Pizza Bread Sandwich (8") Recipe
One of our more popular hot sandwiches. Our delicious meat sauce and melted cheese over a loaf of our own Italian bread
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Ingredients
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Meat Sauce
Bread & Assembly
Optional Garnish
Method
Meat Sauce
- 1
Brown meats
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up meat with a spoon, until no longer pink and beginning to brown, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
- 2
- 3
Simmer sauce
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and water. Season with oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Bread & Assembly
- 4
Prepare oven and bread
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease. Split the 8-inch Italian loaf lengthwise and place cut sides up on the prepared sheet. Brush the cut surfaces lightly with melted butter and sprinkle the 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning evenly over both halves.
- 5
Assemble sandwich
Spoon warm meat sauce evenly over both cut sides of the loaf, dividing it so each half gets a good layer (reserve about 2–3 tablespoons of sauce if you prefer less sogginess). Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce on both halves, then finish with grated parmesan.
- 6
Bake until melty
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and sauce is bubbling. If you want a browned top, switch to broil on high for the final 1–2 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
- 7
Finish and slice
Remove from oven. Let rest 2–3 minutes, then sprinkle optional torn basil leaves and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Close the two halves together to form a sandwich, or cut into portions (typically 4 sandwiches or 2 large halves) and serve hot.