Pizza boats go great with a green leaf lettuce salad with chopped tomatoes, carrot sticks, and your favorite dressing. 

And there you have it, 15 minutes and your done! A quick and easy meal your whole family will enjoy! 

XOXO Kate G

Okay, let's try this again

Hi all! After a year long hiatus, I'm am picking back up this blog and am going to vow to post at least once a day (and hopefully you will help me stay accountable to that vow). Let me refresh your memory on myself, I'm a stay at home my of an energetic, brilliant, beautiful little red headed 2 year old boy. I am also the owner of a small graphic design company, Kate Geary Design & Photography, which I run out of my home office. I live in Chicago, IL and love this city more than any place in the world. I grew up a Jersey girl, then moved to the Chicago Suburbs for about 10 years before moving into the city about 11 years ago. I have lived in 7 different neighborhoods since moving to the city from Tri-Taylor, Little Italy, Wicker Park, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Uptown, and now all the way out to Northpark, and have seen and been to most everywhere (within reason) over the years. I will be sharing my city experiences, mom stories, photos, recipes, local tips, favorite places to dine, drink and shop, and much more! Please subscribe if you like the articles, all comments are welcome and will be taken in with an open mind, and also if you'd like to share a story or have a place you'd like me to review on my blog, please email me and it may be featured!

XOXO Kate G