Get ready to transform your ordinary pizza night into a mouthwatering grilling adventure! This Barbecue French Bread Pizza is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that combines the crispy perfection of grilled bread, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. Whether you're looking to impress your friends at a summer cookout or craving a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly distributed and have a nice, even heat.
- While the grill is heating, prepare the French bread. Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise. This will create two long pieces of bread that will serve as the base for your pizza.
- Place the halved French bread on a cutting board, cut side up. Spread a generous amount of barbecue sauce evenly over the cut sides of both halves of the bread. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor.
- Next, evenly distribute the shredded cooked chicken over the barbecue sauce on both halves of the bread. This will provide a hearty protein base for your pizza.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken. Ensure that the cheese covers the chicken well, as it will melt and create a delicious topping.
- Top the cheese with thinly sliced red onion. The onion will add a nice crunch and a bit of sweetness to balance the flavors of the barbecue sauce.
- Once your toppings are ready, carefully transfer the prepared French bread halves onto the preheated grill. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt and the bread to toast.
- Grill the French bread pizza for about 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly golden, and the edges of the bread should be crispy.
- Once cooked to your liking, carefully remove the French bread pizza from the grill using tongs or a spatula. Allow it to cool for a minute before slicing.
- Before serving, sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top of the grilled pizza for a fresh, herbaceous touch.
- Slice the barbecue French bread pizza into individual servings and enjoy while warm!
Tips
- Choose a high-quality French bread with a sturdy crust to prevent soggy results.
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat for even cooking and perfect toasting.
- Use pre-cooked chicken to reduce overall preparation time.
- For extra flavor, try brushing the bread with olive oil before adding toppings.
- Watch the pizza closely while grilling to prevent burning - every grill has slightly different heat zones.
- Let the pizza rest for a minute after grilling to allow the cheese to set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your perfect flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or plant-based protein.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 931kcal
Carbohydrates: 83g
Protein: 84g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 200mg
