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–+ servings

Stuffed Italian Loaf

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This stuffed Italian loaf features a crunchy exterior and an oozy mozzarella and savory sausage filling, making it perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or parties.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 loaf Italian bread, about 12 inches long
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 1 stick
  • 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 3 tsp minced onion Or 1 tsp onion powder as a shortcut
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled Ensure sausage is fully cooked
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Using a serrated knife, slice lengthwise about halfway through the loaf and gently open it like a book.
  3. Hollow out soft interior crumbs, leaving a 1/2-inch shell all around. Reserve crumbs for breadcrumbs or soup topping.
Make the brush mixture
  1. Whisk together melted butter, olive oil, and minced onion. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Brush and layer
  1. Brush the inside of the loaf thoroughly with half the butter mixture.
  2. Sprinkle a thin layer of mozzarella across the bottom.
  3. Add the crumbled, fully cooked Italian sausage, then scatter roasted red peppers and chopped basil.
  4. Top with remaining mozzarella and brush the top crust with remaining butter mixture.
Season and close
  1. Taste for salt and pepper, remembering the sausage and cheese add saltiness.
  2. Press the loaf closed gently so it holds together.
Bake
  1. Place the loaf on a baking sheet and bake 12–18 minutes, until cheese is melted and the crust is golden and crisp.
  2. If you like a deeper crust color, broil 1–2 minutes—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Rest and slice
  1. Let the loaf rest 3–5 minutes before slicing into thick pieces to keep the cheese from running out too much.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 15gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Notes

This stuffed loaf is versatile. Serve as a main dish or cut into smaller wedges for party platters. Pair with arugula salad, marinara for dipping, roasted potatoes, or tomato-cucumber salad.
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