Sausage Bread: The Crowd-Pleasing Picnic Staple from My Family Table

RECIPES

Sausage Bread

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES

COOKING TIME: 50 MINUTES

SERVES: 18 SLICES

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This savory sausage bread—made with pizza dough and packed with flavor—has been a go-to for outdoor picnics, beach days, and potluck parties for as long as I can remember. Growing up, we’d serve it alongside soups at gatherings, and now I bake it for concerts, casual lunches, and anytime I need a guaranteed hit. Easy to slice and serve by hand, it’s the kind of nostalgic, no-fuss food that brings people together.

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Ingredients:

1lb pizza dough

2 tbsp olive oil

1lb Italian sausage

3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

2 cups shredded cheese (any combination of parmesan, asiago, cheddar, or mozzarella)

Tools:

Baking sheet

Directions:

1.Remove the pizza dough from its packaging. Lightly flour a flat surface, such as a pastry mat or board, and place the dough on the floured surface to rest for at least 30 minutes.

2.Meanwhile heat the olive oil in a large frying pan on the stove top over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and add to the pan. Press with a spoon to break up into crumbles and cook until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

3.Add the garlic, stir to combine, and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and allow to rest until your dough is at room temperature to handle.

4.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

5.Once your dough has been brought to room temperature, stretch the dough on the floured surface into a 14×10 inch rectangle.

6.Spread the cooked sausage to cover the dough evenly but leaving ½ inch around the edge. Cover the sausage with the shredded cheese to cover evenly.

7.Starting from one of the long ends, roll the dough onto itself toward the opposite long end, tucking the sausage and cheese as you go. Once you have rolled the entire rectangle, it will resemble a jelly-roll style shape. Pinch the long seam to seal.

8.Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, placing seam side down. Tuck the open ends under the roll.

9.Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool at least 10 minutes before slicing.

NOTES:

This bread can be served warm or at room temperature so it’s a great make ahead dish to bring to a party or picnic!

You can substitute the sausage for pepperoni or even broccoli for a vegetarian option.

You can use all mozzarella cheese if you desire as well.

Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing to allow the cheese and oils from the meat to set.

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