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Italian Stuffed Bread: A Deliciously Simple Crowd-Pleaser

  • Author: Alora chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

A crusty loaf filled with layers of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, prosciutto, and pesto. This Italian Stuffed Bread is perfect for lunch, brunch, or as an appetizer.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F
  2. Slice the loaf in half horizontally
  3. Remove most, but not all of the bread from the bottom, being careful NOT to break through the crust
  4. Add 4 slices of mozzarella to the bottom half
  5. Layer with tomato slices
  6. Drizzle with olive oil
  7. Sprinkle oregano, 2 cloves of grated garlic, and salt
  8. Add prosciutto layer
  9. Top with remaining 4 slices of fresh mozzarella
  10. Brush the top half of the loaf with olive oil and grate 1 clove of garlic over it
  11. Bake the bottom half for 20 minutes or until mozzarella has melted and bread is golden brown
  12. Bake the top half for about 10 minutes or until golden brown
  13. Spread pesto on the melted cheese layer
  14. Cover with the top bread half, slice, and serve

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, skip the prosciutto and add roasted red peppers
  • You can add chili flakes for a spicier version
  • Serve with warmed marinara sauce for dipping
  • The bread can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Italian Stuffed Bread, stuffed sandwich, easy appetizer, Italian food, mozzarella bread, pesto bread, prosciutto sandwich