If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and packed with irresistible flavors, this Sausage Bread Recipe is an absolute winner. It perfectly combines savory pork sausage, melty mozzarella cheese, and a golden crust that’s brushed with a garlicky, buttery glaze. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner, a party appetizer, or a comforting snack, this recipe is incredibly straightforward yet impressively tasty, making it a go-to favorite in my kitchen. Once you make it, you’ll see just how this Sausage Bread Recipe can win over anyone at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple and accessible ingredients come together to create the magic in this Sausage Bread Recipe. Each adds its own character—pork sausage delivers juicy richness, mozzarella cheese provides melty cheese pulls, and the blend of spices brings depth and aroma, while the pizza dough acts as the perfect tender foundation.

Refrigerated pizza dough (1 can, 13.8 oz): This makes the base tender but sturdy enough for rolling and baking, saving you time without compromising taste.
Pork sausage (1 lb): Choose your favorite seasoning style, mild or spicy, as it’s the star protein that fills the bread with savory goodness.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The gooey cheese that adds creaminess and melty delight inside the bread.
Large egg (1, lightly beaten): Helps bind the sausage mixture together and adds a subtle richness.
Dijon mustard (2 Tbsp): Adds a slight tang and depth of flavor that cuts through the richness.
Onion powder (¼ tsp): Delivers a subtle sweet and savory undertone.
Fennel seeds (½ tsp): This little burst of licorice-like flavor complements the pork wonderfully.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the ingredients without overpowering.
Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a mild kick for balance.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp, divided): Infuses the bread with classic Italian herbs—some in the filling, the rest in the butter glaze.
Butter (2 Tbsp, melted): Creates that irresistible golden-brown crust and adds richness.
Garlic (1 clove, crushed): Freshly crushed for that punch of fragrant flavor in the butter glaze.

How to Make Sausage Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F. This moderate baking temperature ensures the bread cooks through evenly while getting that golden crust. Prepare a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a skillet set to medium-high heat, cook your pork sausage until it’s browned and no longer pink inside. This step is important to render out the fat and develop a lovely savory base. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the filling from becoming greasy—your bread should be moist but not soggy.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Transfer the cooked sausage to a mixing bowl. Add shredded mozzarella cheese, the lightly beaten egg, Dijon mustard, onion powder, fennel seeds, salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the mixture looks well combined and ready to spread. The egg and mustard help bind the filling perfectly without drying it out.

Step 4: Assemble the Bread

Roll out the pizza dough on a clean surface. Evenly spread the sausage and cheese filling over the dough, going all the way to the edges. Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight loaf, then press the edges to seal it completely—this step keeps the filling inside while baking. Use a sharp knife to make 3 to 4 slits on top of the loaf to allow steam to escape as it bakes.

Step 5: Add the Flavored Butter Glaze

Combine the melted butter, remaining Italian seasoning, and crushed garlic in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top of the bread with this aromatic butter mix. This glaze will create a shiny, savory crust packed with fragrant herbs and garlic notes once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your loaf on the prepared cookie sheet and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden brown color with a crisp, slightly flaky crust. When done, remove the bread and let it cool for about 5 minutes—this resting period helps the filling set so slices hold together beautifully.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy

Using a sharp knife, cut the sausage bread into 1-inch diagonal slices for a lovely presentation and easy serving. Each slice reveals the melty cheese and savory sausage tucked inside the perfect golden dough.

How to Serve Sausage Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the sliced sausage bread. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also complement the savory flavors surprising beautifully. You can even add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the melty cheese and sausage.

Side Dishes

This Sausage Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp sides like a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for heartier accompaniments, creamy mashed potatoes or a light tomato soup make fantastic companions, adding contrast to the richness of the bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices of sausage bread warm on a rustic wooden board surrounded by dipping sauces such as marinara, honey mustard, or garlic aioli. For a brunch option, pair it with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a balanced and colorful plate. You could even slice the bread thinner for party sliders, giving your guests a fun and tasty handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh Sausage Bread Recipe, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its delicious texture or flavor.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. After the loaf cools completely, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat for that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

To reheat your sausage bread, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use pork, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage depending on your preferences. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well before combining with the other ingredients.

Is it possible to make this Sausage Bread Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free pizza dough, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Check your ingredients labels to ensure all seasonings and add-ins comply with gluten-free standards.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Definitely! The sausage mixture can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just be sure to give it a good stir before spreading it onto the dough.

What if I don’t have pizza dough on hand?

You can substitute with refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a slightly different but equally delicious take. Just be mindful the baking time might vary slightly.

How spicy is this Sausage Bread Recipe?

The level of spice mostly depends on the sausage you use. The recipe’s seasonings are mild and aromatic, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage to turn up the heat.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Bread Recipe is truly one of those comforting dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests, all while using simple ingredients and straightforward steps. I encourage you to try making it yourself—you’ll soon discover just how rewarding homemade sausage bread can be. Happy baking!