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If you’re craving a warm, hearty dish that delivers both comfort and bold flavor, the Homemade Sausage Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. This delicious creation layers savory Italian sausage with gooey provolone and mozzarella cheeses inside a golden, tender dough wrapper, making it perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests at your next gathering. From the fragrant garlic-spiced filling to the crisp egg-washed crust, every bite is like a cozy hug that will have you reaching for seconds without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this classic Homemade Sausage Bread Recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in building that perfect flavor and texture profile. The simplicity makes this recipe approachable, while each component—like the rich Italian sausage and melty cheeses—brings something essential to the table, ensuring every mouthful is a satisfying delight.
- 1 package pizza dough: This forms the soft and chewy bread exterior, acting as the perfect vessel for all the savory goodness inside.
- 2-3 tablespoons flour for dusting: Helps keep your surface non-stick and dough easy to handle during rolling.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage: The heart of the filling, providing robust flavor and a little spice depending on the sausage variety.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing, adding a smooth richness and helping to caramelize garlic perfectly.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic, pungent notes that blend beautifully with the sausage.
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that intensifies the Mediterranean flair and complements the sausage.
- 5-6 slices provolone cheese: Offers a mild, slightly smoky flavor with a creamy melt that binds everything together.
- 5-6 slices mozzarella cheese: Adds a stretchy, gooey texture with a mild taste that balances the stronger flavors.
- 1 egg, beaten: Used to brush the dough, ensuring a beautiful golden-brown finish once baked.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasonings to enhance and fine-tune the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Homemade Sausage Bread Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when the time comes. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the ground Italian sausage along with the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook everything together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the filling from getting greasy—that way, every bite will be rich but perfectly balanced.
Step 2: Roll Out and Assemble
Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape roughly the size you want your loaf to be. Layer the provolone and mozzarella slices evenly over the dough, giving you that irresistible cheesy base. Spoon the browned sausage mixture over the cheese, distributing it evenly so each slice will have plenty of flavorful filling. Next, carefully roll the dough inward, making sure to seal the edges tightly by pinching or folding the dough over itself. This sealing step is crucial—your sausage bread will hold together better and prevent any cheese or sausage from leaking out during baking. Let the assembled roll rest for about 8 minutes, then brush the beaten egg over the entire surface, which will give it a shiny, golden crust when baked.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place your roll on a baking sheet and pop it into the oven. Bake for around 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even browning on all sides. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is a gorgeous golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, confirming the sausage inside is fully cooked and safe to eat. This step guarantees you get that perfect mix of crispy exterior and steamy, melty interior.
Step 4: Cool and Slice
Patience is a virtue here! Allow your sausage bread to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This resting time is essential because it lets the filling set up slightly, doing a fantastic job at preventing that filling from spilling out all over the cutting board. When you slice thick portions, each piece holds its shape beautifully, making serving a breeze and eating even more enjoyable.
How to Serve Homemade Sausage Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or basil on top of the slices adds a pop of color and fresh brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich filling. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also raise the flavor profile, giving you a little extra zing with each bite.
Side Dishes
This sausage bread pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. Think crisp green salads with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or even a tangy tomato sauce for dipping. These sides balance the hearty bread and sausage filling nicely, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying without overpowering the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Homemade Sausage Bread Recipe feel special, try serving it as part of a brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs and fruit salad, or cut into bite-sized finger foods perfect for casual parties. Wrapping it as a “sausage bread loaf” centerpiece or serving alongside dipping sauces like marinara or garlic aioli can make your presentation both inviting and deliciously fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your homemade treat, wrap any leftover sausage bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making it convenient for quick lunches or snacks in the following days.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! After baking and cooling completely, wrap the loaf tightly in foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen sausage bread will maintain its taste and texture for up to 3 months, so you can prepare it ahead of time for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat your sausage bread in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. For an even quicker option, microwaving slices for 30–45 seconds works well, though the crust won’t be quite as crisp. Either way, you’ll have a comforting, melty snack ready in no time.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground Italian sausage from the store works perfectly and makes this recipe quick and easy. Just choose your preferred level of spiciness and quality for the best results.
What type of cheese works best?
The classic combination of provolone and mozzarella is ideal because provolone adds a smoky, savory note while mozzarella gives that beautiful stretch and gooey texture. Feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar or gouda for a twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the pizza dough with a gluten-free version. Just make sure the dough you choose is sturdy enough to roll and hold the filling without tearing.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
The key is to seal the edges of the dough tightly when rolling. Pinch and fold the dough over itself, and don’t forget to let the assembled roll rest before baking to help the dough relax and stick properly.
Is it okay to prepare the sausage filling ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook the sausage mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling the bread for easier rolling and even baking.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Sausage Bread Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug straight from your own kitchen. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining, making it one of those go-to dishes you’ll want to save in your recipe box forever. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that amazing melty, savory goodness with every bite. Happy baking!
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Homemade Sausage Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This homemade sausage bread recipe combines flavorful Italian sausage with a blend of provolone and mozzarella cheeses, all wrapped inside a soft pizza dough crust. Perfect as a hearty snack or meal, this savory bread features a garlic and Italian seasoning-spiced filling, baked to golden perfection. It’s easy to prepare and makes a delicious, comforting dish ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package pizza dough
- 2–3 tablespoons flour for dusting
Sausage Filling
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 5–6 slices provolone cheese
- 5–6 slices mozzarella cheese
Finish
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and brown sausage: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add ground Italian sausage, minced garlic, and the Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Brown the sausage mixture for about 10 minutes until fully cooked and fragrant, then drain any excess fat to prevent sogginess in the bread.
- Prepare dough and assemble: Lightly dust your work surface with 2 to 3 tablespoons of flour. Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle. Evenly layer the provolone and mozzarella cheese slices over the dough, then spread the cooked sausage mixture on top. Carefully roll the dough tightly, sealing the edges completely to contain the filling.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Place the rolled sausage bread seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush the entire surface with the beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even baking. Bake until the bread is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the sausage is fully cooked.
- Cool and serve: Remove the sausage bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This resting time helps the filling to set and prevents it from spilling out when slicing. Once cooled, slice into thick portions and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the sausage bread reaches at least 165°F to ensure safety.
- Sealing the edges tightly is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- For added flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the sausage mixture.
- You can substitute the Italian sausage with spicy sausage if you prefer a kick of heat.
