Giant Baked Hero
Prep Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Cook Time: Not specified
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Indulge in the culinary delight of a Giant Baked Hero, a savory creation that seamlessly blends the robust flavors of garlic-infused oil, a medley of aromatic herbs, and a tantalizing assortment of meats and cheeses, all enveloped in a golden-brown, pillowy dough. This hero sandwich is not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that takes you through layers of taste and texture, leaving your taste buds craving for more.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 2 garlic cloves (for dough)
- 1/2 teaspoon dry basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dry oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dry thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup ham, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for brushing)
- 1/2 portion of your favorite pizza dough
- 1 cup salami, thinly sliced
- 1 cup coppa (Italian cured meat), thinly sliced
- 1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough:
- Pat the two portions of pizza dough together to create a cohesive base.
- On a lightly floured board, roll the combined dough into an impressive 12″ x 18″ rectangle.
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Garlic Oil Infusion:
- In a small bowl, create the garlic oil by combining 3 tablespoons of olive oil with minced or pressed garlic, dry basil leaves, dry oregano leaves, and dry thyme leaves.
- Brush the surface of the rolled dough with 2 tablespoons of this aromatic garlic oil, ensuring a flavorful foundation for your hero.
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Layering the Goodness:
- On one half of the dough lengthwise, create a visually appealing and delicious montage by layering salami, ham, coppa, fontina cheese, monterey jack cheese, onions, and bell peppers.
- Lift the plain half of the dough over the filling, sealing the edges firmly. Use spatulas if needed.
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Assembling the Hero:
- Carefully transfer the assembled giant hero to an oiled 12″ x 17″ baking sheet, ensuring the ends of the dough are tucked under for a neat appearance.
- Brush the entire surface with the remaining garlic oil.
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Rising to Perfection:
- Allow your creation to rise in a warm place until it becomes delightfully puffy, approximately 20 minutes.
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Baking Brilliance:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once risen, bake the Giant Baked Hero until it reaches a rich, golden-brown hue, typically 15 to 20 minutes of baking perfection.
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Slicing Spectacle:
- Take a moment to admire your masterpiece before cutting the sandwich lengthwise and then crosswise into 3″ slices.
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Grilled Onion Garnish:
- Elevate your hero experience by preparing a grilled onion topping. In an 8-10″ frying pan over medium-high heat, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic or red wine vinegar, and 1 large sliced onion.
- Stir often until the onion achieves a delightful caramelized brown color, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside for a flavorful finishing touch.
Embark on this culinary journey with our Giant Baked Hero recipe, a testament to the art of combining quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation, resulting in a hero that not only satisfies your hunger but also leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds. Perfect for weeknight gatherings, this oven-baked hero guarantees a flavorful experience in less than 4 hours. Enjoy the savory symphony of flavors, and share the love for this delectable creation from lovewithrecipes.com!