Sausage and Cheese Bread

Sausage and cheese bread is a hearty, savory treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a comforting snack any time of day. With its tender, fluffy texture, rich sausage flavor, and gooey cheese throughout, this bread is a delightful twist on the classic loaf. It’s packed with the perfect balance of savory goodness and melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether served on its own, alongside a salad, or as a part of a larger meal, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your preferences. You can switch up the type of cheese, add spices for extra kick, or even use different types of sausage. What makes this bread even more enjoyable is how simple it is to make—mix the ingredients, shape the dough, and let the oven do the rest! The irresistible combination of sausage, cheese, and fresh baked bread will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma, making it hard to resist until it’s ready to be devoured.

Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring it on your own, this sausage and cheese bread is bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Savory and Flavorful

The combination of sausage and melted cheese makes this bread incredibly flavorful and satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of rich, savory, and cheesy goodness.

2. Easy to Make

This recipe is simple and straightforward. With minimal prep and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a delicious loaf of bread in no time.

3. Customizable

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack) or use spicy sausage for an added kick. You can even add vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.

4. Perfect for Any Meal

Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a side dish for dinner, or enjoy it as a snack, this sausage and cheese bread fits perfectly in various meals.

5. Hearty and Filling

This bread is not just a side—it’s a hearty meal on its own, packed with protein and cheese, making it both satisfying and filling.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Warm water
• Olive oil
• Breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Dried herbs (optional)

Variations

• Spicy Sausage: Use spicy sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Different Cheese: Try using a combination of cheeses such as mozzarella and Parmesan for a creamy and tangy flavor.
• Add Veggies: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the bread dough for a savory veggie boost.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a dough begins to form.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Add the Sausage and Cheese

Once the dough has been kneaded, add the cooked sausage and shredded cheese (and any optional garlic powder or herbs) to the dough. Continue kneading until the sausage and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf by folding the edges towards the center and rolling it into a tight cylinder.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan. Let it rise for another 30 minutes. While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm with butter, or enjoy it on its own.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the dough can lead to a denser bread. Knead just enough to bring everything together.
• Rest the Dough: Let the dough rise in a warm area to ensure it doubles in size. If your kitchen is cold, you can preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C), then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
• Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Use a mild or spicy sausage depending on your taste preferences. You can also use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your ingredients, like water and olive oil, are at room temperature to help the dough rise better.

How to Serve

Serve this sausage and cheese bread warm with a side of marinara sauce, a fresh salad, or just enjoy it as is. It pairs wonderfully with breakfast or as a savory snack for lunch or dinner. If you’re serving it as part of a larger meal, it works perfectly alongside a bowl of soup or a hearty stew.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

This bread freezes well. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual slices.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore its fresh-baked flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage for a different take on the recipe.

2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and then shape and bake it the following day.

3. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Use spicy sausage, add red pepper flakes to the dough, or try using pepper jack cheese to kick up the heat.

4. Can I use bread machine to make this recipe?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough, then add the sausage and cheese before shaping and baking.

5. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage. Just crumble it into small pieces and add it to the dough mixture.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture might be slightly different.

7. Why did my bread turn out dense?

If the bread is dense, it may have been over-kneaded, not allowed to rise enough, or the yeast didn’t activate properly. Be sure to follow the rising times and use fresh yeast.

8. Can I add vegetables to the bread?

Yes! You can add sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the dough for a more complex flavor.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! Cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, or even Gruyère would all be great alternatives to try.

10. How do I keep the bread soft?

To keep the bread soft, make sure to store it in an airtight container once it has completely cooled.

Conclusion

Sausage and cheese bread is the perfect combination of savory, cheesy goodness and homemade comfort. With a deliciously soft and fluffy interior and a crispy, golden crust, this bread is ideal for any meal or snack. Whether you’re sharing it with family or keeping it all to yourself, this hearty loaf is bound to be a favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a warm, comforting bread packed with sausage and cheese!

Print