French Bread Pizza

French Bread Pizza

Serves 4 to 6

6	tablespoons  extra virgin olive oil
4	garlic cloves , minced
4	tablespoons  finely chopped fresh basil
1/8	teaspoon  red pepper flakes
1	(24-inch) loaf French bread , halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 8 even pieces
1/2	cup  grated Parmesan cheese
1	cup  pizza sauce  (see note)
2	cups  shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 475 degrees. Microwave oil, garlic, 2 tablespoons basil, and pepper flakes on high power in small microwave-safe bowl until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds.
2. Brush half of oil mixture over crust and edges of bread and arrange cut-side up on foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle Parmesan evenly over bread and bake until cheese begins to brown, about 3 minutes.
3. Whisk pizza sauce, remaining basil, and remaining oil mixture in bowl. Spread sauce evenly over bread, then top with mozzarella. Bake until cheese is melted and spotty brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Serve.