Stuffed Bread

Stuffed bread can be interpreted in different ways and can be filled with a variety of ingredients. I propose the recipe for a classic Italian-style stuffed bread, which we can call “Rustic Stuffed Bread”. If you have specific preferences or want a particular variant, just tell me and we’ll personalize the recipe together!

Ingredients

  • 1 round homemade bread (you can also use a loaf or a baguette)
  • 150 g of cooked or raw ham, sliced
  • 150 g of mozzarella, buffalo is preferable, sliced or diced
  • 100 g of mushrooms (fresh or in oil), sliced
  • 2-3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • A few leaves of fresh basil
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oregano (optional)
  • Garlic powder (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  2. Cut the top off the bread to create a “lid”. Remove the lid and hollow out the inside of the bread, leaving a layer about 2 cm thick.
  3. In a bowl, mix the filling ingredients: the ham, mozzarella, mushrooms, tomatoes, and basil. Season with oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder to taste.
  4. Fill the hollowed-out bread with the prepared mix of ingredients. Be careful to distribute the stuffing evenly.
  5. Place the lid on the stuffed bread.
  6. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil.
  7. Bake for about 20-30 minutes, until the mozzarella is well melted and the bread slightly crispy.
  8. Carefully remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Curiosity

Stuffed bread is a versatile preparation and suitable for social occasions, a single dish that lends itself to numerous variations. In Italy, it is common to find it at outdoor parties or during picnics, where each family brings their own version, creating a real festival of flavors. Remember that you can vary the ingredients according to your tastes or based on what you have at home: other types of cured meats, grilled vegetables, different cheeses, or even a vegetarian version without ham.

Enjoy your meal!