Stuffed Italian bread

Stuffed Italian Bread with a savory filling of cheese, herbs, and pepperoni:

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil for brushing

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped pepperoni or sausage, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.
4. Add Filling:
   • Spread the prepared filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a border around the edges.
5. Roll Up the Dough:
   • Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll up the dough into a log or cylinder.
6. Seal Edges:
   • Pinch the edges to seal and tuck them underneath.
7. Place on Baking Sheet:
   • Place the stuffed dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Brush with Olive Oil:
   • Brush the surface of the stuffed bread with olive oil.
9. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Prepare Topping:
    • In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley flakes.
11. Brush with Topping:
    • Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the top with the melted butter mixture for extra flavor.
12. Cool and Slice:
    • Allow the stuffed Italian bread to cool slightly before slicing into rounds or serving as desired.

This stuffed Italian bread makes for a delightful appetizer or side dish. Customize the filling to your liking and enjoy the flavors of a classic Italian treat!