Cheesy Pepperoni Bread Loaf Perfect for the Big Game

This gooey, cheesy bread loaf is sure to please a hungry crowd.

I received free samples of Cabot Cheese mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe challenge sponsored by Cabot Creamery and am eligible to win prizes. I was not additionally compensated for my time.

Cabot Creamery is a  family-farmer owned cooperative of more than 1200 farms located throughout New England and New York. One-hundred percent of Cabot's profits go back to their farmers.  Their Cheddar cheese is a protein-rich snack and is naturally lactose free.


The big football game is just about here and it's time to think about what snacks to prepare for a  roomful of guests. Whether it is a football game, family reunion, or any large gathering, this recipe is perfect to feed a crowd.

Cut bread into 1-inch squares.

Slice cheese into 1/8-inch slices.

Tuck cheese into rows.

Wrap pepperoni slice around cheese slice.

Tuck cheese and pepperoni into rows.

Below is the complete recipe. I used an 8-ounce package of Cabot's Pepper Jack and an 8-ounce package of Cabot's Seriously Sharp Cheddar cheese. I found a beautiful 2-pound round loaf of whole grain bread at my local Costco store.




Cheesy Pepperoni Bread Loaf

Ingredients:

1 2-pound loaf whole grain round bread

2 8-ounce packages Cabot cheese (Seriously Sharp, Extra Sharp, Vermont Sharp, and/or Pepper Jack)

1 5-ounce package sliced turkey pepperoni

2 tablespoons sliced green onions (both white and green part)

Directions:

Heat oven to 350⁰ F. Cut two pieces of aluminum foil, each about 30 inches long, and place on baking sheet forming a cross.

Using a serrated knife, cut bread into a grid pattern with rows about inch apart in both directions. Be careful not to cut through to bottom crust. Place cut loaf into center of foil on baking sheet.

Cut cheese into about 1/8-inch slices, getting 35 to 40 slices per 8-ounce piece. Then cut all slices in half yielding cheese pieces that are about 1-inch squares. Place half of cheese slices into parallel rows of bread so that just the top of cheese is exposed. If needed, press up on bread carefully from underneath to open up each row to make room for the cheese. Start with the center rows and work to outside edges. For the other half of the cheese, wrap each slice of cheese in a pepperoni slice and insert into remaining bread rows that are 90 degrees from the first rows. Tuck cheese and pepperoni deep into row so that just the top is exposed.

Wrap foil loosely around bread. Bake 25 minutes. Pull back foil and top with green onions. Broil about 6 inches from heat until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Serve immediately.

Makes 12 servings.

Note: Recipe can easily be cut in half, using a one-pound road loaf of whole grain bread, if desired.

Nutrition Information per Serving:

376 calories, 17 g total fat, 9 g saturated fat, 55 mg cholesterol, 6 g dietary fiber, 23 g protein, and 790 mg sodium. One serving of this low cost recipe provides an excellent source of protein and calcium.

Cost per Serving: $1.40

Pricing Note: all ingredients were at “regular” prices.

Be sure to check out these other cheesy favorites.

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Recipe Redux - Spicy Bok Choy Soup

Spicy Bok Choy Soup is fast and easy.

This month for Recipe Redux we were given the challenge to show a healthy dish we are heating up with smoke and/or spiciness. I choose spiciness. It is perfect for lunch or dinner on a cold, winter day

This is an fast and easy soup that goes to together in no time. You can add as mush or as little sriracha sauce as you like.

Spicy Bok Choy Soup

Ingredients

3 cups bok choy

6 cups chicken broth                

1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or sherry  

1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger

3 cloves minced garlic

3 green onions, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (use both white and green parts)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon sriracha sauce, or to taste

2 teaspoons dark sesame oil

6 to 8 ounces dry Chinese egg noodles or soba noodles

Directions:

Cut off the stem end of bok choy; separate leaves. Wash and dry. Cut into 1-inch pieces.

Combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, garlic, and green onions in a large pot.  Season with pepper and sriracha sauce; stir the ingredients until well mixed.  Heat over medium-high heat. Once the mixture has reached a boil, add bok choy , sesame oil, and noodles. Reduce heat to medium; cook for 3 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Ladle soup into bowls.

Makes 6 servings

Nutrition Information per Serving:

148 calories, 2 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 3 mg cholesterol, 1 g dietary fiber, 7 g protein, and 541 mg sodium. One serving of this low cost recipe provides an excellent source of vitamin A and C.

Cost per Serving: $1.25

Pricing Note: all ingredients were at “regular” prices.

Preparation photos:

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