Super-Stuffed French Bread Pizza Rustica

ratherbeswimmin''s Note:

Rachael Ray

• Total Time: 42 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
• 1 loaf French bread (2 feet long)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
• 1 small red bell pepper , seeded and chopped
• 1 small onion , chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves , chopped
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1 ½ cups part-skim ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ lb sweet sopressata , sliced thick from the deli and chopped
• 3 -4 ounces pepperoni , chopped
• 10 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 10 ounces shredded provolone cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°; defrost spinach in the microwave, 6 minutes on high; wring spinach dry in a clean kitchen towel.
2. Split bread lengthwise and hollow it out; cut in half crosswise, making 4 shells for pizzas.
3. Heat a skillet over med-high heat; add in olive oil, then the sausage; brown and crumble sausage using a wooden spoon.
4. Add in bell pepper, onions, and garlic; cook 3-5 minutes, then add in the spinach.
5. Remove pan from heat; season with salt and pepper; transfer mixture to a bowl.
6. Mix the sausage mixture with the ricotta, parmesan, sopressata, and pepperoni.
7. Fill pizzas with the mixture; top with mounded mozzarella and provolone cheese.
8. Place pizzas on a cookie sheet and bake 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles and bread is super crisp.
9. Top pizzas with oregano and hot pepper flakes; serve immediately.

Reviews

[Chef #576644]

i make a very similar version of this and it's fantastic ... very filling!