Stuffed French Loaf Recipe
This Stuffed French Loaf combines large loaf of bread, savory sausage with onion and garlic, and a creamy cheese mixture for an easy, delicious appetizer. Baked until golden brown, it’s perfect for game day or parties.
We love to tailgate at all the home football games at my husband’s alma mater, so I’m always on the hunt for something new and different to take to the tailgate or serve on game day at home. I got this recipe from a co-worker more than 30 years ago and made it quite a few times early on, but eventually moved on to other recipes. I recently pulled it back out and thought it was too good not to share. It’s easy, delicious, and a great recipe to have on hand for game day.
This is also a recipe that home cooks can easily make their own. Add a little more garlic, change up the cheese, or add some cayenne pepper for a little heat. The basic sausage mixture gives you a great starting point for creating your own version.
What You Need
French Bread or Italian Bread
Italian Sausage or Ground Beef (I recommend Italian Sausage for the added flavor!)
Chopped Yellow Onion, Red Onions or Green Onion
Minced Garlic or Cloves Garlic
Large Egg
Dijon Mustard
Cheddar Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Black Pepper
Chopped Parsley
Tips for Making Stuffed French Loaf
Choose a good loaf of French bread. Look for a loaf with a sturdy crust and soft interior. You’ll want enough bread to hold the meat mixture without falling apart.
Don’t skip the garlic. Garlic cloves add plenty of flavor. If you love garlic, you can easily add an extra clove or two.
Use a sharp knife. A sharp knife makes it easier to cut the loaf open and slice the finished Stuffed French Loaf without crushing the bread.
Save the bread you remove. The bread from the center of the loaf goes back into the recipe!
Let it rest before slicing. Give the stuffed loaf a few minutes after baking before cutting it into slices. This allows the sausage mixture to set slightly and makes serving easier.
Make it ahead of time. You can prepare the sausage mixture in advance and refrigerate it in a large bowl until you’re ready to assemble the loaf. If you’re preparing the entire loaf ahead, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate.
Add a little heat if you like. A pinch of cayenne pepper can give the filling a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors. Diced bell peppers are also a great addition for extra flavor and texture.
More Delicious Appetizers
How to Make Stuffed French Loaf
Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and slightly hallow out each half, leaving 1/2" thick layer of bread. Place the bread you removed in to a food processor and blend until fine crumbs appear (about 15-20 seconds). Chop enough onion to give you 1/3 cup.
Step 2. Cook 8 ounces Italian sausage, 1/3 cup onions, and 1 teaspoon garlic in a heavy skillet over medium heat until cooked through. A large skillet gives you plenty of room to cook sausage evenly and break it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease.
Step 3. In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, meat mixture, 1 egg, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and mix until combined. Set aside.
Step 4. Using a blender or food processor, process 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon black pepper until the mixture forms a paste, about 1 minute and transfer to a small bowl.
Left: Cheese and other ingredients ready for food processor. Right: Processed cheese mixture.
Step 5. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the inside of each bread half. Spoon meat mixture onto the top of the cheese mixture in each half. Wrap the halves in aluminum foil, place on baking sheet (optional), and bake 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Cut into slices and serve.
This rich and substantial bread is delicious served with light soup making for a delicious meal on a cold night!
How to Store Stuffed French Loaf
Store leftover Stuffed French Loaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat individual slices in the oven or air fryer until warmed through and the bread is crisp again.
This recipe for Stuffed French Loaf is an easy appetizer that makes everyday cooking fun. It’s hearty enough to serve as a delicious appetizer for game day, tailgating, parties, or anytime you need something a little more substantial than a typical snack. So, if you’re looking for new recipes that are easy to prepare and full of flavor, add this one to your list. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again the next time you need an easy appetizer that everyone can dig into. It's Forkin' Good!
Click the below button to take you to the full recipe card (or for a printable recipe card)!
Be sure to follow me on Facebook & Instagram so you never miss a post! If you make this recipe, I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment at the bottom of this page! THANK YOU!
Comments