Are you craving a delicious, satisfying meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This stuffed French bread recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a casual weekend gathering. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both impressive and surprisingly simple. This healthy meal is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort, making it one of the best recipes for those short on time but big on taste. Get ready to experience a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, about 1 foot long
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette lengthwise, almost all the way through, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through!
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Stuff the Bread: Spoon the flavorful mixture into the baguette pocket, filling it generously.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the stuffed baguette on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
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Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This delicious dish is perfect served warm.
Tips for the Best Stuffed French Bread:
- Choose a Crusty Baguette: A crusty baguette holds up better and provides a delicious contrast to the soft filling.
- Don't Overfill: Overfilling can cause the bread to become soggy. Aim for a generous filling without overflowing.
- Add Some Spice: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Vegetarian Variation: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This stuffed French bread recipe is a quick dinner idea that’s both delicious and satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients and create a truly memorable meal. Enjoy! It’s a great addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. This simple, homemade cooking method makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a fun weekend lunch. It's one of the best recipes for a quick and flavorful dinner!