Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (350 g) Fresh French Baguette (medium size)
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) Quality Marinara or Pizza Sauce
- 1/2 cup (60 g) Shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella
- 1/4 cup (30 g) Thinly Sliced Pepperoni (optional)
- 8 slices (150 g) Provolone or Deli-Sliced Mozzarella
- 8-10 large Pitted Black Olives, sliced
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Dried Oregano
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the French baguette in half lengthwise. Place the cut sides up on the prepared baking sheets.
- Lightly brush the edges and tops of the bread halves with olive oil. Bake the bread base for 3 minutes alone to slightly crisp the surface (this acts as a moisture barrier). Remove from the oven.
- Take the 8 slices of Provolone or Deli-Sliced Mozzarella. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice them vertically into thin strips (about 1/2-inch wide / 1 cm) for the mummy bandages. Set aside.
- Evenly spread the marinara sauce over the toasted cut surfaces of the bread. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and any solid toppings (like pepperoni) over the sauce.
- Lay the cut cheese strips diagonally across the sauced bread, overlapping them slightly to create a messy, bandage-like effect. Crucially, leave a small, uncovered space near the top third of the bread for the eyes.
- Slice the pitted black olives into thin rounds. Place two olive slices in the uncovered space you left in the previous step to serve as the mummy's eyes.
- Return the assembled pizzas to the preheated oven. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crisp.
- Allow the pizzas to cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before slicing each half into 4 or 5 manageable portions and serving.