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
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Prepare the Dough:
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In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and the yeast mixture. Stir to form a dough.
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Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Prepare the Filling:
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While the dough is rising, mix together the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, pepperoni, cooked sausage (if using), black olives, bell peppers, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
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Assemble the Stuffed Bread:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface.
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Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
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Evenly spread the filling mixture over the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges.
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Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a log or cylinder, ensuring the filling stays inside.
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Pinch the edges to seal the dough and tuck the ends under to form a loaf shape.
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Bake the Stuffed Bread:
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Place the rolled bread seam-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Brush the top of the bread with melted butter, then sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder.
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Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Serve:
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Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
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Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
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- Serve warm, ideally with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
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You can use any of your favorite Italian meats or cheeses in the filling. Try adding mozzarella sticks for variation.
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If you prefer a lighter crust, you can cover the bread with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove the foil to allow the bread to brown.
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For a spicier kick, add some hot sausage or a drizzle of chili oil to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
