Christmas Leftovers Toasted Bread Bowl

A creative way to transform holiday leftovers into a shareable, epic sandwich. Perfect for leftover ham, turkey, roasted vegetables, cheese platter remnants, and more. Delicious fresh and travels well for picnics or gatherings.

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.

2. 2

   Mix melted butter with minced garlic to make garlic butter.

3. 3

   Cut the top off the bread loaf. Hollow out bread from loaf and lid, leaving walls and floor about 1.5 cm thick.

4. 4

   Place hollowed bread on a large sheet of foil on a baking tray. Dab or brush interior with garlic butter.

5. 5

   Layer filling inside bread: half the spinach, turkey, antipasto mix, remaining spinach, ham, and cheese.

6. 6

   Tuck any loose bits inside loaf and replace the lid.

7. 7

   Brush entire exterior with garlic butter and wrap loaf in foil.

8. 8

   Place a heavy, flat object on top (cast iron skillet ideal) and bake 20 minutes.

9. 9

   Remove weight and foil. Bake an additional 10 minutes until loaf is golden and crisp.

10. 10

    Cut into thick slices and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

• Bread – Artisan breads such as sourdough or ciabatta work best for holding the filling and developing a crisp crust.

• Make Ahead – Can be prepared the day before. Bake, then wrap warm in foil and refrigerate overnight. Reheat for best experience; flavors meld beautifully.

• Leftover Bread – Use removed bread pieces in meatball recipes or other dishes for extra soft texture.

• Filling Ideas – Beyond the suggested ingredients, use almost any leftovers: roasted vegetables, cooked meats, or cheeses to create a custom sandwich.

• Serving – Best served immediately for a warm, melty experience, but can travel well for picnics or gatherings.