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Cheesy Bread With Marinara

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 Italian loaf or rustic baguette
  • 5 tbsp. olive oil
  • ½-pound mozzarella, thinly sliced 
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¾ tsp. dried oregano 
  • 2 large garlic cloves, grated or minced
  • ½ tsp. red-pepper flakes
  • 1-¾ cups marinara sauce
  • ½ tsp. sherry vinegar, optional
  • 2 tbsp. grated Parmesan

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 400°F.
  • Halve the loaf lengthwise almost all the way through, leaving it attached on one side.
  • Open it, lay it flat and brush the insides with 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil.
  • Tuck in the mozzarella, then sprinkle with salt and ¼ teaspoon oregano.
  • Close, then wrap tightly with foil.
  • Place on a sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes. 
  • Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, garlic, remaining ½ teaspoon oregano and red-pepper flakes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant; bout 1 minute.
  • Pour in the marinara sauce and adjust the heat to bring it to a gentle boil.
  • Stir in the sherry vinegar, if using.
  • Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the bread is ready; about 15 minutes more.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer the sauce to a bowl or serve from the pan; top with grated Parmesan.
  • Slice the bread, or let everyone pull the pieces apart themselves.
  • Keep wrapped until ready to serve.

Notes

Try brushing the bread with garlic and oil, or melted butter, before adding the mozzarella — makes a delicious cheesy jazzed up garlic bread.