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Cheesy Stuffed Italian Bread Boat

An indulgent and fun dish featuring a hollowed-out Italian bread loaf filled with a delicious blend of cheeses, ground meat, and marinara sauce, perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 large Italian bread loaf A crusty Italian bread works best.
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For gooey texture and flavor.
  • 0.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese Adds a sharp flavor.
  • 0.5 cups cooked ground beef or sausage You can use pre-cooked sausage for convenience.
  • 0.5 cups marinara sauce For a rich and savory flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons butter (melted) For brushing the bread.
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) Enhances the aroma and taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning For a flavorful kick.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Slice the Italian bread loaf lengthwise and hollow out the center.
Filling
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine mozzarella, cheddar, cooked meat, and marinara sauce.
  2. Fill the hollowed-out bread with the cheesy mixture.
Baking
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning, then brush it over the outside edges of the bread.
  2. Place the filled bread on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serving
  1. Slice the bread into pieces and serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven.