Italian Appetizer Bread
A savory Italian appetizer bread loaded with meats, cheese, mushrooms, and peppers, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a flavorful starter for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
- 1/4 lb sliced pastrami, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1/4 lb sliced salami, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1/4 lb sliced cheese, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1 can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 red bell pepper, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 2 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, cook olive oil and crushed garlic together over medium-low heat, stirring almost constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant.
- Discard garlic; set saucepan of garlic-flavored oil aside.
- Preheat oven according to bread dough package instructions.
- Roll out or shape the thawed bread dough on a baking sheet.
- Brush the dough with the garlic-flavored oil.
- Layer the sliced pastrami, salami, cheese, sliced mushrooms, chopped red bell pepper, and chopped green onions evenly over the dough.
- If desired, sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Brush the edges of the dough with beaten egg mixed with water.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is golden and toppings are heated through, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding some chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling. You can substitute the pastrami and salami with your favorite deli meats or even vegetarian options like roasted vegetables. If you're short on time, use pre-made pizza dough instead of frozen bread dough for a quicker prep.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Appetizer Bread makes a delightful starter for a cozy gathering. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or a platter of antipasti for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Spaghetti And Meatball Stew. For a fun presentation, slice it into strips for easy sharing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick snack, but the crust may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Appetizer Bread contains roughly 204 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh bread dough if you prefer. Just allow it to rise according to the recipe instructions before shaping it on the baking sheet.
What can I use instead of cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cheese or simply omit it altogether. You can also add more vegetables to compensate for the missing cheese.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the bread with toppings a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).