If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and downright irresistible dish, this Sausage and Cheese Bread is calling your name. A crispy bread loaf filled to the brim with melted cheese and savory sausage, it’s perfect for sharing with family or friends. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe combines the best of warm, melty goodness and flavorful bites.
Savory and Cheesy Perfection
This recipe is all about bold flavors and an inviting presentation. A round bread loaf is hollowed out, stuffed with a mixture of crumbled sausage, gooey cheese, and a touch of creaminess to tie it all together. Once baked, it becomes golden brown on the outside and melts perfectly on the inside, offering a satisfying contrast of textures.
Perfect for weekend gatherings, holiday brunches, or even game-day celebrations, this Sausage and Cheese Bread will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized with different cheeses and meats to suit your taste.
Let’s get ready to impress your guests and indulge in cheesy, sausage-stuffed perfection!
Ingredients for Sausage and Cheese Bread
To make this indulgent Sausage and Cheese Bread, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, savory dish that everyone will love:
- 1 round bread loaf – A rustic sourdough or artisan loaf works perfectly for this recipe, providing a sturdy crust and a soft interior.
- 1 cup cooked sausage – Use crumbled, browned sausage. Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or chorizo are all excellent choices.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese – A combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives the perfect meltiness and flavor. Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened) – This adds a creamy, rich layer that helps bind the sausage and cheese together.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted) – Brushed on the bread crust for a golden, crispy finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a subtle savory note that complements the sausage and cheese.
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional) – Parsley, thyme, or chives work beautifully for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Sausage and Cheese Bread
This recipe is straightforward and fun to make. Follow these steps to create a warm, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
Step 2:
Prepare the bread by slicing off the top of the round loaf to create a lid. Carefully hollow out the center of the bread using a spoon or knife, leaving about an inch of bread around the edges to form a sturdy “bowl.” Set the removed bread aside – you can save it for dipping later!
Step 3:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
Step 4:
Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, pressing it down gently to pack it in evenly. Sprinkle an extra handful of shredded cheese on top for that gooey, melty finish.
Step 5:
Brush the melted butter over the crust of the bread bowl and sprinkle with a little extra garlic powder if desired. This gives the bread a crispy, golden crust as it bakes.
Step 6:
Place the bread bowl (and its lid) on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. The bread crust should be crispy and fragrant.
Step 7:
Remove from the oven and let the sausage and cheese bread cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color and added flavor. Serve warm with the bread lid or extra toasted bread pieces for dipping.
Enjoy this Sausage and Cheese Bread fresh from the oven – a dish that’s warm, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy! 🍞🧀
How Long to Bake Sausage and Cheese Bread
The baking time for Sausage and Cheese Bread is key to achieving that perfectly crispy crust and gooey, melty center. Here’s a simple breakdown to ensure success:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C): This temperature is ideal for evenly baking the bread without burning the crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes: This ensures the cheese melts beautifully, the sausage is heated through, and the bread crust becomes golden and crispy.
- Check for doneness: The cheese should be bubbly and lightly golden, while the bread crust will be crisp but not too hard.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), here’s how you can store and reheat your Sausage and Cheese Bread to enjoy later:
- Refrigerator: Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain its crispy crust, reheat the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted again.
- Freezer: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as instructed.
Tips for Perfect Sausage and Cheese Bread
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Sausage and Cheese Bread turns out perfectly every time:
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a firm, crusty bread like sourdough, as it holds up well when hollowed and baked. Avoid soft sandwich bread, as it may become soggy.
- Cook the Sausage Thoroughly: Be sure to brown the sausage fully before mixing it with the cheese. This prevents excess grease in the bread and enhances the flavor.
- Mix Cheese Varieties: Combining different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda adds layers of flavor and the perfect stretchiness.
- Add Extra Toppings: Try sprinkling chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, or red pepper flakes on top before baking for extra flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Brushing melted butter on the crust ensures a golden, crispy exterior that’s absolutely irresistible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage and cheese mixture, fill the bread, and store it in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking. Just be sure to bring the bread to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
2. What other fillings can I try?
Feel free to get creative! Swap the sausage for bacon, ground beef, or shredded chicken. You can also add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or peppers for a unique twist.
3. Can I use gluten-free bread?
Absolutely! Look for a gluten-free artisan loaf to make this recipe gluten-free while still enjoying all the cheesy goodness.
4. How do I serve Sausage and Cheese Bread?
Serve it as a main dish for breakfast or brunch, as a hearty appetizer at parties, or as a fun, shareable snack on game days. Pair it with a fresh salad or tomato soup for a complete meal.
Sausage and Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Sausage and Cheese Bread is a warm, hearty dish perfect for any occasion. A crispy bread bowl is stuffed with savory sausage, gooey cheese, and creamy goodness, then baked to golden perfection. Whether you serve it for brunch, as an appetizer, or a cozy snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 round bread loaf (sourdough or artisan)
- 1 cup cooked sausage (crumbled)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving a sturdy 1-inch border around the edges. Save the removed bread for dipping later.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Fill the hollowed-out bread with the sausage and cheese mixture, pressing it down gently to pack it evenly. Sprinkle extra cheese on top.
- Brush the bread crust with melted butter and an extra pinch of garlic powder for a crispy, golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm. Use the bread lid or toasted pieces for dipping!
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle crispy bacon bits or red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Experiment with different fillings like cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or sautéed veggies for a creative twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes