Italian Sausage Bread

Italian Sausage Bread is a mouthwatering appetizer that’s sure to become a family favorite. This dish features a delicious blend of cheesy goodness and flavorful Italian sausage, all wrapped in a warm, freshly baked bread. It’s perfect for gatherings or casual family meals, and its irresistible taste will leave everyone wanting more.

The recipe is so delightful that you’ll likely find yourself planning to make multiple loaves next time, just to satisfy everyone’s cravings. It’s a great way to enjoy the comforting flavors of Italy in a handheld form, making it easy to share and enjoy. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, this Italian Sausage Bread promises to be a hit, ensuring there won’t be any leftovers to worry about!

Ingredients for Italian Sausage Bread

• Ground Sweet Italian Sausage: 1 lb — You can use sausage links, just remove the casings. This adds a rich, savory flavor to the filling.
• Garlic: 1 tablespoon, minced — Fresh garlic enhances the overall taste and adds aromatic depth.
• Salted Butter: 1/4 cup — This adds richness and helps sauté the other ingredients, contributing to a creamy texture.
• Dried Parsley: 1 teaspoon — This provides a hint of herbaceous flavor and a pop of color.
• Onions: 2 medium, coarsely chopped (white or yellow) — Onions add sweetness and depth to the filling when cooked.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste — Essential for seasoning the mixture and balancing flavors.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 4 cups, shredded — This melty cheese is key for that delicious gooey texture and flavor.
• Pizza Dough: 2 balls — You’ll need enough dough to wrap around the sausage mixture, creating a hearty bread.
• Egg White: 1 — Used for an egg wash to give the bread a nice golden finish when baked.
• Marinara Sauce: 2 cups — This is served on the side for dipping, adding a deliciously tangy contrast to the bread.

Step by Step Process to make Italian Sausage Bread

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the directions for making Italian Sausage Bread, organized into seven steps:

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a cookie sheet with non-stick foil and set it aside. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cook the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, along with salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Sauté the onions until they become translucent, then add the minced garlic. Continue cooking until the onions are caramelized, enhancing their sweetness and flavor. Once done, transfer the onions to a bowl, leaving the remaining butter in the skillet.
3. Brown the Sausage: In the same skillet with the leftover butter, add the ground sausage. Use a spatula to break it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked.
4. Combine Ingredients: Once the sausage is browned, return the caramelized onions to the skillet. Cover the mixture with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it burn.
5. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dough: While the sausage mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out one ball of pizza dough with a rolling pin until it resembles a large pizza. Ensure there are no thin spots or holes in the dough.
6. Assemble the Loaf: Once the sausage mixture is ready, use a slotted spoon to scoop half of it onto the rolled-out dough, spreading it evenly across the surface. Top the sausage with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Roll the dough tightly like a cinnamon roll, tucking in the ends to seal it as you go, similar to wrapping a burrito. Place the rolled loaf seam-side down on the prepared cookie sheet and brush the top with egg white for a golden finish.
7. Bake and Serve: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown. After baking, let the bread rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Repeat the process with the second loaf. Serve the sliced bread warm with marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the flavor with a tangy contrast. Enjoy!

Ways to Switch up the Italian Sausage Bread

Here are some creative ways to switch up the Italian Sausage Bread recipe:

1. Add Olives: Incorporate black olives into the filling for a briny kick. If not everyone enjoys olives, consider making one loaf with olives and one without.
2. Broccoli Rabe: Replace half of the sausage with cooked and chopped broccoli rabe for a flavorful twist that adds a nutritious green element.
3. Vegetarian Option: Create a meatless version by using Swiss cheese and sautéed garlic broccoli instead of sausage for a delicious vegetarian loaf.
4. Cold Cuts: Swap the sausage for cold cuts, like pepperoni, to create a variation reminiscent of a stromboli. You could also add other deli meats for different flavor profiles.
5. Veggie Stromboli: Use a mix of vegetables like broccoli and spinach to make a veggie-packed version. This is a great way to sneak in more greens!
6. Different Dipping Sauces: Change up the dipping sauce to enhance the flavors. Consider using a creamy red pepper sauce or a pink sauce (a mix of marinara and cream) for a delightful twist.

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