BASIL RED PEPPER SANDWICHES

Basil Red Pepper Sandwiches image

Refreshing basil leaves dress up this hot and hearty sandwich from our Test Kitchen. With a tangy olive spread, sweet peppers and mozzarella cheese, the hand-held meals are ideal for picnics or tailgating.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 loaf (1 pound) unsliced Italian bread
1 to 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
8 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese
4 large pieces roasted sweet red peppers, patted dry
12 fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup chopped pitted green olives

Steps:

Cut the top half off the loaf of bread; carefully hollow out top and bottom, leaving a 3/4-in. shell (save removed bread for another use). , In a small bowl, combine lemon zest and 2 tablespoons oil. Spread over the cut side of bread top. Drizzle remaining oil inside bread bottom. Layer with the cheese, red pepper, basil and olives. Replace bread top. Wrap in foil. , Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted. Slice before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 570 calories, Fat 27g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 1248mg sodium, Carbohydrate 60g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 21g protein.