Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Slice the 1 loaf of French bread in half lengthwise so you have two long pieces. Place both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
• Spread 1/2 cup homemade pizza sauce evenly over the cut surface of both bread halves, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
• Prepare and arrange toppings: slice tomatoes (and olives, if preferred) to your desired thickness, then distribute pepperoni, olives, and sliced tomatoes evenly over the cheese.
• Bake on the middle oven rack for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread edges are lightly golden.
• Remove from the oven and scatter basil leaves over the hot pizzas.
• Let cool 1–2 minutes, slice into individual servings, and serve.