This meat-and-cheese filled loaf rises to crusty perfection as it bakes. Slicing the golden loaf reveals mounds of melted fontina cheese, tender ham and spicy salami, accented with roasted red peppers and grilled onions.

Giant Baked Hero Sandwich

Garlic Oil (recipe follows)

Grilled Onions (recipe follows)

2 (1-pound) loaves frozen white bread, thawed and kneaded together*

1/2 pound thinly sliced dry salami

1/2 pound thinly sliced cooked ham

1/4 pound thinly sliced dry coppa (optional)

8 ounces thinly sliced fontina or Monterey Jack cheese

1 (7-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained

1. Prepare Garlic Oil and Grilled Onion; set aside.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to a 12 x 18-inch rectangle. Brush surface with 2 tablespoons of the Garlic Oil.
3. Cover half the dough lengthwise with overlapping layers of salami, ham, coppa (if desired), cheeses, Grilled onion, and peppers.
4. Lift plain half of dough and fold over filling (if dough sticks to surface, loosen it gently with a spatula). Press edges of dough firmly together to seal.
5. Using 2 wide spatulas, transfer loaf to an oiled 12 x 17-inch baking sheet; tuck ends of dough under to fit on sheet. Brush loaf with remaining Garlic Oil. Let rise in a warm place until puffy, about 20 minutes.
6. Bake in a 400°F (205°C) oven until richly browned, about 15 to 20 minutes. Let loaf cool slightly before serving.
7. To serve, cut loaf in half lengthwise; then cut crosswise into 3-inch wide slices.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

*Or make your own favorite white bread dough recipe for approximately a 2 pound loaf.

Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed; and 1/2 teaspoon each dry basil, dry oregano, and dry thyme.

Grilled Onion: In a wide frying pan, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar, and 1 large onion, sliced. Cook over medium-high heat stirring often, until onion begins to brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.