Broccoli and Bacon Pizza Bread

Broccoli is a veggie that I have grown to love. It was not always a loving relationship between me and the leafy tree-like vegetable. Like most kids, I would have my stare-down show-down at the dinner table whenever it was served as a side. But luckily my parents never forced it on me. They always nudged me to try new things, but it was never a huge issue if I didn't choose to partake.

Believe it or not, I was a SUPER picky eater when I was little. In fact for the longest time [just ask mi madre] all I ate was peanut butter crackers, butter noodles, olives, and pickles. Not all together [I hope]. But nonetheless, that's all I ate. I was a total salt feen...well was is an incorrect statement. Still have a ginormous salt-tooth, but I have certainly expanded my horizons when it comes to my daily diet.

Now as an adult and the "cook" for our family, I try to sneak in veggies whenever possible. Eating healthier doesn't mean you have to choke down yucky veggies that you dread -- with the right seasoning and marriage of flavors, any veggie can be quite deelightful.

Broccoli and Bacon Pizza Bread
serves 4
adapted from Rachael Ray Magazine 

• 2 ciabatta loaves [6-8 inches], sliced in half lengthwise [making 4 open pizzas]
• 2 cups skim-ricotta cheese
• 2 tbsp pesto
• 2 cups cooked broccoli florets, roughly chopped
• 3 slices bacon, cooked & chopped
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce  
• 1 cup shredded cheese [I used Monetray Jack}
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 4-5 tbsp of EVOO
• salt + pepper to taste

begin by combining ricotta, parmesan cheese, and pesto in a small bowl. season with salt + pepper.

1. pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. lay out bread halves on a foil lined baking sheet. spread each half with 1-2 tbsps of pizza sauce. set aside.  
2. meanwhile, in a large saute pan heat EVOO over med-high heat and add chili garlic sauce. swirl until ingredients are combined. add broccoli and saute until broccoli is tender, crispy, and a little golden brown. remove from heat.
3. evenly distribute broccoli and bacon over pizza sauce on bread. top with shredded cheese. bake in the oven until cheese is melted and bread is crispy-crunchy, about 8-10 minutes.

This pizza is crispy, crunchy and so full of flavor.

Plus it was ready in about 20 minutes.  

Perfect for a yummy weeknight meal.

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Hope you and yours enjoy it as much as we did!