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Stuffed Italian Bread Boat

Stuffed Italian Bread Boat
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This Stuffed Italian Bread Boat recipe transforms a crusty Italian bread loaf into a flavorful, cheesy, and savory meal perfect for family dinners, parties, or any festive occasion. Filled with Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers and onions, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, this dish offers a delicious Italian-inspired flavor explosion with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 sturdy Italian bread loaf
  • 12 oz Italian sausage
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1–2 tbsp fresh basil or 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Optional Variations

  • Substitute Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms or eggplant for vegetarian version
  • Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for spicy kick
  • Mix provolone or Parmesan cheese with mozzarella
  • Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for meat substitute
  • Swap fresh basil for oregano, thyme, or rosemary

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Slice the Italian bread loaf lengthwise and carefully hollow out the center without cutting through the bottom or sides, creating a boat to hold the filling while maintaining a sturdy crust.
  2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté chopped bell peppers and onions until tender and caramelized to enhance sweetness.
  3. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, chopped fresh basil or Italian seasoning, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until evenly mixed and ready to stuff.
  4. Stuff the Bread: Spoon the flavorful mixture into the hollowed-out bread shell, packing it generously and spreading evenly. Drizzle olive oil over the top for a golden finish when baked.
  5. Bake Until Bubbly: Place the stuffed bread boat on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

Notes

  • Choose fresh bread; a day-old loaf works well but avoid stale bread to maintain texture.
  • Do not overstuff the bread to prevent sogginess and uneven cooking.
  • Pre-cook all fillings to avoid underdone ingredients inside the bread.
  • Add extra cheese on top before baking for a golden, tasty crust.
  • Let the stuffed bread boat rest slightly after baking for easier slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian bread boat, stuffed bread, Italian sausage, mozzarella, baked bread, easy Italian recipe, party appetizer

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