Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Place the oven rack in the middle position. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or use a casserole dish to keep the loaf from sliding.
• Place the loaf halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the cut (inside) surfaces with 1.5 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle the cut surfaces evenly with 1/8 tsp garlic powder.
• Bake the bread, without any sauce or toppings, at 425°F for 3 minutes to lightly toast and prevent sogginess. After 3 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 450°F.
• Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Spread the 1/2 cup pizza sauce evenly over the cut surfaces of the two halves.
• Sprinkle 1/8 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional) over the sauce.
• Evenly distribute 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, then 1/4 cup pepperoni, and finally 1 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan over the sauce and mozzarella.
• Return the assembled bread halves to the oven at 450°F and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 7–10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven, tear or strip the leaves from 1 sprig fresh basil and scatter over the pizzas, and serve with extra pizza sauce as desired.