Italian Party Bread

4.9
(22)

If an Italian deli exploded inside a loaf of bread, it would be this crispy meat and cheese-stuffed braid that I call party bread. With only five ingredients, including premade pizza dough, it's incredibly easy to make. Feel free to use homemade dough or turn this Italian party into a Spanish one using Serrano ham and Manchego cheese—or even a French one with Gruyère and Dijon!

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Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
8
Yield:
1 loaf

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) package pizza dough

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed for dusting

  • cup prepared pesto sauce

  • 6 thin slices provolone cheese

  • 2 ounces sliced prosciutto, torn into ribbons

  • cup diced banana peppers

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

  2. Place pizza dough on a floured surface and roll into a rectangular shape, between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch thick, letting dough relax occasionally if it keeps springing back. Spread pesto on top, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge. Top evenly with provolone cheese, prosciutto, and peppers.

  3. Roll up tightly in the direction that gives you the most length, ending with the seam on the bottom. Press down to flatten slightly and dust the top lightly with flour. Use a pizza wheel to cut dough lengthwise into 3 long, even strips using a pizza wheel.

  4. Place strips next to each other but not touching, the middle strip cut-side up and the other two cut-sides facing in. Braid them together, then curl the ends in to form a round wreath shape, tucking any loose ends under the loaf. Transfer onto the prepared baking sheet.

  5. Bake in the preheated oven until nicely browned, about 30 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.

Chef's Note:

Any diced Italian-style pickled peppers will work in this, as well as any melting cheese. If using shredded cheese, just press it down.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

280 Calories
13g Fat
29g Carbs
12g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 280
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13g 16%
Saturated Fat 5g 23%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 715mg 31%
Total Carbohydrate 29g 10%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 12g 24%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 181mg 14%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 64mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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