Italian Stuffed Bread
Italian stuffed bread combines savory sausage, spinach, and melted mozzarella encased in crusty bread, making it a hearty, cheesy dish perfect for sharing at family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a pan.
- Pour off the grease.
- Cook the spinach until dry.
- Mix the cooked sausage, spinach, and mozzarella cheese together.
- Cut the Italian bread lengthwise.
- Scrape out the middle of the bread, leaving the crust intact.
- Put the sausage, spinach, and cheese mixture into the bread crust.
- Wrap the stuffed bread in foil.
- Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Let the bread stand in foil for 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped onions while browning the sausage. You can substitute the sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with mushrooms or additional spinach. To enhance the cheese, try using a blend of mozzarella and provolone. This dish can also be served as a filling for Calzones.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the stuffed bread into thick pieces for serving and pair it with a fresh side salad or marinara sauce for dipping. It also complements well with garlic bread and a glass of red wine. This dish is perfect for game days or family gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser alongside other Italian recipes like Easy Turkey Lasagne.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can slice and microwave individual portions for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Stuffed Bread contains roughly 299 calories, with 23g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 728mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
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 a different type of bread?
Yes, you can substitute Italian bread with French bread or even a whole wheat loaf for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure the bread has a sturdy crust to hold the filling.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and stuff the bread just before baking. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even tastier. Just remember to adjust the baking time if cooking from cold.
What can I serve with Italian Stuffed Bread?
This dish pairs excellently with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. Additionally, serving it with marinara sauce for dipping enhances the flavors and provides a nice contrast.
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).