Hearty Sausage Bread for Family Gatherings 🌭🍞

This savory sausage bread is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. With its warm, flaky crust and delicious sausage filling, it’s sure to be a highlight of your meal. You can even serve it warm with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor kick!

Ingredients

For the bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the filling

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
   • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

   🍞 The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s manageable.

2. Knead the dough:

   • On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Cook the filling:

   • In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
   • Add the onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat. Let it cool slightly, then mix in the shredded cheese.

4. Assemble the bread:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12x18 inches).
   • Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges.

5. Roll and Bake:

   • Starting at one end, carefully roll up the dough tightly to form a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
   • Place the rolled bread seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Serve:

   • Let the sausage bread cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

   🔪 Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This sausage bread pairs beautifully with dipping sauces or as a side dish to your favorite soup or salad.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a delicious vegetable filling.
• Spicy: Incorporate jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into your filling for an extra kick.
• Cheesy: Add more cheese or try different cheese varieties, like pepper jack or feta, to customize the flavor.
• Herbed: Mixing in fresh herbs like basil or thyme into the filling can elevate the taste profile significantly.

This sausage bread is not only flavorful but also fun to make, making it perfect for family gatherings. Enjoy and share the love! 💖🍽️