Lunch: French Bread Pizzas With Ricotta, Roasted Tomatoes, and Pesto

Recipe by Katherine Sacks Creamy ricotta cheese, herby pesto, and roasted cherry tomatoes give these French bread pizzas bright flavor and a fresh look.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Basil

Health benefits of French Bread Pizzas With Ricotta, Roasted Tomatoes, and Pesto

Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved (about 3 cups)
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1 (12 –14") soft loaf French or Italian bread, split in half lengthwise
1 garlic clove, smashed
1/2 cup fresh ricotta (about 5 ounces)
3/4 cup coarsely grated Parmesan (about 3 ounces)
2 tablespoons fresh store-bought or homemade basil pesto

Instructions

Position rack in top third of oven and preheat to 425 °F. Toss tomatoes, 1 Tbsp. oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until tomatoes start to blister, about 13 minutes.
Place bread, cut side up, on another rimmed baking sheet and bake 5 minutes. Remove from oven and rub cut sides with garlic.
Dollop ricotta on cut sides of bread. Top evenly with tomato mixture, then sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake until Parmesan melts, about 10 minutes.
Whisk pesto and remaining 2 tsp. oil in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle on pizzas and season with salt and pepper.

Share French Bread Pizzas With Ricotta, Roasted Tomatoes, and Pesto