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Stuffed Italian Bread Boat

Stuffed Italian Bread Boat
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Stuffed Italian Bread Boat is a hearty and impressive dish featuring a crunchy, golden Italian bread hollowed out and filled with savory Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for gatherings or comforting meals, it offers a delightful contrast of crispy bread exterior with a soft, cheesy and flavorful filling, garnished with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 fresh, firm Italian bread loaf (about 12 inches)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, crumbled)
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Slice off the top of the Italian bread loaf and carefully hollow out the center, leaving enough bread walls to hold the fillings securely and maintain the shape of the ‘boat.’
  2. Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add crumbled Italian sausage and cook thoroughly until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and combine well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
  3. Assemble the Bread Boat: Spoon the sausage and vegetable mixture into the hollowed-out bread loaf. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the filling, pressing it slightly to help it settle.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Place the stuffed bread boat on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and the bread exterior is crisp.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped basil and grated parmesan cheese on top. Slice into portions and serve warm for a delicious, shareable meal.

Notes

  • Use Sturdy Bread: Choose dense Italian bread or baguette to prevent sogginess and hold filling well.
  • Don’t Overfill: Leave some space at the top to avoid spillage and make handling easier.
  • Pre-Cook Meat and Veggies: Fully cook ingredients before filling to reduce moisture inside the bread.
  • Let It Rest Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool a few minutes so the cheese sets for neater slices.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil at the end for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bread, Italian bread boat, Italian sausage, mozzarella, appetizer, party food, baked bread, stuffed loaf

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/stuffed-italian-bread-boat/