Description
Classic French bread cradle combines rustic charm with culinary heritage from rural France. Bakers craft this artisan loaf with simple ingredients, creating a hearty bread perfect for sharing with friends and gathering around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) beef steak, cut into small strips
- 1 loaf crusty French bread
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) Provel ropes or shredded Provolone cheese
- 2 tbsps soy sauce
- 3 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
- ⅓ cup (80ml) ketchup
- 2 tsps sriracha hot chili sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bread Preparation: Slice french bread at an angle, removing top third. Hollow out interior, maintaining a half-inch bread wall for structural integrity.
- Meat Searing: Heat canola oil in skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear steak strips until edges caramelize and moisture evaporates, creating crisp exterior.
- Flavor Infusion: Reduce heat, introduce minced garlic and bloom for 30 seconds. Pour soy sauce, sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, and ketchup into skillet. Season with salt and pepper to enhance taste profile.
- Sauce Development: Simmer beef mixture for 5 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and create a rich, umami-packed sauce that coats meat thoroughly.
- Cheese and Baking: Fill bread vessel with seasoned beef, distribute evenly. Top generously with mozzarella and Provel cheeses. Transfer to baking sheet and slide into preheated 350°F oven.
- Final Transformation: Bake for 15 minutes until cheese melts completely. Activate broiler for final minute, watching carefully to achieve golden-brown cheese surface without burning.
Notes
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose a sturdy French bread with thick walls to prevent sogginess and maintain structural integrity during baking.
- Meat Searing Technique: Pat steak strips dry before cooking to achieve maximum caramelization and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Grate cheese fresh for optimal melting and more even coverage across the bread’s surface.
- Broiler Watch: Keep a close eye during the final minute of broiling to prevent burning and ensure a perfect golden-brown cheese crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg