Smoky Caprese Bread Bowl Recipes

SMOKY CAPRESE SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• If your ciabatta rolls are very bready, pick out a little of the crumb. Put the rolls on a baking pan and bake until warm and crisp on the outside, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat a small grill pan or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Toss the red onion in 1 tablespoon of the oil and sprinkle with a little salt, then grill, turning occasionally, until slightly softened and charred in spots, about 6 minutes.
• Stir together the basil, smoked almonds, crushed red pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt and the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil in a bowl.
• Arrange the bottom halves of the ciabatta rolls on a work surface. Drizzle with a little olive oil, then arrange the tomatoes on top; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Next, top evenly with the onions, followed by the almond mixture. Lay the mozzarella on top; sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with a little more olive oil. Top with the arugula and serve immediately.

BRUSCHETTA DIP IN AN ITALIAN BREAD BOWL

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, fennel and eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Add 1/4 cup water and cook, stirring, until the water is absorbed, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the olives and vinegar. Let cool about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Using a small serrated knife, hollow out the bread loaf, leaving a 1/2-inch-thick shell. Slice the cut-out bread into pieces and arrange on a baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake until slightly toasted, 5 to 8 minutes.
• Stir the basil and cheese into the vegetable mixture; season with salt and pepper. Fill the loaf with the dip and top with more cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with the toasted bread and crackers and/or crudites.

PANZANELLA BREAD BOWL

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Hollow out the center of the ciabatta loaf to form a rectangular "bowl"; set aside. Cut the removed bread into 1-inch cubes; spread 2 cups of the bread on a rimmed baking sheet (reserve the rest for another use). Bake the bread cubes until lightly toasted, 5 to 6 minutes. Let cool.
• Combine the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, roasted red peppers, salami, prosciutto, soppressata, cheese and toasted bread cubes in a large bowl. Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, the oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and