This Sicilian Stuffed Bread recipe is a savory delight, brimming with a mix of cheeses, olives, and herbs. Encased in a crusty Italian bread loaf, this dish radiates the warm, comforting flavors of Sicilian cuisine.
One ingredient that may not be readily available in your pantry is Burgundy Olives. They are prized for their unique, wine-like taste and add an exquisite depth of flavor to the dish. You may find them in the gourmet section, or olive aisle of your local supermarket. If unavailable, you can substitute with other large, dark olives.
Ingredients for Sicilian Stuffed Bread
Italian bread loaf: This forms the base and 'bowl' of our dish.
Olive oil: Used to sauté and also to flavor the bread from inside.
Shallots: They add a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
Garlic cloves: For a hit of pungency that balances out the rich cheeses.
Ricotta cheese: It's creamy and mild, providing an excellent base for additional flavors.
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses: These cheeses add a wonderful combination of creaminess, saltiness, and sharpness.
Basil leaves and Parsley: They lend a fresh and aromatic note.
Burgundy, kalamata, and green olives: These contribute a combination of fruity, tangy, and briny flavors.
Artichoke hearts: These add a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
Red pepper: It adds a bit of crunch and sweetness.
One reader, Kale Lovelace says:
This Sicilian stuffed bread recipe is a game-changer! The combination of cheeses, olives, and artichokes creates a burst of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. The bread comes out perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. It's a must-try for any food enthusiast!
Key Techniques for Crafting Sicilian Stuffed Bread
How to prepare the bread loaf: Remove the top of the bread loaf to create a long boat-shaped loaf. Pull out much of the soft bread to form a shell inside the crust. Reserve the chunks of bread, then break into evenly sized medium pieces.
How to cook the shallots and garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the shallots for 3 or 4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, then cook for about 1 more minute, until fragrant.
How to mix the cheese filling: Place the ricotta, mozzarella, 4 ounces of parmesan, and romano cheeses in a mixing bowl. Add the basil and parsley, then mix well.
How to assemble the stuffed bread: Place the bread shell on a rimmed baking sheet, and drizzle the inside with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Fill with the cheese mixture, then top with 1 tablespoon of shredded parmesan cheese.
How to bake the stuffed bread: Bake in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until the loaf begins to get crisp and the filling is bubbly.
How To Make Stuffed Sicilian Bread
This cheesy stuffed sicilian bread is a tasty fried bread, filled with a creamy four-cheese filling, tender artichokes, and more, for a more savory snack!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1large Italian bread loaf,crusty
- 1tbspolive oil
- 4large shallots,chopped
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- salt,to taste
- 1pinchground black pepper,or to taste
- 8ozricotta cheese,(1 container)
- 4ozmozzarella cheese,shredded
- 4ozparmesan cheese,shredded, plus 1 tbsp
- 4ozromano cheese,shredded
- 1cupfresh basil leaves,torn
- ½cupfresh parsley,chopped
- 6ozburgundy olives,(1 can), drained
- 1cupkalamata olives,drained, pitted
- ½cuplarge green olives,garlic stuffed, drained
- 14ozartichoke hearts,(2 cans), water packed, drained, cut into eighths
- 1red pepper,drained, cut into thin strips, roasted
- 1tbspolive oil,or as needed
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Remove the top of the bread loaf to create a long boat-shaped loaf. Pull out much of the soft bread to form a shell inside the crust. Reserve the chunks of bread, then break into evenly sized medium pieces.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the shallots for 3 or 4 minutes until softened.
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Add the garlic, then cook for about 1 more minute, until fragrant.
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Transfer the reserved bread pieces to the skillet. Add salt and pepper. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes until the bread has absorbed some of the olive oil. Remove from heat.
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Place the ricotta, mozzarella, 4 ounces of parmesan, and romano cheeses in a mixing bowl. Add the basil and parsley, then mix well.
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Transfer bread mixture to the bowl. Stir in the burgundy olives, kalamata olives, green olives, artichoke hearts, and red pepper strips. Add a pinch of pepper, then mix well.
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Place the bread shell on a rimmed baking sheet, and drizzle the inside with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Fill with the cheese mixture, then top with 1 tablespoon of shredded parmesan cheese.
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Bake in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until the loaf begins to get crisp and the filling is bubbly,
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 487.46kcal
- Fat: 25.49g
- Saturated Fat: 10.97g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.98g
- Carbohydrates: 43.33g
- Fiber: 7.34g
- Sugar: 5.21g
- Protein: 23.67g
- Cholesterol: 51.45mg
- Sodium: 1309.20mg
- Calcium: 585.83mg
- Potassium: 509.07mg
- Iron: 4.67mg
- Vitamin A: 161.94µg
- Vitamin C: 34.10mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Sicilian Stuffed Bread
When hollowing out the bread loaf, be careful not to remove too much of the soft bread. Leaving a thin layer of bread inside the crust will help to absorb the olive oil and the juices from the filling, preventing the bread from becoming soggy. Also, the reserved bread chunks can be toasted and used as croutons in a salad or as a crunchy topping for soups.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Sicilian Stuffed Bread
Prep ahead: Prepare the filling and chop the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheese instead of grating it yourself.
Multitask: While the bread is baking, use that time to prepare other components of the meal to maximize efficiency.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp, quality knife can make chopping and prepping ingredients much quicker and easier.
Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure your ingredients and tools are easily accessible and organized to avoid wasting time searching for items.
Substitute Ingredients For Stuffed Sicilian Bread Recipe
Italian bread loaf - Substitute with French bread loaf: French bread has a similar texture and crust, making it a suitable substitute for Italian bread in this recipe.
Ricotta cheese - Substitute with cottage cheese: Cottage cheese has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a good substitute for ricotta cheese in this recipe.
Mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a mild and slightly tangy flavor, similar to mozzarella, making it a good substitute in this recipe.
Parmesan cheese - Substitute with Pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar salty and tangy flavor to Parmesan, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
Romano cheese - Substitute with Asiago cheese: Asiago cheese has a similar nutty and slightly tangy flavor to Romano, making it a good substitute in this recipe.
Burgundy olives - Substitute with Nicoise olives: Nicoise olives have a similar rich and fruity flavor, making them a good substitute for Burgundy olives in this recipe.
Kalamata olives - Substitute with green olives: Green olives have a milder flavor compared to Kalamata olives, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
Artichoke hearts - Substitute with marinated artichoke hearts: Marinated artichoke hearts add a tangy and flavorful twist, making them a good substitute for regular artichoke hearts in this recipe.
Red pepper - Substitute with yellow pepper: Yellow peppers have a similar sweet and slightly tangy flavor to red peppers, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
Presenting Sicilian Stuffed Bread for Maximum Appeal
Elevate the bread loaf: Carefully slice the bread loaf to create a visually appealing boat-shaped vessel for the stuffing. Ensure the edges are clean and the shape is well-defined.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly chopped basil and parsley over the stuffed bread loaf to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Artfully arrange the olives and artichokes: Strategically place the burgundy olives, kalamata olives, green olives, and artichoke hearts on top of the stuffed bread loaf, creating an eye-catching and appetizing display.
Drizzle with olive oil: Finish the presentation by drizzling a small amount of high-quality olive oil over the top of the stuffed bread loaf, adding a glistening sheen and enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Essential Tools for Making Sicilian Stuffed Bread
- Oven: You will need an oven to bake the stuffed bread loaf.
- Skillet: A skillet will be used to cook and stir the shallots and garlic for the filling.
- Mixing bowl: This will be used to combine the cheeses, herbs, and other ingredients for the filling.
- Baking sheet: You will need a baking sheet to place the bread loaf on before baking it in the oven.
- Chef's knife: A chef's knife will be used to cut the top off the bread loaf and to chop the shallots, garlic, and other ingredients.
- Cutting board: A cutting board will provide a stable surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: These will be used to measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Spatula: A spatula will be handy for transferring the filling into the bread loaf and for serving the stuffed bread.
Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Sicilian Stuffed Bread
- Allow the sicilian stuffed bread to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the stuffed bread:
- Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- To reheat the stuffed bread:
- If frozen, thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and place the bread on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If the bread appears to be drying out, cover it loosely with foil while reheating.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave:
- Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
- Be careful when removing the plate from the microwave, as it may be hot.
How To Reheat Leftover Sicilian Stuffed Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover sicilian stuffed bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the filling is warm and gooey. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the bread from drying out.
If you prefer a crispier crust, unwrap the stuffed bread for the last 5 minutes of reheating. This will allow the exterior to crisp up while keeping the interior soft and moist.
For a quicker reheating option, use your microwave. Place a slice of the sicilian stuffed bread on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the bread to become soggy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover stuffed bread. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of the bread in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the crust is crispy.
For a tasty twist, slice the leftover sicilian stuffed bread into 1-inch thick pieces and heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bread slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through. This method creates a deliciously crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior.
Interesting Trivia About Sicilian Stuffed Bread
The Sicilian stuffed bread recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized with various fillings. It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and create a flavorful appetizer or main course. This recipe combines the richness of different cheeses with the briny flavors of olives and the earthiness of artichoke hearts, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The bread shell provides a crispy and hearty base for the savory filling, making it a satisfying dish for any occasion. Whether served as a party appetizer or a family meal, this Sicilian stuffed bread is sure to be a hit.
Evaluating the Cost-Effectiveness of Homemade Sicilian Stuffed Bread
This Sicilian stuffed bread recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and romano cheeses can be pricier, but the addition of olives, artichoke hearts, and red pepper adds depth and flavor. The versatility of this dish makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual gatherings to special events. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, making it a reasonable option for a satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is Sicilian Stuffed Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Sicilian stuffed bread recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to its high cheese and olive content. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and romano cheeses provides a significant amount of saturated fat and sodium. Additionally, the olives contribute to the overall sodium content of the dish. The white bread used as the base also lacks fiber and essential nutrients.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a whole grain or multigrain bread loaf to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
- Reduce the amount of cheese used, or choose lower-fat varieties such as part-skim mozzarella and ricotta
- Include more vegetables in the filling, such as spinach, mushrooms, or roasted eggplant, to boost the nutrient profile and reduce the overall calorie density
- Use less olives or opt for lower-sodium varieties to decrease the sodium content
- Serve the stuffed bread with a side salad to balance out the meal and add more vitamins and minerals
By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the delightful flavors of this Sicilian stuffed bread while making it a more well-rounded and nutritious meal. Remember, moderation is key, and indulging in this dish occasionally as part of a balanced diet can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
Editor's Take on the Sicilian Stuffed Bread Recipe
The Sicilian stuffed bread recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The blend of cheeses, olives, and artichoke hearts creates a rich and savory filling, while the fresh herbs add a burst of freshness. The use of the bread loaf as a vessel for the filling is a clever and visually appealing presentation. The recipe's instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks. Overall, this recipe promises a delicious and satisfying dish that would be perfect for a casual gathering or as a unique addition to a dinner party.
Enhance Your Stuffed Sicilian Bread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Sicilian Stuffed Bread
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Sicilian Stuffed Bread
Why trust this Stuffed Sicilian Bread Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, incorporating a medley of cheeses, olives, and artichoke hearts for a rich and savory experience. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and romano cheeses ensures a luscious and creamy filling, while the addition of fresh basil and parsley infuses the dish with vibrant herbal notes. The inclusion of burgundy olives, kalamata olives, and large green olives adds a delightful briny complexity, complemented by the earthy sweetness of artichoke hearts and the vibrant crunch of red pepper.
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