Elevate Your Picnic Game with Fratelli Beretta’s Ultimate Italian Picnic Loaf

As summer graces us with its warmth, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a delightful picnic featuring a show-stopping centrepiece: the Italian Picnic Loaf. This recipe, bursting with layers of classic Italian charcuterie and creamy cheeses, brings the best of Italy to your picnic blanket, thanks to the exceptional quality of Fratelli Beretta’s products.

Why Fratelli Beretta?

Fratelli Beretta has been synonymous with excellence in Italian charcuterie since 1812. This family-owned brand, spanning eight generations, prides itself on producing the finest Italian meats. With a commitment to quality and tradition, Fratelli Beretta’s products are crafted to bring authentic Italian flavours to your table. The company’s dedication to PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) products ensures that each slice of prosciutto, salami, and mortadella is of the highest quality, making them the perfect choice for our Italian Picnic Loaf.

Italian Picnic Loaf Recipe

Makes: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

  • 400g Round Loaf – Choose a loaf with a soft crumb but sturdy crust, such as a Coburg or Boule.
  • 4 Tbsps Olive Tapenade – Kalamata variety recommended.
  • 100g Fratelli Beretta Prosciutto Cotto
  • 70g Fratelli Beretta Salami Milano
  • 8 Slices Fratelli Beretta Mortadella Bologna
  • 125g Buffalo Mozzarella (drained weight)
  • 20g Pecorino – Thinly sliced with a speed peeler.
  • 30g Fresh Basil Leaves – Washed and dried (approx. 20 large leaves).
  • 120g Flame Roasted Peppers – Approx. 2 whole peppers from a jar.
  • Freshly Grounded Black Pepper – To taste.

Method:

  1. Prepare the Bread:
    1. Using a sharp, serrated knife, cut off the top of your bread to create a lid about 2cm thick. Set the lid aside.
    2. Score around the inside of the loaf with a smaller sharp knife, leaving a 1.5cm border.
    3. Hollow out the loaf by removing the soft bread inside, using a spoon to smooth the base and ensure a consistent 1.5cm border.
  2. Layer the Fillings:
    1. Spread 3.5 tablespoons of olive tapenade over the base and up the sides of the loaf. Spread the remaining 0.5 tablespoon inside the lid.
    2. Arrange the Fratelli Beretta Prosciutto Cotto slices to cover the entire base.
    3. Slice the mozzarella into 0.5cm rounds, pat dry with kitchen paper, and layer over the prosciutto—season generously with black pepper.
    4. Layer the roasted peppers over the mozzarella, pressing down gently.
    5. Add the Fratelli Beretta Salami Milano slices, overlapping them.
    6. Layer the thin slices of Pecorino, creating 2-3 layers, and season with black pepper.
    7. Place the basil leaves on top, pressing down carefully.
    8. Finally, drape the Fratelli Beretta Mortadella Bologna slices over the basil, filling the remaining space.
  3. Final Steps:
    1. Replace the lid on the loaf and press down gently.
    2. Wrap the loaf tightly in foil and place in the fridge with a plate on top to compress it. Chill for 2-4 hours to allow the flavours to meld.
    3. Slice into generous wedges and enjoy!

A Feast for the Senses

When you unveil your Italian Picnic Loaf, the vibrant layers of Fratelli Beretta’s finest meats and cheeses, combined with fragrant basil and sweet peppers, create a visual and culinary masterpiece. Each bite offers a symphony of flavours and textures, transporting you to the sun-drenched hills of Italy.

Celebrate with Fratelli Beretta

Whether planning a casual picnic or an elegant outdoor gathering, the Italian Picnic Loaf featuring Fratelli Beretta’s premium charcuterie will impress. Fratelli Beretta’s commitment to quality, tradition, and authenticity shines through in every slice, making this loaf a meal celebrating Italian culinary heritage.