Crazy Bread for March Madness

The Borns are not sports fans.* Like not at all. Okay, maybe that's too strong. Really, we're apathetic at best. We don't follow teams. We don't have jerseys. We don't live by the ESPN schedule. AND, WE LIKE IT THAT WAY. More importantly, we're not judging you for liking them. I can get behind sporting event food- nachos for me, Nick likes beer. Plus, hello, tailgate food! There are so many possibilities for so many games. Give me an occasion, I'll give you food. 

While March Madness has most of the world on pins and needles, we will watch whatever is on the DVR. This is probably a sin. Especially in Wichita since our local Shockers are steadily advancing. So for argument's sake, GO SHOX! Now on to the good stuff. You've got games to prepare for! Make this bread. Feed your hungry fans. 

I must confess I really made this bread as an appetizer to take to a family friend's annual holiday costume party. I decided it would be rich enough for the occasion and simple enough to make. Not to mention, I was betting the flavors would be a winning combination. The salty meat, melty cheese, and tanginess of the spread jam-packed into the loaf. Satisfying, indeed.

Italian Crazy Bread
Recipe from Bacon, Butter, Cheese & Garlic

1 loaf Italian bread (French works too)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
5-6 basil leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 tablespoon pepperoncini brine (from the jar)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup pepperoncini pepper slices
Assorted salamis (pepper, capicola, or any of your favorites!)
Sliced provolone cheese
Sliced mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  
2. Using serrated knife, slice the loaf of bread in 1-inch sections, being careful not to slice all the way through the bottom.  
3. Stir together the mayo, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, and the pepperoncini brine together.  
4. Liberally spread this mixture in between the sliced sections of bread.  (This is messy!) 
5. Put a slice of cheese into each cut, alternating flavors.  
6. In every other cut, add 2-3 slices of salami into each cut, alternating flavors.
7. Stuff in the pepperoncini slices and red onion slices into the cuts with only cheese in them.
8. Wrap the whole loaf tightly with foil. Bake about 25-30 minutes (the outside will begin to get crispy and the cheese is nice and melty).
9. Serve immediately. Though, the loaf holds its heat well. We enjoyed dipping ours in Ranch dressing.

For the love all things carbohydrate, make this crazy bread. Trust me. It will score points with your crew. It's like a sub on steroids but better. Bonus- it's quick and easy with little clean up! 

In recognition of this season of hyper-competitive college sports, I'd like to send you off with a little wish. May your belly be full, your drink be cold, and your bracket remain unbusted. Root a little more on our behalf for whichever team deserves it the most. (Or just pick the town that you think has the best food and root for them). 

I think this is where I'll say Go Team Go! Until next time.
-xoxo

*Note: I am only generalizing for this immediate family unit, not those in the immediate extended family or the entire 100+ clan.