Sausage Bread Recipe

Sausage bread is a comforting, savory dish that combines juicy sausage, flavorful herbs, and gooey cheese wrapped in a soft, golden bread. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a hearty breakfast, this recipe is an Italian-inspired favorite that offers a delightful contrast of textures—crisp on the outside, tender on the inside. Whether you're preparing it for a family gathering or a casual meal, sausage bread is both filling and full of flavor. You can even customize it with your favorite type of sausage and cheese. It's versatile and easy to make, so both experienced and novice cooks can enjoy making this at home.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Sausage: Traditional Italian sausage works best, but you can swap it for chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Cheese: Mozzarella is commonly used, but provolone, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses can be substituted to suit your preference.
• Bread Dough: You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, or make your own from scratch if you want a homemade touch.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano are ideal, but dried versions can work if fresh is unavailable. A pinch of Italian seasoning can also add more flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the taste, but garlic powder is a fine substitute if you’re short on time.
• Egg Wash: This gives the bread a glossy, golden finish. If you don’t have eggs, a milk wash can work as a lighter alternative.

Step-by-Step Directions

• Step 1:
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by cooking your sausage in a pan over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, and let it cool. While the sausage cools, roll out the dough into a large rectangle.
• Step 2:
• Spread a thin layer of garlic over the dough and sprinkle your chosen herbs evenly. This will infuse the bread with rich flavors. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
• Step 3:
• Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the dough, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheese. Add more or less depending on how cheesy you like it, but make sure not to overfill the bread.
• Step 4:
• Roll the dough tightly, starting from one long edge, similar to how you'd roll a cinnamon roll. Pinch the edges to seal, ensuring the sausage and cheese stay inside.
• Step 5:
• Place the rolled dough seam-side down on a lined baking sheet. Brush the top with an egg wash or milk to create a golden crust. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds or parmesan on top for extra flavor.
• Step 6:
• Bake the sausage bread in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and firm to the touch. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips

• Don't Overfill: Keep the filling moderate so the bread rolls up properly and doesn't burst.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and sausage mixture ahead of time, refrigerating them separately until ready to bake.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked sausage bread and reheat it later. Just wrap tightly in plastic and aluminum foil.