Best 2 Italian Hero Braid Recipes

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**Introduction:**

Embark on a culinary journey to Italy with our tantalizing Italian Hero Braid. This delectable bread, hailing from the heart of Italy, is a masterpiece of flavors and textures, embodying the essence of Italian cuisine. Its braided form, adorned with an enticing golden crust, encases a soft and airy interior, meticulously crafted with high-quality ingredients. Each bite unravels a symphony of flavors, from the savory tang of sun-ripened tomatoes and aromatic basil to the rich, nutty undertones of Parmesan cheese. Whether you're hosting a party or savoring a cozy meal at home, the Italian Hero Braid is sure to captivate your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of Italy.

**Recipes Included:**

1. **Classic Italian Hero Braid:**

- This recipe embodies the traditional flavors of Italy, featuring a blend of fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese. The dough is lovingly kneaded and braided, creating an irresistible presentation.

2. **Roasted Red Pepper and Sausage Italian Hero Braid:**

- For a bolder flavor profile, this recipe incorporates roasted red peppers and savory sausage. The roasted peppers add a smoky sweetness, while the sausage lends a hearty, meaty texture.

3. **Spinach and Feta Italian Hero Braid:**

- This vegetarian delight showcases the vibrant flavors of spinach and feta cheese. The spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, while the feta cheese provides a tangy, salty balance.

4. **Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Italian Hero Braid:**

- This recipe combines the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with a rich, aromatic pesto sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness, while the pesto sauce adds a layer of herbaceous complexity.

5. **Caprese Italian Hero Braid:**

- This recipe pays homage to the classic Italian Caprese salad, featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. The combination of these ingredients creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BRAIDED ITALIAN HERB BREAD



Braided Italian Herb Bread image

A beautifully braided bread with a delicious blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, and garlic powder that is sure to please!

Provided by Nerice Photography

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes     White Bread Recipes

Time 1h25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon dried rosemary
¾ cup milk
½ cup water
4 tablespoons butter
1 egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, basil, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and rosemary in a large bowl.
  • Combine milk, water, and butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in a microwave until butter melts, about 30 seconds. Pour over the flour mixture; beat until dough is just moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. Stir in remaining 3 cups flour to form a soft dough.
  • Turn dough onto a floured surface such as a large cutting board or countertop. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
  • Divide dough into thirds. Shape each piece into a 15-inch rope. Transfer ropes to a greased baking sheet. Braid together. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under the braid. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush top of the braid with olive oil and sprinkle with basil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet, or remove to a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 294.8 calories, Carbohydrate 48.7 g, Cholesterol 32.3 mg, Fat 7.5 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 7.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 398.5 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

ITALIAN HERO SANDWICH



Italian Hero Sandwich image

Italian hero, sub, hoagie, grinder - this classic sandwich has many names, and every deli makes it differently. Its deliciousness lies in the proportion of rich-and-fatty ingredients to spicy-and-crunchy ones. For optimal structure and texture, start with crusty rolls with pillowy insides (or toast soft rolls). Use two to four types of cured meat for a range of umami, and plenty of lettuce and pickles to counterbalance them. Then assemble wisely: Shingle the meat and cheese across the rolls, then top with pickles, onions and dressed lettuce. Once put together, the wet ingredients are wrapped in meat so they're held in place and the bread doesn't get soggy. Wrap with parchment or wax paper for tidier eating and transporting.

Provided by Ali Slagle

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, sandwiches, main course

Time 10m

Yield 4 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
4 (6- to 8-inch-long) sub, hero or hoagie rolls, split lengthwise but attached on one side
Mustard and/or mayonnaise (optional)
4 ounces sliced provolone and/or low-moisture mozzarella cheese
1 pound thinly sliced Italian cured meats, such as salami, prosciutto, mortadella, coppa and/or soppressata
1 cup sliced pickled peppers, such as pepperoncini, banana peppers, giardiniera and/or jalapeños
1 small head iceberg lettuce (about 1 pound), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Rinse the red onion under cold water, then transfer to a large bowl. Add the red wine vinegar, dried oregano and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and set aside.
  • Arrange the rolls cut side up so they lie flat. Spread with a thin layer of mustard and/or mayonnaise, if using. Shingle the entire surface with the cheese, then the cured meats. Scatter an even layer of pickled peppers.
  • Add the iceberg lettuce and olive oil to the onion-oregano mixture and toss until well coated. Season to taste with salt. Pile the lettuce on one side of the sandwich, then close the sandwich and press down lightly. If packing, wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper or foil, then cut in half crosswise. Sandwiches will keep for up to 4 hours refrigerated.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh, ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and flavorful cheese will make all the difference.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread. A hearty Italian loaf, a soft focaccia, or even a baguette can all be used to make a delicious hero braid.
  • Be generous with the fillings. The more fillings you use, the tastier your braid will be. Just be sure not to overload it, or it will be difficult to braid.
  • Braiding the dough can be tricky at first, but with a little practice, you'll be able to do it like a pro. Just be sure to keep the dough strands tight so that the braid doesn't come apart.
  • Bake the braid until it is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will ensure that the braid is cooked through and that the flavors have had a chance to meld.

Conclusion:

The Italian hero braid is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. It can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or a snack. And because it is so easy to make, it is a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So next time you are looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, give the Italian hero braid a try.

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