Sausage and Pepper Bread Boats

The Solemnity of St. Joseph is not a Meatless Friday! Barb Szyszkiewicz shares a recipe that's part sandwich, part pizza.

It’s the Solemnity of St. Joseph: a day for feasting, and (because it’s a Solemnity) not a Meatless Friday! Here’s a hearty lunch or dinner recipe that’s part sandwich, part pizza, and all delicious.

20210319 BSzyszkiewicz sausage and pepper bread boat 1 c

Sausage & Pepper Bread Boats

Makes 4 servings

4 8-inch Italian rolls or 1 long loaf of Italian bread
4 links Italian sausage (sweet or hot), fully cooked (see note)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or to taste)
1 cup spaghetti or pizza sauce
1 cup mozzarella/Provolone shredded cheese blend
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
½ tsp dried oregano OR 4 large fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Slice sausage links in half, then turn flat side down on the cutting board and slice into half-moons.

Sauté onion in olive oil until it begins to soften. Add bell pepper, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook until pepper becomes tender. Stir in sausage and spaghetti sauce and simmer a few minutes until sausage is heated through.

Cut along the top of the rolls or bread loaf to form the shape of a boat. Scoop out most of the bread from inside to leave a shell, making sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.

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