Description
Stuffed Italian Bread is a savory, cheesy bread filled with Italian meats, cheeses, and seasonings. This homemade loaf is perfect for serving as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. With a crispy exterior and gooey, flavorful stuffing inside, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage (crumbled, optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup bell peppers, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For Topping:
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until frothy. Mix flour, salt, olive oil, and yeast mixture. Knead, then let rise.
- Prepare the Filling: Combine cheeses, meats, olives, peppers, seasonings. Set aside.
- Assemble the Stuffed Bread: Roll out dough, spread filling, roll into a log, seal edges, bake.
- Bake the Stuffed Bread: Brush with butter, sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder. Bake until golden brown.
- Serve: Allow to cool before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
- You can use any of your favorite Italian meats or cheeses in the filling. Try adding mozzarella sticks for variation.
- If you prefer a lighter crust, cover the bread with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove to brown.
- For a spicier kick, add hot sausage or a drizzle of chili oil to the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg