There's something irresistible about the combination of fresh bread, melted cheese, and savory meat. This stuffed bread recipe, inspired by Italian stromboli, creates a show-stopping loaf that's perfect for family dinners, parties, or game-day gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces Italian salami, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces ham, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Start with the dough. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add olive oil, flour, and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 16x20 inches.
- Layer your filling ingredients, starting with a layer of provolone, followed by salami, ham, and mozzarella. Leave a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle with minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough like a jelly roll, pinching the seam and ends to seal. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush over the top of the bread. Using a sharp knife, cut a few diagonal slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling through the slits. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Success
The key to this recipe lies in the layering - don't overstuff, as this can lead to bursting during baking. Make sure your meats and cheeses are at room temperature for even melting, and don't skip the egg wash, which gives the bread its beautiful golden sheen.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stuffed bread warm, when the cheese is still gooey and inviting. It pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping and a fresh green salad on the side. Leftovers, if you have any, make excellent lunch sandwiches the next day.
This versatile recipe can be customized with your favorite meats and cheeses. Try pepperoni, capicola, or mortadella for the meats, and experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina, asiago, or even a sharp cheddar. Just keep the total amounts similar to maintain the right bread-to-filling ratio.
Whether you're feeding a crowd or looking for a fun weekend cooking project, this meat and cheese stuffed bread is sure to become a family favorite. The aroma of freshly baked bread and melted cheese will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eager for the first slice.
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