If you’re craving something irresistibly comforting and packed with hearty flavors, you’ve got to try this Stuffed French Bread Recipe. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate, marrying the crunch of fresh French bread with a warm, savory filling of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a scrumptious blend of veggies and herbs. Whether it’s for a fun family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this dish delivers big on flavor and makes every bite a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet powerhouse ingredients is the first step to crafting this incredible dish. Each plays a key role—bringing texture, moisture, or that perfect savory punch that keeps you coming back for more.
- French bread (1 loaf): The foundation of the dish, offering a crispy crust and soft interior perfect for stuffing.
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): Provides a hearty, meaty base packed with flavor and protein.
- Dried minced onion (2 tablespoons): Adds fragrant sweetness and depth; fresh onion works just as well.
- Chopped celery (1/2 cup): Brings a subtle crunch and fresh brightness to balance the richness.
- Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Delivers aromatic warmth that ties all the flavors together.
- Cream of celery soup (1 can, 10 ounces): Acts as a creamy binder for the filling, with a mild vegetal hint.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Lightens the soup, ensuring a smooth, luscious consistency.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Injects tangy umami complexity that elevates the entire filling.
- Salt and pepper (3/4 teaspoon each): Essential seasoning to perfectly balance and enhance flavors.
- Freshly grated cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts gloriously over the filling, lending richness and sharpness.
- Chopped parsley (1/2 tablespoon, optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color to finish.
How to Make Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F to get it ready for baking. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef along with the minced onion until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink. This browning step develops a deeply savory flavor, so don’t rush it. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the filling hearty but not greasy. Toss in the chopped celery and minced garlic, sauteing just enough to soften the celery and awaken the garlic’s aroma, which adds a lovely freshness to the filling.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling
Pour in the cream of celery soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well to combine all the elements into a cozy filling. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer gently for about five minutes until everything is heated through and thickened slightly, melding the flavors into glorious harmony.
Step 3: Prepare the French Bread
While your filling is coming together, slice the loaf of French bread lengthwise so you have two equal halves, creating the vessel for your stuffing. Carefully scoop out the soft bread from inside each half, leaving a sturdy crust shell. Don’t throw out the bread you’ve removed! Tear it into small pieces and fold it into your beef mixture—this will help soak up the savory juices and keep every bite moist and satisfying.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Bread
Place the two hollowed French bread halves on a baking sheet. Spoon your warm, beefy filling evenly into one half, pressing it down gently. Generously sprinkle the freshly grated cheddar cheese on top, so it will melt into a bubbly, golden layer that’s pure bliss. Finally, crown it with the other bread half, creating a stuffed sandwich masterpiece.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Pop the assembled bread into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese has melted beautifully and the bread edges are just slightly crisp. Once out of the oven, let it rest for about five minutes to set before slicing. Then dive in and enjoy the warm comfort of this amazing Stuffed French Bread Recipe!
How to Serve Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your stuffed French bread elevates it from delicious to downright stunning. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant green contrast and a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the richness of the cheese and beef. You could also add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little spicy kick or a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze for an unexpected twist.
Side Dishes
This Stuffed French Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides to keep the meal balanced. Consider a crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette, or a simple bowl of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. If you’re hosting, some crunchy pickles or a tangy coleslaw offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! For a great party idea, slice the stuffed French bread into smaller portions and arrange them on a wooden board or large platter with colorful veggies and dips around. You could even turn it into a pull-apart appetizer by scoring the bread before baking without slicing all the way through, making it easy for everyone to grab cheesy, meaty bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, tightly wrap any leftover stuffed French bread in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to keep your stuffed French bread longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in foil to protect against freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350° F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven delight you loved the first time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread gives you that perfect crunchy crust and soft interior, other sturdy breads like Italian or sourdough can also work well. Just make sure the bread is firm enough to hold the filling without getting soggy.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Stuffed French Bread Recipe?
Yes! You can swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. Adding extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can also boost the flavor and texture beautifully.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, scoop the bread and assemble the stuffed loaf, then bake as directed. This makes for an easy meal prep option.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Stuffed French Bread Recipe is mild and family-friendly as written. If you like more heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the filling while cooking.
Can I add other cheeses instead of cheddar?
Of course! While cheddar melts beautifully and has great flavor here, you can experiment with mozzarella for gooeyness, pepper jack for a kick, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed French Bread Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm welcome every time you make it. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or any time comfort food is calling your name. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own creative flair. Once you do, it just might become a go-to favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Stuffed French Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Stuffed French Bread recipe features a savory mixture of ground beef, celery, and creamy soup stuffed into a hollowed-out French bread loaf, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and baked to perfection. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main dish that serves six, this easy-to-make comfort food combines crunchy bread with a rich, cheesy filling.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion (or freshly diced white onion)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (10 ounces) cream of celery soup (or cream of mushroom or chicken soup)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C) to prepare for baking the stuffed bread later.
- Cook Filling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and onions until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Add chopped celery and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until the celery becomes tender. Stir in cream of celery soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Bread: While the filling cooks, slice the French bread in half lengthwise into two equal pieces. Carefully scoop out the soft bread from the center of each half and tear it into small pieces. Add these bread pieces to the beef mixture in the skillet and stir well to combine.
- Assemble: Place the two hollowed bread halves on a large baking sheet. Spoon the warm beef and bread mixture evenly into one half of the bread. Sprinkle the freshly grated cheddar cheese evenly over the filling, then place the other half of the bread on top to make a sandwich.
- Bake: Put the assembled stuffed bread into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes to set. Slice into portions and sprinkle with optional chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty stuffed French bread!
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or chicken soup for a different flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture.
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
- If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best results.
