Garlic Bread Pizza

• servings: 4 servings
• total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

1 (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 tbsp. tomato paste

1 tsp. (or more) kosher salt

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. granulated sugar (optional)

1 (10-oz) loaf frozen garlic bread, halved lengthwise if needed

1 c. shredded mozzarella

14 pepperoni slices

2 tbsp. grated Parmesan

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Pizza Sauce

In a blender or food processor, purée tomatoes until mostly smooth.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until darkened, 1 to 2 minutes. Add puréed tomatoes and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sauce is thickened and reduced by about one-third, 20 to 25 minutes. Taste and season with salt and granulated sugar for sweetness, if needed. Let cool to room temperature.

Make Ahead: Pizza sauce can be made 5 days ahead. Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container and refrigerate, or freeze up to 1 month.

Garlic Bread Pizza

Preheat oven to 425°. On a large baking sheet, arrange bread halves garlic side up.

Bake bread until warmed through and crisp on the sides and bottom, 9 to 11 minutes.

Spread each garlic bread half with 1/4 cup pizza sauce. Top with mozzarella, then pepperoni and Parmesan.

Heat broiler. Broil bread until cheese is bubbling and browned, 3 to 5 minutes.

Top with red pepper flakes, if using. Slice and serve.