Why Make This Recipe
Stuffed Italian Bread is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of melted cheese, savory sausage, and fresh herbs. It’s perfect for parties, game days, or as a hearty snack. Making it is easy and fun, and it will impress your family and friends. Plus, who can resist warm bread filled with tasty ingredients?
How to Make Stuffed Italian Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 Italian loaf, about 12 inches long
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 3 tsp minced onion
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Italian loaf in half horizontally.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter and olive oil. Brush the mixture over the cut sides of the bread.
- In another bowl, combine the minced onion, mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the filling evenly onto the bottom half of the bread.
- Place the top half of the bread back on and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, unwrap the foil, and slice into pieces before serving.
How to Serve Stuffed Italian Bread
Serve Stuffed Italian Bread warm and fresh out of the oven. You can cut it into slices or pull apart pieces for easy sharing. It goes great with marinara sauce for dipping or on its own as a tasty treat.
How to Store Stuffed Italian Bread
If you have leftovers, let the bread cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap it well.
Tips to Make Stuffed Italian Bread
- Make sure the sausage is fully cooked before mixing it in.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like spinach, artichokes, or different cheeses to customize your bread.
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder to the butter and olive oil mixture.
Variation
You can easily switch up the filling by using different types of meats, such as pepperoni or chicken, or by adding more vegetables like mushrooms or olives.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use any type of bread you like. A French baguette or sourdough loaf would also work well.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed bread a few hours earlier and bake it just before serving, or you can assemble and freeze it before baking.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the Italian sausage and add more vegetables and cheese for a tasty vegetarian option.
Stuffed Italian Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian loaf, about 12 inches long
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 3 tsp minced onion
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled Ensure sausage is fully cooked.
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Italian loaf in half horizontally.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter and olive oil. Brush the mixture over the cut sides of the bread.
- In another bowl, combine the minced onion, mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the filling evenly onto the bottom half of the bread.
- Place the top half of the bread back on and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, unwrap the foil, and slice into pieces before serving.