This sausage bread combines a flavorful filling of seasoned sausage, cream cheese, and mozzarella, all rolled inside a soft pizza crust. It’s a straightforward dish that comes together quickly, making it a great option for a weeknight meal or a satisfying party appetizer.
From start to finish, you can have this on the table in about 45 minutes. The combination of savory sausage and melted cheese baked in a garlic butter-brushed crust is a comforting and filling meal that appeals to many tastes.
Why is Sausage Bread a Must-Try?
Cooking the sausage first is essential. It ensures the meat is fully cooked and allows you to drain excess fat, preventing a greasy final product.
Leaving a 1-inch border around the edges of the dough is key. This clean space gives you room to pinch and seal the roll, trapping the filling inside as it bakes.
Letting the sausage bread rest after baking is a crucial step. It allows the melted cheese and filling to set, so your slices are clean and don’t fall apart.
Sausage Bread Ingredients
• Pork Sausage: You can use mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference for spice. Remove from casings if using links.
• Pizza Crust: A tube of refrigerated pizza crust is a convenient shortcut. You can also use a pound of homemade or store-bought fresh pizza dough.
• Cream Cheese: Use a full-fat block of cream cheese for the creamiest texture. Let it soften at room temperature for easier spreading.
• Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded low-moisture mozzarella or an Italian blend works well because it melts smoothly without releasing too much water.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Sausage Bread
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Prepare Dough
First, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet. Cook the ground sausage in a skillet until browned, then drain the grease. While the sausage cools slightly, unroll your pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 2: Assemble the Filling
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with half the garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Spread this cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Top with the cooked sausage and the shredded mozzarella.
Step 3: Roll, Brush, and Bake
Carefully roll the dough into a log and place it seam-side down. Mix the melted butter with the remaining garlic powder and parsley, then brush it over the loaf. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden, ensuring the center is hot. Let it rest for 10 minutes before you slice and serve.
Expert Tips for Sausage Bread
Food Safety: For safety, ensure the internal temperature of the ground sausage filling reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let It Rest: Allowing the loaf to rest before slicing is important. This lets the cheese set and helps the slices hold their shape.
Seal It Well: Pinching the seam and ends of the dough roll securely prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
Dough Handling: If the pizza dough is difficult to unroll, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften.
What to Serve with Sausage Bread?
Serve warm slices with a side of your favorite marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a nice accompaniment.
How to Store and Freeze Sausage Bread
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave, air fryer, or a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. This recipe also freezes well; wrap the cooled loaf tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Sausage Bread Recipe FAQs
Can I make sausage bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the roll, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap without baking, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Brush with butter and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time since it’s starting from cold.
Can I use a different meat?
Certainly. Cooked and crumbled ground beef, turkey, or even shredded chicken would work as a substitute for pork sausage. Adjust seasonings as needed.
My sausage bread was soggy on the bottom. What went wrong?
A soggy bottom is usually caused by excess moisture. Be sure to drain the sausage very well after cooking. Also, using low-moisture mozzarella cheese can help prevent the filling from becoming too wet during baking.
Sausage Bread
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork sausage 450 g
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust 13.8-ounce
- 4 oz cream cheese softened, 115 g
- 1 tsp garlic powder divided
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend 225 g
- 2 tbsp butter melted, 28 g
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain off the grease and set aside.
- Unroll the pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet and gently press it into a rectangle.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, the onion powder, and black pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the cream cheese layer, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it, then place the roll seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and the dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the top and sides of the loaf.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. A food thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160°F (71°C).
- Let the sausage bread rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
