Savory Sausage Bread Loaf

Welcome to a recipe that has become a crowd-pleaser and a favorite among both picky eaters and serious carnivores – Sausage Bread. This delightful dish is a giant rolled sandwich disguised as bread, perfect for gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine browned ground sausage, seasoned with garlic and Italian spices, nestled between layers of gooey provolone and mozzarella, all rolled up in a crispy golden crust. The result? A savory masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty snack, a satisfying dinner, or a standout party appetizer, Sausage Bread fits the bill. Picture the excitement on your guests’ faces as they slice into the loaf to reveal those beautiful spirals of meat and cheese. The aroma alone will have mouths watering before the first bite. And the best part? This recipe is versatile – switch up the meats, cheeses, or add some veggies to create your version of this delicious dish. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake a batch of Sausage Bread that will elevate your cooking game and leave everyone asking for more.

Quick Benefits

• Impressive Visual Appeal: The golden, crispy exterior and spirals of melted cheese and sausage make for an enticing presentation that impresses guests and family members alike.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for serving as an appetizer, substantial snack, or even a casual main course with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Can be prepared in advance, sliced, and reheated easily, making it a convenient option for parties, quick dinners, or meal prep.
• Customizable Flavors: Easily customizable with different meat, cheese, and filling variations to suit different tastes and preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Sausage Bread Loaf Recipe

• Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Sausage bread is a giant rolled sandwich disguised as bread, making it ideal for gatherings where people claim they’re not hungry but end up devouring it once they try a piece.
• Impressive Yet Effortless: The recipe yields visually impressive results that look like you spent hours in the kitchen, yet it’s straightforward to make, perfect for parties or potlucks.
• Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Kids love the familiar pizza flavors, making it a hit with even the pickiest eaters, while adults find it irresistible and end up asking for the recipe.
• Versatile and Customizable: From using different types of meat to experimenting with various cheese combinations and fillings, there are endless ways to customize this recipe to suit different tastes and occasions.
• Great for Meal Prepping: Leftovers store well in the fridge, are easy to reheat, and can even be frozen for later, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or planned-ahead meals.
• Satisfying and Comforting: The combination of bread, meat, and cheese hits all the comfort food notes without being overly heavy, making it perfect for casual family dinners or satisfying hungry teenagers.
• Appealing Visual Presentation: The spirals of meat and cheese make for an eye-catching dish that draws people in, making it a great option for parties and gatherings where visual appeal matters.
• Foolproof and Reliable: With tips on draining excess grease, leaving a border when rolling, and the importance of resting time after baking, the recipe is foolproof and consistently delivers delicious results every time.

Ingredients for Savory Sausage Bread Loaf

For the Filling

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, plus 1 tsp for topping
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground sausage
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly

• 5 to 6 slices provolone cheese
• 1 prepared pizza dough
• 1 egg, beaten
• Flour for dusting
• 5 to 6 slices mozzarella cheese

How to Make Savory Sausage Bread Loaf

Step 1: Heat Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add ground sausage and cook, breaking it into small crumbles. Once browned, add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional minute. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Sprinkle flour on a clean counter and place the pizza dough on top. Use a rolling pin to shape it into a rough rectangle.

Step 4: Layer the Provolone

Place provolone slices on the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges for sealing.

Step 5: Add Mozzarella and Sausage

Layer mozzarella slices on top of the provolone, then sprinkle cooked sausage evenly over the cheese.

Step 6: Roll It Up

Roll the dough into a jelly roll, tucking the ends in as you go to prevent spills. Place it seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash

Brush beaten egg over bread and sprinkle remaining Italian seasoning on top.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.

Step 9: Rest and Slice

Allow the sausage bread to rest for approximately 10 minutes before slicing to help it set. Serve warm after cutting into pieces.

Storage Tips

Once the sausage bread is baked and cooled, it can be stored for future consumption. Leftover sausage bread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain its flavor and texture, wrap the bread tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the bread will soften as it sits in the refrigerator, losing some of its initial crispy exterior. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 45 seconds to a minute, or reheat the entire loaf wrapped in foil in a 300-degree oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until heated through.

If you have more sausage bread than you can consume within a few days, you can freeze it for longer storage. Wrap the baked sausage bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. The sausage bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat the frozen sausage bread, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can then reheat the thawed bread as directed, either warming individual slices in the microwave or reheating the whole loaf in the oven. For a convenient make-ahead option, assemble the sausage bread but freeze it unbaked. Then, bake it straight from frozen, adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time for a delicious meal or snack anytime.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a milder version of the sausage bread, consider using sweet Italian sausage instead of hot sausage. This swap will cater to those who prefer less spicy flavors. If you’re looking to try different variations, opt for ground beef seasoned with taco spices, pepper jack cheese, and serve with salsa for a Mexican-inspired twist. Another fun idea is to make a pizza bread version by adding pepperoni slices and spreading pizza sauce on the dough before layering with cheese. These variations offer a range of flavor profiles to suit different preferences.

When it comes to cheese options, feel free to experiment with different combinations to create unique flavor profiles. Using cheddar and pepper jack or Swiss and gruyere can give a distinct taste to your sausage bread. These cheese combinations can add depth and richness to the dish, allowing you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative with ingredients to make the sausage bread truly your own, whether for a casual family meal or a party appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of the sausage bread, try slicing it into pinwheel rounds about an inch thick and arranging them on a platter in a circular pattern. This not only showcases the beautiful spirals of meat and cheese inside but also makes for an eye-catching display at parties or potlucks. Serve these pinwheels with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the pizza-like experience, or enjoy them on their own for a satisfying and flavorful appetizer.

For a fun twist on serving the sausage bread, turn it into a DIY sandwich bar by setting out bowls of additional toppings like sliced olives, diced tomatoes, fresh basil, or even some hot peppers. Let guests customize their sausage bread slices with their favorite toppings for a personalized and interactive eating experience. This setup works well for casual gatherings or game day parties, allowing everyone to create their own flavor combinations while enjoying the deliciousness of the cheesy and savory sausage-filled bread.

FAQs for Savory Sausage Bread Loaf

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can try cheddar and pepper jack, Swiss and gruyere, or any other combinations that you enjoy.

How long can I store leftover sausage bread?

Leftover sausage bread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When reheating, warm individual slices in the microwave or reheat the whole loaf in the oven until heated through.

Can I freeze sausage bread?

Yes, you can freeze baked sausage bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw frozen bread in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as directed. Alternatively, you can assemble the bread but freeze it unbaked, then bake it straight from frozen with an additional 10 minutes of baking time.

What makes the egg wash important in this recipe?

The egg wash may seem like an extra step, but it plays a crucial role in creating a golden and appetizing crust on the sausage bread. This simple brush of beaten egg adds a shiny finish that enhances the visual appeal of the bread, making it look bakery-quality and inviting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sausage Bread has truly become one of my go-to recipes for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively party. The simplicity of this dish, paired with its impressive appearance and delicious flavors, never fails to satisfy a crowd. I’ve witnessed picky eaters turn into fans and skeptics turn into enthusiasts after just one bite of this flavorful creation. The versatility of Sausage Bread allows for endless variations, making it a versatile and adaptable recipe that can cater to different tastes and preferences.

So, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s sure to impress and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones, look no further than Sausage Bread. With its comforting blend of meat, cheese, and savory seasonings, this dish has a magical way of bringing people together and creating unforgettable moments around the table. Give it a try and let the aroma of freshly baked Sausage Bread fill your kitchen with warmth and joy. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the joy of sharing this delightful loaf with others, it’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your own kitchen.