Sausage Cheese Pizza Bread

Sausage bread brings together savory sausage gooey cheese and golden pizza dough for a show stopping bread that is always gone within minutes at any gathering. Whether you serve it warm as an appetizer or slice it for a cozy main dish this stuffed bread is comforting and simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. The aromas alone will have people sneaking into the kitchen long before it hits the table.

The first time I made this sausage bread was for a holiday party and there was not a crumb left. My family now requests it for movie nights and picnics because it is so filling and easy to eat.

Ingredients

• Prepared pizza dough: brings a chewy golden crust and makes this recipe fast to assemble. Look for fresh dough in the bakery section for best flavor
• Flour: is for dusting your surface and helps keep the dough from sticking while rolling
• Ground sausage: is the hearty main flavor. I like using Italian style or spicy sausage for a little kick
• Olive oil: helps brown the sausage and adds moisture to the filling. Choose extra virgin for best taste
• Garlic: gives depth and punch to the sausage mixture. Freshly minced cloves are most aromatic
• Provolone cheese: melts with a slightly tangy finish and sturdy slice texture. Opt for sliced from the deli rather than pre shredded
• Mozzarella cheese: adds the stretchy gooey element everyone loves. Whole milk mozzarella brings extra creaminess
• Egg: provides shine and helps the bread brown beautifully in the oven
• Salt and pepper: add balance and highlight the sausage and cheese flavors
• Italian seasoning: delivers the unmistakable herb aroma and savory taste that ties everything together. Rub a pinch between your fingers to release oils before sprinkling

Instructions

Prepare the Sausage Filling:

Brown the ground sausage in a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Break the sausage up as it cooks. Once fully browned add the garlic salt pepper and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook about a minute more. Drain off any excess fat so your bread does not get soggy

Shape the Dough:

On a clean lightly floured surface roll out the prepared pizza dough into a rectangle. Aim for about half an inch thickness to hold the heft of the filling

Layer the Cheese:

Lay the provolone cheese slices in a single layer across the dough leaving a half inch border. Top evenly with mozzarella slices so cheese covers most of the dough

Scatter the Sausage:

Distribute the cooked sausage mixture over the cheeses in an even layer from edge to edge

Roll and Seal:

Carefully roll up the dough like a jelly roll tucking the sides as you go. Pinch along the seam and ends to seal well so cheese and sausage do not ooze out during baking

Transfer and Finish:

Place the rolled dough seam side down onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush the top all over with beaten egg for shine. Sprinkle a little extra Italian seasoning for flavor and aroma

Bake Until Golden:

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees until the crust is deeply golden brown and feels firm about 25 minutes. The bread should sound hollow when tapped

Rest and Slice:

Remove from the oven and let the bread cool at least 10 minutes before slicing so fillings set a bit. Slice thick or thin depending on your occasion and enjoy warm

My favorite part is the melty swirl of cheese tucked inside each slice. When my mom first tried it she asked for a second helping before her plate was empty and now she often bakes an extra loaf to freeze.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely then wrap in foil or plastic. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat uncovered in a low oven for best crust texture. Slices also make an excellent portable lunchbox treat once cooled

Ingredient Substitutions

Switch out sausage for turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter taste. Any favorite melting cheese works in place of provolone or mozzarella just avoid hard aged cheeses as they might not melt smoothly. The Italian seasoning can be swapped for a mix of dried oregano and basil if that is what you have on hand

Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve with marinara dipping sauce for a fun appetizer. Enjoy with a salad for a more complete meal. This bread is perfect for game night snacks or as a take along to potlucks

Cultural and Seasonal Adaptations

Sausage bread has Italian American roots and makes appearances at many family holiday tables. In cooler months I sometimes sneak in a handful of sautéed spinach or roasted peppers with the sausage. For summer gatherings try adding a touch of fresh basil or sun dried tomatoes

Always let it rest before cutting so you can enjoy those cheeses perfectly layered in every bite. Sausage bread makes gatherings and family nights memorable and delicious every time.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of provolone or mozzarella?

Yes, you can substitute with cheeses that melt well, like cheddar, fontina, or Swiss, for a different flavor profile.

→ Is it okay to prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Pizza dough can be made or purchased in advance and kept chilled until ready to roll out and assemble.

→ What kind of sausage works best?

Ground Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, is traditional, but you can use chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage as well.

→ How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Be sure to fully cook and drain the sausage before layering, and avoid overfilling with cheese or oil to keep the crust crisp.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes, reheat slices in an oven or toaster oven to maintain a crisp crust and melty cheese interior.

→ What other fillings can I add?

Try sauteed peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition inside your bread roll.