Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting a delightful Sausage Bread that promises to be the star of any meal! This incredibly versatile recipe combines savory ground sausage, gooey melted cheese, and aromatic seasonings, all encased in a tender, golden-brown bread dough. Whether you’re seeking a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, a simple dinner solution, or an irresistible appetizer for guests, this easy-to-make sausage loaf ticks all the boxes. Prepare to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Effortless Elegance: Crafting the Perfect Sausage Loaf
There are certain recipes that become instant favorites, cherished for their simplicity and universal appeal. This Sausage Bread recipe is precisely one of those culinary gems. It’s a dish that transcends mealtime boundaries, fitting seamlessly into any part of your day or any special occasion. Imagine serving warm, savory slices as a morning treat, packing a hearty piece for lunch, or showcasing it as the centerpiece of a casual dinner. When friends gather, this cheesy, meaty, and wonderfully flavorful loaf transforms into an irresistible appetizer that disappears in minutes. Every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to assemble.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward approach, utilizing readily available ingredients like frozen bread dough to cut down on prep time without compromising on homemade goodness. This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the delicious results with your loved ones. We’re talking about a comfort food classic that delivers on taste, convenience, and versatility, making it a must-have in your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Bread
This versatile Sausage Loaf is truly an all-occasion dish! It’s fantastic for a leisurely brunch spread, a hearty lunch, or as a delightful appetizer to kick off any gathering. It also makes for an incredibly satisfying after-school snack, providing a perfect blend of protein and carbs to fuel busy afternoons. Its ease of preparation means you can whip it up for impromptu get-togethers or planned family meals, making it a go-to option for its universal appeal and delicious taste.
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage provides a mild and universally loved flavor, feel free to experiment with other ground sausages to customize your loaf. Ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot) will introduce a more robust, herb-infused profile. Spicy sausage can add a pleasant kick for those who enjoy heat, while sage sausage offers a distinct, earthy aroma that pairs wonderfully with bread and cheese. The choice of sausage is a fantastic way to tailor the bread to your personal preference or specific meal theme, ensuring a unique and equally delicious outcome every time.
Monterey Jack is a wonderful choice for its melting quality and mild flavor, but the possibilities for cheese are endless! Mozzarella offers a classic gooey stretch, while provolone delivers a sharper, more piquant note. Swiss cheese brings a nutty, creamy depth, and cheddar provides a familiar, tangy zest. Don’t hesitate to mix and match cheeses, or even blend a couple of your favorites, to create a flavor profile that perfectly complements your chosen sausage and seasonings. The right cheese can elevate the entire experience!
Not at all! Frozen bread dough is incredibly convenient for its ease of use and consistent results, but it’s certainly not your only option. If you’re short on time or simply prefer a different base, pizza dough makes an excellent substitute. Its inherent elasticity and flavor profile are perfectly suited for a stuffed bread recipe like this. For an even quicker assembly, consider using refrigerated French bread dough, such as those made by Pillsbury. These alternatives offer different textures and flavors, allowing you to adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand or your preferred dough type. Just ensure whichever dough you choose is thawed and pliable for easy rolling.
The beauty of this stuffed bread is how easily it adapts to additional fillings, allowing your culinary creativity to shine! For a heartier breakfast option, try adding some scrambled eggs to the sausage and cheese mixture. Sautéed peppers and onions will introduce a sweet and savory complexity, while diced jalapeños can provide a welcome burst of heat. For a nutritional boost, chopped spinach or kale can be folded into the filling. The only limit is your imagination, but remember not to overload the dough. Too much filling can make it challenging to roll up the loaf tightly and ensure even baking, so aim for a balanced, flavorful medley.
Enhance the flavor experience of your Sausage Bread by pairing it with a complementary dipping sauce. A rich au jus gravy adds a traditional, savory touch, while marinara sauce offers a tangy, Italian-inspired twist. For something a little different, honey mustard provides a sweet and savory balance that’s surprisingly delightful. Classic ranch dressing is always a hit, especially for a more casual presentation. And if you’re looking for a truly Southern comfort food pairing, a creamy white pepper gravy (like Pioneer’s mix) is an exceptional choice that perfectly complements the sausage and bread.
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Sausage Bread for days to come. Transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container or a reliable zip-top bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, the bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When it’s time to reheat, skip the microwave! While convenient, microwaving can often lead to a soggy texture, diminishing the bread’s crisp exterior and tender interior. Instead, for best results, reheat slices or the whole loaf in a preheated oven or an air fryer until warmed through and slightly crispy. This method helps maintain its delightful texture and ensures every bite is as delicious as when it was freshly baked.
Essential Ingredients for Your Savory Sausage Bread
Creating this irresistible Sausage Bread begins with a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Quality components are key to achieving that perfect balance of savory sausage, rich cheese, and perfectly seasoned dough. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to bring this delectable loaf to life:
- Breakfast Sausage: One pound of your preferred breakfast sausage forms the hearty foundation of our filling. Its mild flavor provides a versatile base, but as mentioned, feel free to substitute with Italian, spicy, or sage sausage for a different twist.
- Frozen Bread Dough: A 16-ounce loaf of thawed frozen bread dough is the magic ingredient that makes this recipe incredibly easy. It saves you the time and effort of making dough from scratch while still delivering a satisfyingly homemade texture.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of classic herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary brings an aromatic depth that perfectly complements the sausage and cheese. We’ll use it in two stages to maximize flavor penetration.
- Garlic Powder: A staple in savory cooking, garlic powder provides a warm, pungent undertone without the moisture of fresh garlic, ensuring your dough stays crisp.
- Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder adds a foundational layer of savory flavor, enhancing the overall profile of the filling.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: One and a half cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy, gooey texture throughout the loaf. Its mild flavor allows the sausage and seasonings to shine.
Ensure your ingredients are fresh and ready, and you’re well on your way to baking a memorable Sausage Bread!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Sausage Bread
Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfectly baked, incredibly flavorful Sausage Bread that everyone will adore. Remember, patience in each step contributes to the final delicious outcome.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Cook the Sausage
Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, take a large baking sheet and line it generously with parchment paper. This simple step is crucial for preventing the bread from sticking and makes for effortless cleanup. Set this prepared tray aside for when your loaf is ready for baking. In a large skillet, place your chosen ground sausage over medium heat. Using a spoon or spatula, diligently cook and crumble the sausage until it’s entirely cooked through and no longer shows any pink. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with several layers of paper towels to thoroughly drain any excess grease. This is important to prevent a greasy final product and to allow the seasonings and cheese to adhere better.
Step 2: Roll Out the Bread Dough
On a clean, dry work surface, lightly dust a small amount of all-purpose flour. Place your thawed frozen bread dough onto this floured surface. Using a rolling pin, carefully roll the dough out into a uniform rectangle measuring approximately 10×14 inches. The key here is to achieve an even thickness, which ensures that the bread bakes consistently. If you find the dough resisting or springing back too much, don’t force it. Simply cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough much easier to roll out to the desired dimensions without tearing.
Step 3: Season the Dough
Once your dough rectangle is perfectly rolled out, it’s time to infuse it with flavor. Take half of your Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, and evenly sprinkle this fragrant blend over the entire surface of the dough. Distribute it gently, ensuring every inch receives a touch of seasoning. This initial layer of spices will bake directly into the bread, creating a delicious aromatic foundation for your sausage loaf.
Step 4: Layer the Cooked Sausage
Now, carefully spread the cooked and drained sausage over the seasoned dough. It’s important to leave strategic borders: aim for a 1-inch clear border along both the top and bottom edges of the dough. On one of the long sides, leave a slightly wider 2-inch border. This extra space on the long side will be crucial for sealing the loaf properly later on, ensuring all the delicious filling stays contained during baking. Distribute the sausage evenly so every slice of your finished bread boasts a balanced amount of meat.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Final Seasonings
Generously sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the layer of sausage. Ensure the cheese is distributed uniformly, as this will contribute to that irresistible gooey texture throughout the loaf. Following the cheese, take the remaining half of your Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, and sprinkle it evenly over the cheese layer. This final layer of seasoning will permeate the cheese and sausage as it bakes, intensifying the overall flavor of your Sausage Bread.
Step 6: Fold the Dough Edges
Gently take the 1-inch clear borders from the top and bottom of the dough and fold them inwards, over the filling. This creates a neat package and helps prevent the filling from spilling out during the rolling and baking process. Press down lightly to adhere the folded edges to the filling.
Step 7: Roll the Loaf Tightly
Starting from the long side of the dough that has only a 1-inch border (the side opposite the 2-inch border), begin to tightly roll the dough like a jelly roll. Work slowly and firmly, rolling the dough over the filling towards the exposed, wider edge. The goal is to create a compact, even log. A tight roll ensures the filling is securely encased and creates beautiful spirals when sliced.
Step 8: Seal and Prepare for Baking
Once you’ve finished rolling, you’ll have a seam where the dough meets. Pinch this seam together as best you can, gently sealing the edges to prevent any filling from escaping during baking. Place the seam-side down onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensure the loaf is centered on the tray, allowing enough space for even heat distribution around it. You can gently reshape it slightly if needed to make it uniform.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Bake the Sausage Bread for 20-30 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and sounds hollow when lightly tapped. The internal temperature of the bread should reach around 200-210°F (93-99°C) if you use a meat thermometer. The golden exterior indicates a perfectly cooked, crispy crust. Once baked, remove the tray from the oven.
Step 10: Rest, Slice, and Serve
This final step is crucial for the best texture and flavor. Allow the baked Sausage Bread to rest on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before attempting to slice it. This resting period allows the cheese and filling to set, making for cleaner cuts and preventing the filling from oozing out excessively. Once rested, transfer the loaf to a cutting board, slice it into generous portions, and serve warm. Enjoy this incredibly satisfying and flavorful homemade treat!
Craving More Savory Bread Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting simplicity of this Sausage Bread, you’re in for a treat! The world of savory stuffed and flavored breads is vast and delicious. Here are a few more tempting recipes to inspire your next baking adventure, perfect for adding variety to your meal rotation or impressing guests with your culinary skills:
- Garbage Bread: A truly adaptable recipe for using up leftovers, stuffed into a bread crust.
- Florida Beach Bread: A cheesy, garlic-infused bread perfect for sharing.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: The ultimate side dish, elevated with gooey cheese.
- Italian Sub French Bread Pizza: All the flavors of your favorite sub on a crispy French bread base.
- Taco Braid: A fun and flavorful way to enjoy taco fillings wrapped in a beautiful braid.
Each of these recipes offers a unique twist on savory bread, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to bake. Happy cooking!
Sausage Bread
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10 minutes
40 minutes
20 minutes
1 hour 10 minutes
8 servings
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the bread and filling:
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1 pound breakfast sausage (or any ground sausage you prefer) -
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16 ounces thawed frozen bread dough (follow package directions for thawing) -
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¾ teaspoons Italian seasoning -
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½ teaspoon garlic powder -
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½ teaspoon onion powder -
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1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For topping the sausage layer:
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¾ teaspoons Italian seasoning -
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½ teaspoon garlic powder -
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½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large sheet tray with parchment paper and set aside for later use.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble 1 pound breakfast sausage until it is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly on paper towels.
- On a clean and lightly floured work surface, place the 16 ounces thawed frozen bread dough. Roll it out into a 10×14-inch rectangle. If the dough is too elastic or hard to roll, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes to relax before continuing.
- Sprinkle half of the ¾ teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder evenly on top of the dough.
- Distribute the cooked sausage onto the dough. Ensure there is a 1-inch border along the top and bottom edges, and a 2-inch border on one of the long sides of the dough. This larger border is for sealing.
- Evenly spread 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of the sausage layer.
- Next, sprinkle the remaining ¾ teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder over the cheese.
- Fold the top and bottom clear parts of the dough over the filling. Press gently to secure.
- Starting from the long side with the 1-inch border, tightly roll the dough like a jelly roll over the filling towards the exposed 2-inch edge of the dough.
- Pinch the seams together as securely as you can to seal the filling inside. Carefully place the rolled loaf, seam-side down, onto the prepared parchment-lined sheet tray.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the exterior is beautifully golden brown and firm to the touch. Let the bread rest for 10-15 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cutting board, slicing, and serving warm.
Notes for Success
- Sausage Variations: Feel free to use ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), sage sausage, or even a blend of different ground meats in place of breakfast sausage to customize the flavor profile.
- Seasoning Strategy: Dividing the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder into two parts ensures that both the dough and the filling are thoroughly infused with flavor, creating a more cohesive taste experience.
- Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with other melty cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, or cheddar. A combination of two cheeses can also add complexity.
- Dough Options: If frozen bread dough isn’t available or preferred, store-bought pizza dough or refrigerated French bread dough (like Pillsbury’s) work equally well for this recipe. Adjust baking times as needed based on the specific dough used.
- Add-Ins: Get creative with additional fillings! Cooked scrambled eggs, sautéed peppers and onions, diced jalapeños, or chopped fresh spinach can be added for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful not to over-stuff the dough, as it may become difficult to roll and seal.
- Serving Suggestions: This Sausage Bread is delicious on its own but also pairs wonderfully with dipping sauces such as a savory au jus gravy, tangy marinara, sweet and spicy honey mustard, classic ranch, or a comforting white pepper gravy.
- Storage: Store any leftover Sausage Bread in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Tips: For best results and to avoid sogginess, reheat frozen or refrigerated leftovers in an oven or air fryer until thoroughly warmed through and slightly crispy. Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it can make the bread soft and damp.
Breakfast, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner, Snack
American
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
Carbohydrates: 28g |
Protein: 17g |
Fat: 21g |
Sodium: 759mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 0.3g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a registered dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate based on ingredients. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to your dietary needs, we strongly recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator for precise figures. Nutritional values can vary significantly depending on the specific brands and exact quantities of ingredients used.