If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, this Stuffed French Bread Recipe is your new go-to. It masterfully combines a crispy, golden French bread crust with a warm, savory filling of ground beef, celery, and melted cheddar cheese that is simply irresistible. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a potluck that demands a crowd-pleaser, this dish will quickly become a favorite, delighting with its perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Stuffed French Bread Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, providing flavor, richness, or texture, making this dish both wholesome and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll gather to get started:
- 1 loaf French bread: Choose a fresh, crusty loaf that will hold up well to stuffing without getting soggy.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds the meaty, savory base that makes this dish filling and flavorful.
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion: For gentle onion flavor; fresh diced will work beautifully too.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery: Provides a subtle crunch and a hint of freshness amidst all the richness.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Elevates the beef with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 1 can (10 ounces) cream of celery soup: The creamy binder that softens the filling and keeps it moist; cream of mushroom or chicken soup works as tasty alternatives.
- 2 Tablespoons milk: Lightens the soup mixture, ensuring the filling isn’t too thick or dry.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Gives a deep umami flavor, enhancing the overall savoriness.
- 3/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding gooey richness and a sharp finish.
- 1/2 Tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Make Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. Brown the ground beef and the dried minced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the beef is cooked through and fragrant. Be sure to drain any excess grease to keep the filling from being greasy. Then add the chopped celery and minced garlic, cooking just until the celery softens slightly—this keeps a nice little bite without being too crunchy. Next, stir in the cream of celery soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture gently simmer for about five minutes until everything is warmed through and well combined. This step is key to building the flavorful, creamy filling that makes the stuffed French bread so irresistible.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
While the filling is warming, slice your French bread loaf lengthwise into two equal halves. Take a spoon and scoop out the soft interior bread from each half, leaving a sturdy shell of bread crust to hold all the delicious filling. Don’t toss the bread crumbs you’ve scooped out! Instead, tear those into small pieces and add them back into your beef mixture in the skillet. This clever move thickens the filling with a satisfyingly chewy texture that complements the tender meat and creamy sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Stuff and Assemble
Place the hollowed bread halves on a large baking sheet, open side up. Pour the warm beef and bread mixture evenly into one half of the French bread and spread it out smoothly. Now comes the highlight: sprinkle the freshly grated cheddar cheese generously over the filling. Cheese makes everything better, so don’t hold back! Finally, top with the other half of the bread, pressing lightly to sandwich everything neatly together.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled bread boat into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on it so the bread crust doesn’t get too dark. Once out of the oven, give it about 5 minutes to settle—this helps the filling set just enough so it slices cleanly without oozing everywhere. Then slice into thick, hearty portions and get ready to savor every bite!
How to Serve Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh pop to your stuffed French bread, sprinkle chopped parsley right after baking for a splash of color and brightness. If you love a little heat, a few red pepper flakes on top can elevate the flavor beautifully. You might also consider a light drizzle of sour cream or a handful of sliced green onions to add contrast both visually and on your palate.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best when paired with simple, complementary sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli bring additional nutrients and color to the table. If you want to keep things cozy, creamy tomato soup on the side turns this meal into ultimate comfort food heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at your next gathering? Serve the Stuffed French Bread Recipe on a wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and sliced colorful veggies. You could even slice the loaf into smaller, individual portions for easy finger food at parties. For a brunch twist, add a dollop of guacamole or salsa on the side and watch this classic take on French bread become a crowd favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to believe you will), wrap the stuffed bread tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. The filling tends to soak into the bread a bit, but reheated thoughtfully, it will still taste fantastic the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed French bread before baking by wrapping it securely in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This handy method lets you prepare meals ahead without losing freshness or flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the stuffed bread into a 350° F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the crust soggy. A nicely reheated portion restores that freshly baked charm with ease!
FAQs
Can I use another type of bread for this recipe?
While a crusty French bread loaf is ideal for its texture and ability to hold the filling, you could experiment with Italian or sourdough bread. Just make sure the loaf is sturdy enough to handle scooping and baking without falling apart.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Stuffed French Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. The creamy soup and cheese will still provide richness, making it just as satisfying without the meat.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can make the beef mixture a day before and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply fill the bread and bake as directed. This saves time on busy days and intensifies the flavors.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust it?
This recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can easily customize it by adding chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the filling if you like a little kick.
What cheese alternatives work well in this recipe?
Cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, but feel free to use mozzarella for a milder, stretchy texture or a mix of Monterey Jack and Parmesan for a different flavor profile. Just use good melting cheeses for best results.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered the magic of this Stuffed French Bread Recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and bring this delicious, comforting meal to life. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, offering a satisfying combination of hearty meat, creamy cheese, and crunchy bread that’s impossible to resist. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself making it again and again for every occasion!
Print
Stuffed French Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stuffed French Bread recipe features a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef, tender celery, and creamy soup filling baked inside a crusty French bread loaf, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a quick dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion (or freshly diced white onion)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 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
- Small pieces torn from the inside of the French bread loaf (about half the loaf’s inner bread)
For Assembly
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 Tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the stuffed bread.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the dried minced onion. Drain excess grease. Add chopped celery and minced garlic, cooking until celery is tender, about a few minutes. Stir in the cream of celery soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir the mixture until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Bread: While the filling cooks, slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the soft bread from the center of each half, tearing it into small pieces. Add these bread pieces to the beef mixture in the skillet and stir to combine evenly.
- Assemble Stuffed Bread: Place the two hollowed halves of the French bread lengthwise on a large baking sheet. Fill one half evenly with the warm beef and bread mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the filling. Place the other half of the bread on top, pressing lightly if needed.
- Bake: Bake the assembled stuffed bread in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley. Slice and serve warm. Enjoy your hearty stuffed French bread!
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup based on your preference.
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Optional parsley adds a fresh color and slight herby flavor when sprinkled on top before serving.
- Be sure to drain the beef grease well to avoid a soggy filling.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead and baked right before serving to save time.
