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:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.
- Add Filling:
- Spread the prepared filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a border around the edges.
- Roll Up the Dough:
- Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll up the dough into a log or cylinder.
- Seal Edges:
- Pinch the edges to seal and tuck them underneath.
- Place on Baking Sheet:
- Place the stuffed dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush with Olive Oil:
- Brush the surface of the stuffed bread with olive oil.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Prepare Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley flakes.
- Brush with Topping:
- Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the top with the melted butter mixture for extra flavor.
- 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!
