Stuffed bread

Stuffed Bread – A Delicious Delicacy for Unforgettable Moments

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Stuffed bread is a dish that brings together flavors and textures, transforming a simple loaf into a true feast. This recipe stands out for its versatility, being perfect for a quick snack, an appetizer at a party, or even as a main course alongside a fresh salad.

A Short Story

The origins of the stuffed bread recipe are steeped in culinary tradition, where each housewife had her own version, adapted to the available ingredients. This is an excellent way to utilize older bread, turning it into a delight that will leave everyone impressed.

Necessary Ingredients

- 1 loaf (500 g) – ideally, use a fresh loaf, but you can also opt for older bread, which will absorb the flavors better.
- 100 g butter – leave it at room temperature to soften, and the texture will be perfect for spreading on the bread.
- 150 g smoked ham – adds a rich, smoky flavor; you can also use other types of cold cuts, depending on your preferences.
- 100 g mozzarella – this cheese will provide exceptional creaminess. If you want a stronger taste, you can opt for goat cheese.
- 3 green onions – add a touch of freshness; you can also experiment with red onions if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
- ½ red bell pepper – will add a splash of color and crunch.
- 1 tablespoon roasted pepper paste – an ingredient that gives a special taste, but you can replace it with tomato puree or pesto, depending on your preferences.
- 1 egg – acts as a binder and will help create a delicious texture.
- 2 strips of Emmental cheese – for added flavor and a golden crust.
- Juice of one lemon – to add a tangy note and balance the taste.
- Thyme and oregano – essential herbs to enhance the flavors.
- Fresh parsley – for decoration and freshness.

Step by Step for Perfect Stuffed Bread

1. Preparing the Flavored Butter:
Start by leaving the butter at room temperature for a few hours or, ideally, overnight. Once it’s soft, place it in a bowl and mix it well with salt, roasted pepper paste, thyme, and oregano. This mixture will become the flavorful base of your bread.

2. Preparing the Ingredients:
Finely chop the green onions and bell pepper, and slice the ham thinly. In another bowl, beat the egg well. Now is the time to ensure you have all the ingredients ready so that everything goes smoothly.

3. Preparing the Bread:
Cut the bread into slices, but not all the way through, leaving the base intact. Spread each slice with the flavored butter mixture. Then, cut the bread into cubes, making perpendicular cuts to create a network of slices.

4. Filling the Bread:
In the bowl with the beaten egg, add all the chopped ingredients (ham, onion, pepper) and mix well. Now is the time to add the mozzarella cubes, gently integrating them into your mixture.

5. Assembling:
Between the slices of bread, place the egg mixture, and on top, add the strips of Emmental cheese. This step is essential as it will provide a golden and crispy texture at the end.

6. Baking:
Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Leave it in the oven for 15 minutes. After this interval, carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the fresh parsley on top, and let the bread bake for another 15 minutes for a delicious crust.

7. Serving:
Finally, cut two slices for each serving and arrange them nicely on plates. A great idea is to serve the stuffed bread alongside a fresh garden tomato, which will add a note of freshness.

Practical Tips

- Variations: You can replace the ham with bacon or add sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. You can also replace mozzarella with feta cheese for a stronger taste.
- Recommended Drinks: This dish pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a craft beer that will complement the flavors.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: A serving of stuffed bread (about 2 slices) has around 350-400 calories, providing protein from the egg and cold cuts, healthy fats from the butter, and natural flavors from the vegetables. It is an excellent choice for a hearty snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! Rye bread or even baguettes are excellent options that can add a different flavor.

2. How can I store stuffed bread?
If you have leftovers, you can keep it in an airtight container for 1-2 days. It can be reheated in the oven to regain its crispiness.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, you can use plant-based butter, omit the egg, and replace the cheese with a plant-based alternative.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Stuffed bread will surely become a favorite in your home, and every bite will be an explosion of flavors and textures. Enjoy!