Italian Sausage Bread: Easy Recipe!

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Italian sausage bread is a savory, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family meal. This recipe makes it easy to create a delicious loaf packed with flavor. Let's dive in!

What is Italian Sausage Bread?

Italian sausage bread is essentially a stuffed bread, where flavorful Italian sausage, cheese, and sometimes peppers and onions are baked inside a soft, chewy bread dough. It’s a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine, known for its hearty and satisfying taste.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casing removed)
  • 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ onion, chopped (optional)
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
  • Italian seasoning to taste
  • Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Sausage Filling

  1. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional): If using onions, bell peppers, and garlic, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Sausage: In the same skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables (if using), mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.

Assembling the Bread

  1. Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed bread dough into a large rectangle, about 12x16 inches.
  2. Add the Filling: Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.
  3. Roll it Up: Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled bread, seam-side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Make Slits: Use a sharp knife to make diagonal slits across the top of the bread, about 1 inch apart.
  6. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the entire loaf with egg wash to give it a golden, glossy finish.

Baking the Bread

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake: Bake the Italian sausage bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
  3. Cool: Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Perfect Sausage Bread

  • Use High-Quality Sausage: The better the sausage, the better the flavor of the bread.
  • Don't Overfill: Overfilling can make the bread difficult to roll and bake evenly.
  • Seal the Seam: Ensure the seam is well-sealed to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
  • Customize Your Filling: Add your favorite ingredients, such as pepperoni, olives, or different types of cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Italian sausage bread is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

  • Marinara sauce for dipping
  • A side salad
  • Soup

Variations to Try

  • Spicy Sausage Bread: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
  • Vegetarian Sausage Bread: Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or a mix of roasted vegetables.
  • Pizza Bread: Add pizza sauce and your favorite pizza toppings to the filling.

Enjoy!

With this easy recipe, you can create a mouthwatering Italian sausage bread that's sure to impress. Enjoy the process and savor every bite!