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Italian Sausage Bread

This Italian Sausage Bread is a golden, cheesy loaf filled with savory Italian sausage, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs, all wrapped in soft pizza dough. It's perfect as an appetizer, game-day snack, party food, or easy family dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 9 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Breed and baking
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Bread
  • 1 pound (450 g) pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Baking sheet
  • 1 Sheet parchment paper
  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Rolling Pin
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Set measuring cups
  • 1 Set measuring spoons
  • 1 Pastry brush
  • 1 Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
  • 1 Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the Italian sausage and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until browned.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
  6. Roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about 12 × 16 inches.
  7. Spread the sausage mixture evenly down the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  8. Fold the sides of the dough over the filling and pinch the seams tightly to seal.
  9. Place the loaf seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or Italian seasoning if desired.
  11. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
  12. Remove from the oven and let the bread rest for 15 minutes before slicing to help the cheese set.
  13. Slice and serve warm with marinara sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Let the sausage cool slightly before adding the cheese to prevent it from melting too early.
  • Seal the dough well to keep the filling from leaking during baking.
  • Add sautéed onions, spinach, or roasted peppers for extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crisp.