Name: Italian Stuffed Bread: A Deliciously Simple Crowd-Pleaser
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 thirteen-inch loaf of thick crusty bread; 8 slices fresh mozzarella; 2 ripe Roma tomatoes, sliced thin; 1 teaspoon fresh or dry oregano; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, grated; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 or 4 slices of prosciutto, ham or turkey; 1/2 cup pesto

Jump to Recipe

There’s something magical about a good stuffed bread that brings everyone to the table with anticipation. This Italian Stuffed Bread recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for gatherings, casual lunches, or when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Let me walk you through this delightful creation that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! 🍞

What Makes Italian Stuffed Bread So Special?

Italian Stuffed Bread is essentially a hollowed-out, crusty loaf transformed into a vessel for incredible flavors. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You get the perfect combination of crispy bread exterior with warm, melty cheese and savory fillings inside. It’s like the best sandwich you’ve ever had, but elevated to something that feels special enough for entertaining.

When you slice into this Italian Stuffed Bread, each piece reveals beautiful layers of melted mozzarella, thin tomato slices, and prosciutto, all enhanced with aromatic garlic, herbs, and fresh pesto. It’s a visual treat that tastes even better than it looks! 😋

Easy-to-Follow Italian Stuffed Bread Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 thirteen-inch loaf of thick crusty bread
8 slices fresh mozzarella
2 ripe Roma tomatoes, sliced thin
1 teaspoon fresh or dry oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, grated
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 or 4 slices of prosciutto, ham, or turkey
1/2 cup pesto

Why This Italian Stuffed Bread Works Every Time

Simple Step-by-Step Instructions:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F – getting this temperature right ensures your Italian Stuffed Bread will have that perfect crispiness.
Take your crusty loaf and slice it in half horizontally. This creates your top and bottom pieces.
Here’s where the magic happens – carefully remove most (but not all) of the bread from the bottom half. This creates a “bread boat” for all your delicious fillings. Just be careful not to break through the crust!
Now for the layering: Place 4 slices of fresh mozzarella in the hollowed-out bottom half of your Italian Stuffed Bread.
Add a layer of those thinly sliced Roma tomatoes, then drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle the oregano and 2 cloves of grated garlic over the tomatoes, followed by a touch of salt.
Layer on your prosciutto (or ham/turkey if you prefer).
Top with the remaining 4 slices of fresh mozzarella to create that incredible cheese pull when served.
For the top half of your Italian Stuffed Bread, brush the inner side with olive oil and grate the remaining clove of garlic over it.
Place both pieces in the oven – the bottom half needs about 20 minutes (or until the mozzarella has melted and the bread turns golden brown), while the top half needs just 10 minutes to get crispy.
Once baked, spread the pesto on the melted cheese layer, place the top bread half over it, slice, and serve!

Why This Italian Stuffed Bread Works Every Time

What I love about this Italian Stuffed Bread is how adaptable it is. Having a vegetarian friend over? Skip the prosciutto and add some roasted red peppers. Want a spicier version? Add some chili flakes or sliced jalapeños to the mix. The foundation remains the same, but you can customize your Italian Stuffed Bread to suit any palate or occasion.

The hollowing-out technique is brilliant – as the recipe says, “Why do we remove the guts? Just so we can fit more inside!!” This clever approach maximizes the filling-to-bread ratio, ensuring every bite of Italian Stuffed Bread is packed with flavor. 🤤

Serving Suggestions for Your Italian Stuffed Bread

Italian Stuffed Bread truly shines as a versatile dish. Serve it as:

A show-stopping lunch alongside a simple green salad
The star of your weekend brunch spread
Cut into smaller pieces as an appetizer for parties
A hearty game-day snack that everyone will reach for

For an extra special touch, consider serving your Italian Stuffed Bread with a side of warmed marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy sauce complements the rich, cheesy filling beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully communal about slicing into a freshly baked Italian Stuffed Bread and watching everyone’s eyes light up. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but doesn’t require professional culinary skills.

The combination of crusty bread, melty cheese, fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and savory prosciutto creates a harmony of flavors that makes this Italian Stuffed Bread a recipe you’ll return to again and again. And honestly, isn’t that the mark of a truly great recipe? When it’s so good and so simple that it becomes part of your regular rotation?

Give this Italian Stuffed Bread a try the next time you’re looking for something that’s both satisfying and impressive. I promise your friends and family will be asking for the recipe! 😊