Hot Truck P M P – Poor Man’s Pizza: A Culinary Homage

I still remember the late-night cravings, the kind that only a college student truly understands. The air, thick with anticipation and the scent of bubbling cheese, would lead me to that beacon of greasy goodness – the Hot Truck. It wasn’t just food; it was a ritual, a warm, comforting slice of affordable bliss after hours spent studying (or, let’s be honest, procrastinating). Each bite of that gloriously messy, open-faced pizza sub was a small victory, a perfect punctuation mark at the end of a long day.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 pieces
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 (12-inch) French bread loaf
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups canned mushroom slices, drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Ladle or spoon
• Oven

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is crucial for achieving that perfectly melted cheese and golden-brown bread.

2. Now, prepare the French bread. Cut the loaf in half crosswise. Then, carefully slice each half completely open horizontally, creating four open-faced pieces. This step is key for building your pizza sub.

3. Arrange the four bread pieces on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out enough to allow for even cooking.

4. Using a ladle or spoon, generously spread the pizza sauce onto each piece of bread. Ensure you cover the surface completely, extending the sauce all the way to the edges. This will prevent the bread from burning and add maximum flavor. Sprinkle the dried oregano evenly over the sauced bread.

5. Evenly distribute the canned mushroom slices across the bottom halves of the bread. This officially makes it the “PMP Mush” version. If you prefer pepperoni, substitute the mushrooms with your favorite pepperoni slices.

6. Now for the best part: generously cover the mushrooms (or pepperoni) with shredded mozzarella cheese. Don’t be shy – a generous layer of cheese is what makes this pizza sub so satisfying.

7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown, and the French bread is toasted to a light golden hue. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

8. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.

9. To serve, lay the top halves of the French bread on the bottom halves to create sandwiches. This makes it easier to handle and enjoy.

10. (Alternative cooking method) You can also try making this in a panini maker for a faster cooking time. It may not achieve quite the same level of cheese melt as the oven, but it’s a great option if you’re short on time.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Bread Quality Matters: The quality of your French bread significantly impacts the final result. Look for a loaf that’s crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. Day-old bread works particularly well, as it’s less likely to become soggy.
• Cheese Perfection: Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melting results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can hinder its melting ability.
• Sauce Consistency: If your pizza sauce is too watery, simmer it in a saucepan for a few minutes to reduce the liquid content. This will prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
• Preventing Soggy Bread: To further prevent a soggy bottom, lightly toast the bread slices before adding the sauce and toppings.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
• Garlic Lovers Rejoice: Rub the bread with a clove of garlic before adding the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Hot Truck PMP immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is perfectly melted. Cut each sandwich in half or into smaller portions for easy sharing.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza subs on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted again. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but the bread may become slightly softer.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	616 kcal	31%
Total Fat	23g	35%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Cholesterol	68mg	23%
Sodium	1779mg	74%
Carbohydrates	71g	24%
Dietary Fiber	7g	28%
Sugars	12g	–
Protein	33g	66%

Variations & Substitutions

• PMP Pep: As mentioned earlier, substitute the mushrooms with pepperoni slices for a classic pepperoni pizza sub.
• Vegetarian Delight: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or olives for a more colorful and flavorful vegetarian option.
• Meat Lovers: Combine pepperoni, sausage, and bacon for a meat-lover’s dream.
• Spicy Version: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Gluten-Free: While the original uses French bread, you could adapt this recipe using gluten-free baguette. The cooking time may need to be adjusted.
• Vegan: Use vegan cheese and pizza sauce along with your favorite veggies!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Sauté sliced fresh mushrooms in a pan with a little olive oil and garlic until tender before adding them to the pizza sub.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the pizza subs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. However, it’s best to bake them just before serving for the best texture.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the pizza subs while they’re baking and lower the oven temperature if the cheese starts to brown too quickly.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: While French bread is traditional, you can experiment with other types of bread like Italian bread or even English muffins.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheating in the oven is the best way to retain the crispiness of the bread and melt the cheese properly.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Truck PMP isn’t just a recipe; it’s a nostalgic trip back to simpler times, a celebration of delicious, affordable food that nourishes both the body and the soul. I encourage you to try this recipe, put your own spin on it, and share the experience with friends and family. And while you’re at it, raise a slice to Bob Petrillose, the culinary genius who brought this iconic pizza sub to life. Enjoy!