Caprese French Bread Pizza

balsamic vinegar

large loaf French bread (soft, not a baguette)

garlic, pressed or finely minced

salt, plus additional

Freshly ground black pepper,

crushed red pepper flakes

extra-virgin olive oil

-ounce log fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

large tomatoes, thinly sliced

small bunch basil (such as from a 2/3-ounce package), washed, dried, & sliced in a chiffonade