Craving cozy, crowd-pleasing meals that are as easy as they are delicious? Look no further than stuffed French bread—your secret weapon for quick dinners, game-day snacks, or cheesy comfort food any night of the week. From gooey garlic pull-apart loaves to loaded Italian-inspired masterpieces, these 20 recipes are guaranteed to become family favorites. Let’s dig in!
Cheesy Garlic Butter Stuffed French Bread
This pull-apart garlic bread is loaded with melty cheese and herb-infused butter—perfect for game day or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 large loaf French bread (about 16 inches long)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut the French bread into 1-inch slices without cutting all the way through (keep the bottom intact).
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- Spread the garlic butter between every slice of bread, then stuff each slit with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Wrap the loaf tightly in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Unwrap and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are crisp.
The magic here? The foil wrap steams the bread for tenderness, while the final uncovered bake gives you that irresistible crispy-cheesy finish.
Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the bread before the final bake!
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed French Bread
This cheesy, garlicky stuffed bread is a crowd-pleaser—perfect for game day or a cozy night in!
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 oz) loaf French bread
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and hollow out the center, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Fold in spinach, artichokes, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Spread the mixture evenly into both bread halves. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.
The crispy bread shell holds a creamy, tangy filling that’s loaded with melty cheese—every bite is pure comfort!
Tip: For extra crunch, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
Spicy Italian Sausage Stuffed French Bread
This loaded loaf is a game-changer for game day—spicy sausage, melty cheese, and garlic butter turn a humble baguette into the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 large French bread loaf (about 16 inches long)
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the French bread lengthwise and hollow out both halves, leaving a 1/2-inch shell.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles (about 8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Stir in 1/2 cup marinara sauce, 1 tsp oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Mix melted butter and minced garlic in a bowl. Brush generously inside the bread shells.
- Layer the sausage mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan into the bread. Wrap tightly in foil.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then unwrap and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese bubbles. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp parsley.
The magic here? The garlic butter soaks into the bread while baking, creating a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture that holds up to the bold filling.
Tip: For extra crunch, toast the hollowed-out bread scraps with olive oil and sprinkle them over the top before serving.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed French Bread
This game-day favorite packs all the spicy, cheesy goodness of buffalo chicken dip into a crispy, pull-apart loaf—perfect for sharing (or not!).
Ingredients:
- 1 large loaf French bread (about 16 inches long)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the French bread horizontally and hollow out both halves, leaving a 1/2-inch shell.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and green onions until combined.
- Spread the filling evenly into both bread halves. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and edges are golden. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.
The contrast of the crunchy bread shell with the creamy, tangy filling is downright addictive—just try stopping at one slice!
Tip: For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
Pizza Stuffed French Bread
This cheesy, saucy stuffed bread is like a giant pizza pocket—perfect for game day or a fun family dinner with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 oz) loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Hollow out both bread halves, leaving a 1/2-inch border to create a “boat.”
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce evenly inside both halves. Layer with shredded mozzarella, mini pepperoni, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
- Press the halves together, wrap tightly in foil, and bake for 15 minutes. Unwrap, brush top with 2 tbsp melted butter, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into thick, gooey portions.
The crispy buttered crust gives way to a molten center—like a cross between garlic bread and a supreme pizza!
Tip: Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage or veggies for a customizable twist.
Jalapeño Popper Stuffed French Bread
This twist on jalapeño poppers bakes all that creamy, spicy goodness right into a crusty loaf for the ultimate shareable appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 oz) loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (seeds removed for milder heat)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Hollow out both bread halves, leaving a 1/2-inch border to create boats.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, jalapeños, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until fully combined.
- Divide filling evenly between bread halves, pressing gently into the hollows. Brush tops with melted butter.
- Bake 18-20 minutes until filling is bubbly and edges are golden. Broil 1-2 minutes for extra crispness if desired.
- Sprinkle with cilantro, slice crosswise, and serve warm.
The contrast of the crunchy bread with the molten, smoky-cheesy center makes this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at game-day parties.
Tip: For easier slicing, chill the loaf 10 minutes before hollowing.
BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed French Bread
This crowd-pleasing stuffed bread turns leftover pulled pork into a crispy, saucy masterpiece—perfect for game day or a fuss-free weeknight feast.
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf French bread (about 16 inches long)
- 2 cups cooked pulled pork
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for brushing
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the French bread horizontally and hollow out the center of both halves, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- In a bowl, mix pulled pork, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, red onion, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stuff the mixture into the hollowed bread.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the pork. Place the top half of the bread back on and brush the outside with melted butter mixed with 1 tsp garlic powder.
- Wrap the loaf tightly in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Unwrap, brush with extra BBQ sauce, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until crispy and golden.
The magic here? The bread soaks up just enough BBQ sauce to stay tender inside while turning shatteringly crisp on the edges—no soggy bites!
Tip: For extra smokiness, add a pinch of cayenne to the butter brush.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed French Bread
This loaded, melty masterpiece turns classic cheesesteak flavors into a shareable loaf—perfect for game day or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 oz) loaf French bread
- 1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice French bread lengthwise and hollow out the center, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Reserve torn bread for another use.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ribeye, bell pepper, and onion. Cook 5–7 minutes until steak is browned and veggies soften. Stir in garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Layer half the provolone slices in the hollowed bread, top with steak mixture, then remaining cheese. Wrap loaf tightly in foil and bake 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 more minutes until cheese bubbles.
The crispy bread shell soaks up all the juicy steak drippings while keeping the filling extra gooey—no sad, soggy sandwiches here!
Tip: Freeze sliced ribeye for 30 minutes first to make thin slicing a breeze.
Mediterranean Veggie Stuffed French Bread
This loaded, crusty bread boat is packed with roasted veggies, melty cheese, and zesty Mediterranean flavors—perfect for a fuss-free crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 large French bread loaf (about 12 inches long)
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the French bread lengthwise and hollow out the center, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Brush the inside with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Toss zucchini, red bell pepper, and Kalamata olives with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
- Layer roasted veggies into the bread, then top with feta and mozzarella. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, slice, and serve warm.
The contrast of crispy bread, tender veggies, and tangy feta makes every bite irresistible. Bonus? It’s equally tasty at room temperature for picnics!
Tip: For a smoky twist, add 1/4 tsp smoked paprika to the veggie mix before roasting.
Loaded Baked Potato Stuffed French Bread
This cheesy, carb-loaded masterpiece combines the best parts of a baked potato and garlic bread into one irresistible loaf—perfect for game day or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 1 large French bread loaf (about 12 inches long)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the French bread loaf horizontally, leaving one edge intact to create a hinge.
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly inside the bread.
- Layer shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crumbled bacon inside the loaf. Sprinkle with green onions.
- Wrap the stuffed loaf tightly in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Unwrap and bake 5 more minutes until cheese is bubbly.
The magic here? The bread soaks up all the garlic butter and melty cheese while staying crisp—no soggy middles! Serve with extra sour cream for dipping.
Tip: For extra crunch, broil the unwrapped loaf for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Caprese Stuffed French Bread
This cheesy, garlicky twist on classic Caprese is perfect for sharing—pull apart the warm, crusty bread to reveal melty mozzarella and juicy tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 large French bread loaf (about 16 inches long)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut the French bread horizontally, leaving one side intact to form a hinge.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush generously inside the bread.
- Layer mozzarella slices and cherry tomatoes inside the loaf. Sprinkle basil evenly over the top.
- Close the bread and wrap tightly in foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then unwrap and bake for 5 more minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze, slice into portions, and serve warm.
The hinged bread keeps all the fillings tucked in neatly, making it ideal for messy, hands-on gatherings.
Tip: For extra crunch, broil the unwrapped bread for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Reuben Sandwich Stuffed French Bread
Take your love for Reubens to the next level by stuffing all that savory goodness into a crispy French loaf—perfect for game day or a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 large French bread loaf (about 16 inches)
- 1 lb thinly sliced corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the French bread horizontally and hollow out the top and bottom halves slightly, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Spread 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing on the bottom half. Layer with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. Drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup dressing and sprinkle with caraway seeds (if using).
- Place the top half of the bread back on. Brush the outside with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Wrap tightly in foil and bake for 20 minutes. Unwrap and bake for 5–7 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.
The magic here? The bread soaks up all the Reuben flavors while staying crisp—no soggy sandwiches! Slice into thick portions for maximum melty, meaty goodness.
Tip: For extra crunch, broil the unwrapped loaf for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
Taco Stuffed French Bread
This cheesy, meaty twist on French bread is a crowd-pleaser—perfect for game day or a fuss-free weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 large loaf French bread (about 12 inches long)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for serving)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the French bread horizontally and hollow out the center, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Brush the inside with 1 tbsp olive oil and toast for 5 minutes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain fat, then stir in 1 packet taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Fill the toasted bread with the beef mixture, then top with 1 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese melts.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cilantro and serve with 1/4 cup sour cream on the side.
The crispy bread soaks up the taco juices while keeping its structure—no soggy bottoms here! Slice into wedges for easy sharing.
Tip: Swap ground beef for turkey or black beans for a lighter twist.
Shrimp Scampi Stuffed French Bread
Buttery garlic shrimp piled into crusty bread? Yes, please—this indulgent twist on scampi is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 large French bread loaf (about 16 inches long)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the French bread horizontally and hollow out the center, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Reserve torn bread for another use.
- In a skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; sauté for 2 minutes per side until pink. Stir in wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes; simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat and toss with parsley.
- Stuff shrimp mixture into the bread, then drizzle with remaining 2 tbsp melted butter. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are crisp.
The magic here? The bread soaks up all that garlicky, buttery sauce while staying perfectly crunchy—no soggy bites!
Tip: For extra richness, brush the bread’s interior with garlic butter before stuffing.
French Onion Soup Stuffed French Bread
Imagine the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup baked right into crusty bread—this cozy twist is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 large loaf French bread (about 16 inches long)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice French bread in half lengthwise and hollow out both halves, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Save the torn bread for another use.
- Melt 4 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes until deeply caramelized.
- Pour in 1/4 cup white wine (if using) and simmer for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp thyme. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Spoon the onion mixture into the hollowed bread. Top with 1 1/2 cups Gruyère and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Bake for 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
The magic here? The bread soaks up the savory broth while staying crisp—no soggy bottoms! Serve it sliced for dipping or as a knife-and-fork meal.
Tip: For extra depth, broil the stuffed bread for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed French Bread
This cheesy, garlicky stuffed bread is like a cross between garlic bread and your favorite creamy Alfredo pasta—comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 large loaf French bread (about 16 inches long)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 ½ cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the French bread lengthwise, leaving one edge intact to create a hinge. Hollow out the center slightly to make room for the filling.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Spoon the mixture evenly into the hollowed-out bread.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture over the top and sides of the bread.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan on top. Wrap the loaf loosely in foil, leaving the top exposed, and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
The magic here? The bread soaks up just enough sauce to stay soft inside while staying crisp on the edges—no soggy bites!
Tip: For extra flavor, stir a pinch of Italian seasoning into the Alfredo-chicken mix before stuffing.
Breakfast Sausage and Egg Stuffed French Bread
This hearty stuffed bread is like a breakfast sandwich and French toast had the tastiest love child—perfect for lazy weekend brunches or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-oz) loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage, casings removed
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Hollow out both bread halves, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Lightly brush insides with softened butter.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook breakfast sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned (5–6 minutes). Drain fat.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour into the same skillet and scramble over low heat until just set (2–3 minutes).
- Layer sausage, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese into the hollowed bread. Bake for 15–18 minutes until cheese melts and bread crisps. Sprinkle with chives.
The magic here? The bread soaks up the eggy richness while staying crisp—no soggy bottoms! Slice into thick portions for a self-contained breakfast.
Tip: Swap the chives for pickled jalapeños if you love a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Chili Stuffed French Bread
This hearty, cheesy stuffed bread is like a cozy hug in edible form—loaded with smoky chili and melty cheese, it’s perfect for game day or a fuss-free weeknight.
Ingredients:
- 1 large French bread loaf (about 12 inches long)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the French bread lengthwise and hollow out the center, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Brush the insides with 1 tbsp olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
- Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add black beans and diced tomatoes (with juices). Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in half the cheese.
- Spoon chili mixture into the hollowed bread, top with remaining cheese, and bake 12–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Garnish with cilantro if using.
The crispy bread soaks up the smoky chili just enough without getting soggy—every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Tip: For extra crunch, broil the stuffed bread for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
Garlic Herb Butter Stuffed French Bread
This buttery, garlicky stuffed bread is a showstopper—pull-apart layers of crusty French bread oozing with herbed goodness. Perfect for sharing (or not!).
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf French bread (about 16 inches)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the French bread diagonally into 1-inch slices, stopping just before the bottom crust so the loaf stays intact.
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Spread the garlic herb butter between every slice of bread, then stuff the mozzarella cheese into the gaps.
- Wrap the loaf tightly in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Unwrap and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden.
The magic here? The bread stays crusty outside while turning pillowy-soft inside, with pockets of melted cheese in every bite.
Tip: For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—just watch closely!
Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed French Bread
This loaded French bread is like your favorite pepperoni pizza got cozy inside a crusty loaf—melty, savory, and perfect for game day or family movie night.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-oz) loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 30 slices pepperoni (about 2 oz)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Hollow out both bread halves, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Save the scraps for breadcrumbs.
- Spread 1/2 cup pizza sauce evenly inside both halves. Layer pepperoni, then top with mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. Sprinkle with 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
- Press halves together, then brush the outside with 1 tbsp melted butter mixed with 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Wrap tightly in foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then unwrap and bake 5 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden. Slice and serve warm.
The magic here? The foil wrap steams the bread for a soft interior, while that final uncovered bake gives you a crispy, buttery crust.
Tip: For extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese layer or dip slices in warm marinara.
Conclusion
With 20 mouthwatering stuffed French bread recipes, there’s something here for every craving! Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating your family, these cheesy, savory, and indulgent ideas are sure to impress. Don’t forget to try your favorites, leave a comment below, and share the love on Pinterest. Happy baking—and even happier eating!

I’m Brandon, the face behind the recipes. As a dedicated food enthusiast, I love experimenting with flavors and sharing my culinary adventures with you.