Pane Italiano
A flavorful Italian bread filled with a savory tomato and cheese mixture, topped with grated cheese, perfect for lunch or dinner and served hot.
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf Italian bread ⓘ
- Olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups canned Italian plum tomatoes, well drained ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 pound thinly sliced pepperoni ⓘ
- 1/4 pound Italian salami, diced ⓘ
- 1/4 pound mozzarella, diced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Romano or Parmigiana grated cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut a thin slice off the top of the bread loaf.
- Hollow out the inside of the loaf, leaving a half-inch shell.
- Brush the inside lightly with olive oil.
- Place the loaf on a baking sheet and heat at 400°F for 5 to 10 minutes until the inside is dry but not browned.
- In a medium saucepan, combine tomato sauce, drained plum tomatoes, basil, oregano, and salt; bring to a bubbling state.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella cheese.
- Spoon the mixture into the hollowed loaf and top with grated cheese.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes or until the loaf is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cut into thick slices and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onions with the filling. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes. You can substitute the pepperoni with turkey pepperoni for a lighter option. Ensure the bread is stale for better texture, as fresh bread can become too soggy when baked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pane Italiano with a side salad for a complete meal, or pair it with a light soup like minestrone. It can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or party dish, sliced into smaller pieces. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside the 'Rotini And Sausage' for a hearty Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in aluminum foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This will help maintain the crust's crispiness while warming the filling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pane Italiano contains roughly 524 calories, with 11g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (73% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2248mg per serving (98% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can skip the pepperoni and salami and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You may also want to increase the amount of cheese for added flavor and texture. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version of Pane Italiano.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, hollow out the bread and fill it just before baking to prevent sogginess. Bake as directed for a warm, fresh dish that saves time on busy days.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
While Italian bread is traditional, you can also use ciabatta or focaccia for a different texture and flavor. Just ensure the bread has a sturdy crust to hold the filling well. For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free bread, though the baking time may need adjustment.
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).