Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This sausage bread recipe, made with store-bought pizza dough, is a fantastic shortcut to a homemade taste sensation. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or even a satisfying lunch, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Forget complicated recipes; this one is all about simple ingredients and big flavor. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!)
- 1 (12-ounce) package of pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Remove the sausage from its casing. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Bread
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the pizza dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
Step 3: Layer and Bake
Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Curve the log slightly into a horseshoe shape on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the top of the sausage bread with the beaten egg. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the sausage bread rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes slicing easier. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Sausage Bread:
- Don't overcook the sausage: Slightly undercooked sausage will finish cooking in the oven.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste!
- Get creative with toppings: Add your favorite vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers or onions, for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the sausage bread ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy Sausage Bread: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Sausage Bread: Substitute the sausage with your favorite vegetables, such as roasted vegetables or mushrooms.
- Cheese Lovers' Sausage Bread: Add extra cheese! Try different types of cheese, such as provolone or pepper jack.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used but expect around 350-400 calories, 20-25g fat, 25-30g carbohydrates, and 15-20g protein per serving.
This easy sausage bread recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great way to use up leftover pizza dough and create a quick and tasty dinner. The combination of savory sausage, rich cheese, and tangy pizza sauce is irresistible. Enjoy your homemade delicious dish!