Sausage Bread
Delight in every bite with this easy and delicious Italian Sausage Bread, a perfect blend of succulent sausage, aromatic garlic, fennel seeds, and melty mozzarella, all encased in golden dough - ideal for snacks, appetizers, or a unique meal addition!
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Resting Time10 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr
Course: Main Meal
Cuisine: Italian American
Servings: 16 slices
Calories: 258kcal
For the Filling
- 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or spicy
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed crushed (optional)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 4 cups whole milk mozzarella shredded; may also use mixed Italian cheeses or part skim mozzarella
For the Assembly
- 1 pound bread or pizza dough homemade or store-bought
- 1 medium egg beaten with 2 teaspoons water
Prepare the Filling and the Dough:
If the sausage is in a casing (link), remove the casing and place the sausage in the skillet. Season it with garlic powder, fennel (if using), salt, and pepper.
Cook the sausage in a skillet until it's fully cooked. Break it into small pieces as it cooks with a fork or a masher. Drain any excess fat and set aside to fully cool.
Assemble the Sausage Bread:
If the dough has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature to make it easier to handle.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with cooking spray.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 16 inches by 10 inches. You may need to sprinkle more flour on the dough periodically. It helps to flip the dough also to prevent it from sticking. I sometimes also flour my rolling pin.
Spread the cooked and cooled sausage evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Sprinkle the cheese over the sausage.
Starting from one long side, roll the dough up tightly, sealing the edges with your fingers.
Bake the Bread:
Place the roll seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the top lightly with egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake in the center of the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes, then slice it into 1-inch slices with a serrated knife and serve it with pizza sauce on the side.
Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 737mg | Potassium: 104mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 205IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 1mg