When it comes to making better bread on busy days, you can make homemade “Cheese-Loaded Stuffed French Bread Boats,” which are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
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Cheese-Loaded Stuffed French Bread Boats : Crispy on the Outside, Gooey on the Inside
- If you’re looking to make a dinner that’s sure to be a hit, crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, this stuffed French bread recipe is the perfect one.
- It’s perfect for busy days, game day, family dinners, or potlucks. These stuffed French bread boats are packed with spiced meats, melted cheese, vegetables, and bold flavors.
- This article provides step-by-step instructions to help you easily make stuffed French bread boats at home. It includes simple ingredients, storage tips, and answers to any questions you might have.
Why you’ll love this Stuffed French Bread Boats recipe:
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- A great weeknight dinner
- Customizable with your favorite fillings
- Perfect for parties or game day
- Ready in less than 40 minutes
- This recipe delivers a great dish that combines the comfort of pizza and the deliciousness of a sandwich.
All the ingredients needed to make Cheese-Loaded Stuffed French Bread Boats:
Ingredients for the Bread Base:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 large French bread loaf, 17 to 18 inches
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
Ingredients for the Cheese Layer:
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
Optional topping ingredients:
- Cooked bacon bits
- Fresh Parcels
- Sliced Black Olives
- Sliced Pepperoni
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make Stuffed French Bread Boats:
1. Preheating the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, 190°C and have it ready.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Preparing the French Bread
- First, cut the French bread loaf lengthwise.
- Carefully hollow out the soft part with your hands or a spoon and form a bottom.
- Add melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning and mix well.
- Now, brush the butter mixture onto both sides of the bread.
- This step enhances the flavor and prevents sogginess.
3. Cooking the Filling
- Prepare a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned – about 7 minutes.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Add the bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
- Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt, marinara sauce, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, stirring occasionally.
- Continue cooking over low heat for about 4 minutes.
- This step will create a wonderful aroma in your kitchen.
4. Assembling the Stuffed Bread Boats
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly onto both halves of the bread.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Add the cheddar and parmesan cheese.
- If you wish to add toppings, please do so.
- Remember: the filling should be evenly distributed for perfect bites.
5. Bake
- Continue baking until golden and cheesy.
- Place the stuffed bread portion on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If you want a crispier top, carefully broil for 2 minutes.
6. Cooling and Slicing
- First, let the bread cool for 5 to 7 minutes, then slice.
- Cut into 2-inch slices and enjoy hot.
Pro Tips for Cheese-Loaded Stuffed French Bread Boats:
- To avoid soggy bread: Toast the bread for 5 minutes, then add the filling to make it more crispy.
- Overstuffing: Overstuffing makes slicing difficult.
- Always use freshly grated cheese, as it melts much better than pre-grated cheese.
- Roasting: Cooling slightly allows the cheese to set better and makes slicing easier.
- Some delicious variations of stuffed French bread boats:
For a veggie supreme version:
Use spinach, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, and bell peppers.
For chicken Alfredo stuffed French bread: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara and use cooked shredded chicken.
For Buffalo chicken bread: Add shredded chicken to Buffalo sauce, mix well, then top with mozzarella and blue cheese.
For Philly cheesesteak style: Use thinly sliced beef, bell peppers, sautéed onions, and provolone cheese.
For breakfast stuffed bread: Fill with sausage, scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
What to serve with Cheese-Loaded Stuffed French Bread Boats:
- With:
- Tomato Soup
- Caesar Salad
- Coleslaw
- Garden Salad
- Potato Wedges
- For game day, serve with ranch or garlic dipping sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Heat at 350°F for about 12 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat for 2 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 2 minutes. Note: The bread may become soft.
- Remains crispy when reheated in the oven.
Nutrition values, approximate per serving:
- Protein: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Calories: 420 – 480
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 24g
- Varies depending on ingredients used.
Why French Bread Boats are perfect in the USA:
Cheese-loaded stuffed French bread boats are popular in American homes because:
- Resembling pizza, but very easy to make
- They use ingredients found in common grocery stores
- Perfect for football season and parties
- Easy to customize for picky eaters
- An affordable family meal option.
- If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or need a quick dinner idea, this recipe is perfect for American family meals.
FAQ
Answers to questions about cheese-loaded stuffed French bread boats and how to fix mistakes while making them
Q. Can I make stuffed French bread vegetarian?
Yes! Use sautéed vegetables, lentils, or plant-based meat instead of meat.
Q. How can I keep the bread crispy?
Taste the bread first and avoid fillings that are too watery.
Q. Can I make stuffed French bread in advance?
Absolutely! You can make it 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Q. Which bread is best?
Use a sturdy French bread loaf; avoid soft sandwich bread; the filling won’t hold.
Q. Can I use ground turkey?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great for a lighter version.
Q. How can I prevent the cheese from burning?
When it browns quickly, cover with a filet.
Final Thoughts
Cheese-Loaded Stuffed French Bread Boats are a great comfort food that’s inexpensive, easy, and incredibly customizable. The crispy, garlic butter bread and cheesy filling, combined with a hint of saltiness, are sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you make them for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or game day snacks, this stuffed French bread boats recipe delivers incredible flavor in every bite. You’ll be trying them again and again and they’ll become a regular part of your meal rotation.